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






2. A cleansing of the spirit brought about by the pity and terror of a dramatic tragedy






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






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






5. A work of literature meant to ridicule a subject; a grotesque imitation






6. A figure of speech in which a word or phrase can be understood in two ways especially when one meaning is risque






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






8. 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






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






10. The interpretation or analysis of a text






11. Grating - inharmonious sounds






12. One independent clause and no dependent clause






13. As distinguished from Apollonian - the word refers to sensual - pleasure-seeking impulses






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






15. A short - pithy statement of a generally accepted truth or sentiment






16. in literature - the use of an artificial device or gimmick to solve a problem






17. Language that conveys a speaker's attitude or opinion with regard to a particular subject






18. A device employed in anglo-saxon poetry in which the name of a thing is replaced by one of its functions or qualities






19. An adjective that follows a linking verb






20. A kind of poetry without rhymed lines - rhythm or fixed metrical feet






21. Language or dialect of a particular country - Language of a clan or group - Plain everyday speech






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






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






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






25. The organization of language into meaningful structure; every sentence has a particular syntax or pattern of words






26. A return to an earlier time in a story or play in order to clarify present actions or circumstances






27. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






28. A sentence containing a deliberate omission of words






29. An abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example; an original model or form






30. A version of a text put into simpler - everyday words






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






32. A discrepancy between the true meaning of a situation and the literal meaning of the written or spoken words






33. A narrative told by a character involved in the story - using first person pronouns such as I and we






34. A reference to a person - place - or event meant to create an effect or enhance the meaning of an idea






35. A form of verse usually consisting of three four line units called quatrains and a concluding couplet






36. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






37. A novel focusing on and describing social customs and habits of a particular social group






38. One of the ancient greek goddesses presiding over the arts. the imaginary source of inspiration for an artist or writer






39. A literary form in which events are exaggerated in order to create an extreme emotional response






40. The act of determining the meter of a poetic line. the pattern is called scansion. if a verse doesn't 'scan' its meter is irregular






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






42. A noun that renames the subject






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






44. A verse with five poetic feet per line






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






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






47. The main character in a work of literature






48. A rendering of a quotation in which actual words are not stated but only approximated or paraphrased






49. A sentence that follows the customary word order of english sentences - ie subject verb object. the main idea of the sentence is presented first and is then followed by one or more subordinate clauses






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