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Literary And Rhetorical Vocab

Subject : english
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
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  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. The background and events that lead to the presentation of the main idea or purpose of a work of literature






2. A unit of stressed and unstressed syllables used to determine the meter of a poetic line






3. A character or force in a work of literature that - by opposing the protagonist produces tension or conflict






4. A lyric poem usually marked by serious - respectful and exalted feelings toward the subject






5. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






6. The relation in which a narrator or speaker stands to the story or subject matter of a poem






7. An imitation of a work meant to ridicule its style and subject






8. The interrelationship among the events in a story; the plot line is the pattern of events - including exposition - rising action - climax - falling action and resolution






9. The use of one object to evoke ideas and associations not literally part of the original object






10. A piece of writing that reveals weaknesses - faults - frailties - or other shortcomings






11. The main idea or meaning - often an abstract idea upon which a work of literature is built






12. A word or phrase representing that which can be seen - touched - tasted - smelled - or felt






13. Word choice characterized by simple - often one or two syllable nouns - adjectives - and adverbs






14. The high point - or turning point - of a story or play






15. A familiar grouping of words - especially words that habitually appear together and thereby convey meaning by association






16. A vagueness of meaning; a conscious lack of clarity meant to evoke multiple meanings and interpretations






17. A detailed analysis or interpretation of a work of literature






18. Language that describes specific - observable things






19. The repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words or a line of poetry






20. A term often used as a synonym for realism; also a view of experience that is generally characterized as bleak and pessimistic






21. A highly regarded work of literature or other art form that has withstood the test of time






22. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






23. A complex sentence in which the main clause comes first and the subordinate clause follows






24. Grating - inharmonious sounds






25. A brief and often simplistic lesson that a reader may infer from a work of literature






26. A form of literature in which the hero is destroyed by some character flaw and a set of forces that causes the hero considerable anguish






27. Personal - reflective poetry that reveals the speaker's thoughts and feelings about the subject






28. A sentence that departs from the usual word order of english sentences by expressing its main thought only at the end. in other words - the particulars in the sentence are presented before the idea they support






29. An abbreviated synopsis of a longer work of scholarship or research






30. A quick succession of images or impressions used to express an idea






31. One in which two parallel elements are set off against each other like equal weights on a scale.






32. A sharp - caustic expression or remark; a bitter jibe or taunt; less subtle than irony






33. A synonym for view or feeling; also a refined and tender emotion in literature






34. A saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language






35. A figure of speech in which a part signifies the whole or the whole signifies the part - also when the name of a material stands for the thing itself






36. A noun that renames the subject






37. The depiction of people - things and events as they really are without idealization or exaggeration for effect






38. The resolution that occurs at the end of a play or work of fiction






39. A belief that emphasizes faith and optimism in human potential and creativity






40. The total environment for the action in a novel or play. it includes time - place - historical milieu and social - political and even spiritual circumstances






41. Novels written for mass consumption - often emphasizing exciting and titillating plots






42. A lyric poem or passage that describes a kind of ideal life or place






43. A figure of speech in which objects and animals are given human characteristics






44. The excessive pride that often leads tragic heroes to their death






45. The works considered most important in a national literature or period; works widely read and studied






46. A narrative poem that tells of the adventures and exploits of a hero






47. The action in a play or story that occurs after the climax and that leads to the conclusion and often to the resolution of the conflict






48. A french verse form calculated to appear simple and spontaneous but consisting of nineteen lines and a prescribed pattern of rhymes






49. A humorous play on words - using similar sounding or identical words to suggest different meanings






50. A figure of speech that uses the name of one thing to represent something else with which it is associated