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AP Literary Terms

Subjects : english, ap, literature
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. Also called figure of speech. In contrast to literal language - it implies meanings. Includes metaphors - similes - and personification - among others.






2. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






3. A sentence that departs from the usual word order of English sentences by expressing its main though only at the end. In other words - the particulars in the sentence are presented before the idea they support.






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






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






6. A story in which the narrative or characters carry an underlying symbolic - metaphorical - or possibly an ethical meaning






7. A piece of writing that reveals weaknesses - faults - frailties - or other shortcomings






8. A lyric poem or passage that describes a kind of ideal life or place






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






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






11. A parody of traditional epic form. It usually treats a frivolous topic with extreme seriousness - using conventions such as invocations to the Muse - action-packed battle scenes - and accounts of heroic exploits.






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






13. A form of literature in which the hero is destroyed by some character flaw and a set of forces that cause the hero considerable anguish






14. A brief explanation - summary - or evaluation of a text or work of literature






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






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






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






18. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






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






20. Also called 'pen name' or 'nom de plume'; a false name or alias used by writers. Ex: Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)






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






22. A device employed in Anglo-Saxon poetry in which the name of a thing is replaced by one of its functions or qualities - as in 'ring-giver' for king and 'whale-road' for ocean






23. An extended narrative about improbable events and extraordinary people in exotic places






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






25. The suggested or implied meaning of a word or phrase






26. A verse with five poetic feet per line






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






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






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






30. A sharp - caustic expression or remark; a bitter jibe or taunt; different from irony - which is more subtle






31. A form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity. Ex: He's not a bad dancer






32. The repetition of two or more vowel sounds in a group of words or lines in poetry and prose






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






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






35. In literature - the use of an artificial device or gimmick to solve a problem






36. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






37. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






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






39. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






40. A grotesque likeness of striking qualities in persons and things






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






42. A narrator with unlimited awareness - understanding - and insight of characters - setting - background - and all other elements of the story






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






44. Poetry written in iambic pentameter - the primary meter used in English poetry and the works of Shakespeare and Milton






45. The pattern of rhymes within a given poem






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






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






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






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






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







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