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






2. A concise but ingenious - witty - and thoughtful statement






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






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






5. A structure that provides premise or setting for a narrative






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






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






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






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






10. An episodic novel about a roguelike wanderer who lives off his wits






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






12. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






13. The depiction of people - things and events as they really are without idealization or exaggeration for effect






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






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






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






17. A figure of speech that compares unlike objects - without using like or as






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






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






20. 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






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






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






23. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






24. The repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words or a line of poetry






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






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






27. 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






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






29. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






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. A group of two or more lines in poetry combined according to subject matter - rhyme or some other plan






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






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






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






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






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






37. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






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






39. One in which two parallel elements are set off against each other like equal weights on a scale.






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






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






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






43. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






44. The emotional tone in a work of literature






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






46. The pattern of rhymes within a given poems






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






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






49. Grating - inharmonious sounds






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