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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.
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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 list of works cited or otherwise relevant to a subject or other work






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






3. The language spoken in England roughly between 1150 and 1500 AD






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






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






6. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






7. A noun that renames the subject






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






9. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






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






11. 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






12. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






13. A parody of traditional epic form






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






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






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






17. An adjective that follows a linking verb






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






19. Two or more independent clauses






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






21. A simple narrative verse that tells a story that is sung or recited






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






23. 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






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






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






26. A subordinate or minor collection of events in an novel or play - usually connected to the main plot






27. One independent clause and no dependent clause






28. A pause somewhere in the middle of a verse - often marked by punctuation






29. A sentence with one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses






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






31. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






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






33. Providing hints of things to come in a story or play






34. The main character in a work of literature






35. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






36. A witty or ingenious thought; a diverting or highly fanciful idea - often stated in figurative language






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






38. 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






39. A term for the title character of a work of literature






40. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






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






42. The role or facade that a character assumes or depicts to a reader - a viewer or the world at large






43. Three periods (. . .) indicating the omission of words in a thought or quotation






44. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






45. The interpretation or analysis of a text






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






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






48. A term that describes a line of poetry that ends with a natural pause often indicated by a mark of punctuation






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






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