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






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






3. The main character in a work of literature






4. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






5. A novel in which supernatural horrors and an atmosphere of unknown terrors pervades the action






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






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






8. A mild or less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term






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






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






11. One independent clause and no dependent clause






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






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






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






15. The interpretation or analysis of a text






16. A term that describes characters' excessive emotional response to experience; also nauseatingly nostalgic and mawkish






17. A story consisting of events from which a moral or spiritual truth may be derived






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






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






20. A verbal (often preceded by 'to') that functions as a noun adjective or adverb






21. As opposed to concrete language it represents thoughts






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






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






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






25. The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables found in poetry






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






27. The suggested or implied meaning of a word or phrase. contrast with denotation






28. An imaginary story that has become an accepted part of the cultural or religious tradition of a group or society






29. 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






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






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






32. In contrast to literal language - implies meanings






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






34. Grating - inharmonious sounds






35. 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






36. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






37. A style of writing in which the author tries to reproduce the random flow of thoughts in the human mind






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






39. The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that make up a line of poetry






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






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






42. A form of verse or prose that tells a story






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






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






45. A story in which a second meaning is to be read beneath the surface






46. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






47. A statement that seems self-contradictory but is nevertheless true






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






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






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