Test your basic knowledge |

Literary And Rhetorical Vocab

Subject : english
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • 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. A novel in which supernatural horrors and an atmosphere of unknown terrors pervades the action






2. An adjective or phrase that expresses a striking quality of a person or thing






3. The repetition of one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines in a poem






4. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem. two rhyming lines in iambic pentameter is sometimes called a heroic couplet






5. 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






6. Two or more independent clauses






7. The real or assumed personality used by a writer or speaker






8. A grotesque likeness of striking qualities in persons and things






9. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






10. A mode of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is stated - often implying ridicule or light sarcasm; a state of affairs or events that is the reverse of what might have been expected






11. A variety of poetry meant to entertain or amuse - but sometimes with a satirical thrust






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






13. The repetition of similar sounds at regular intervals - used mostly in poetry






14. Language that describes specific - observable things






15. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






16. Literally 'seize the day'; enjoy life while you can - a common theme in literature






17. A person - scene - event - or other element in literature that fails to correspond with the time or era in which the work is set






18. French for a novel in which historical events and actual people appear under the guise of fiction






19. The emotional tone in a work of literature






20. The work of poets - particularly those of the seventeenth century - that uses elaborate conceits - is highly intellectual - and expresses the complexities of love and life






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






22. A verse with five poetic feet per line






23. The dictionary definition of a word. contrast with connotation






24. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






25. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






26. A character whose name appears in the title of the novel or play; also known as the eponymous character






27. The background and events that lead to the presentation of the main idea or purpose of a work of literature






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






29. The language of a work and its style; words - often highly emotional - used to convince or sway an audience






30. The quickness of intellect and the power and talent for saying brilliant things that surprise and delight by their unexpectedness; the power to comment subtly and pointedly on the foibles of the passing scene






31. deriving from the orderly qualities of ancient greek and roman culture; implies formality - objectivity - simplicity and restraint






32. A term used to describe literary forms such as novel - play and essay






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






34. A synonym for poetry. also - a group of lines in a song or poem; also a single line of poetry






35. A phrase - idea or event that through representation serves to unify or convey a theme in a work of literature






36. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






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






38. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






39. A comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness - although it may have a serious - scornful purpose






40. A figure of speech whose effectiveness has been worn out through overuse and excessive familiarity






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






42. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






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






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






45. In contrast to Dionysian - it refers to the most noble - godlike qualities of human nature and behavior






46. A statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before






47. 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






48. In contrast to literal language - implies meanings






49. French term for the world of books - criticism - and literature in general






50. A parody of traditional epic form