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






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






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






4. An indirect or subtle - usually derogatory implication in expression - an insinuation






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






20. A comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things






21. A rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words - clauses or sentences






22. 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






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






24. An adjective that follows a linking verb






25. A four-line poem or a four-line unit of a longer poem






26. Two or more independent clauses






27. A german word referring to a novel structured as a series of events that take place as the hero travels in quest of a goal






28. A latin term for a narrative that starts not at the beginning of events but at some other critical point






29. Ordinary or familiar - used to describe diction






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






31. A mocking - satirical assault on a person or situation






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






33. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






34. The manner in which an author uses and arranges words - shapes ideas - forms sentences and creates a structure to convey ideas






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






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






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






38. A forceful sermon - lecture or tirade






39. A locution that addresses a person or personified thing not present






40. The main idea isn't completed until the end of the sentence






41. 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






42. A feeling of association or identification with an object or person






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






44. The generic name for a figure of speech such as image - symbol - simile and metaphor






45. The general form - pattern - and manner of expression of a work of literature






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






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






48. A literary style used to poke fun at - attack or ridicule an idea - vice or foible - often for the purpose of inducing change






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






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