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






2. 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.






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






4. A circumstance in which the audience or reader knows more about a situation than a character - ex. Oedipus Rex






5. The repetition of one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines of poetry or prose






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






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






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






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






10. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






11. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






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






13. Deriving from the orderly qualities of ancient Greek and Roman culture; implies formality - objectivity - simplicity - and restraint






14. A rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words - clauses - or sentences: 'They promised freedom but provided slavery'






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






16. A kind of poetry without rhymed lines - rhythm - or fixed metrical feet






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






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






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






20. A short tale often featuring nonhuman characters that act as people whose actions enable the author to make observations or draw useful lessons about human behavior






21. In contrast to Dionysian - it refers to the most noble - godlike qualities of human nature and behavior






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






23. 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






24. A forceful sermon - lecture - or tirade






25. A verse with five poetic feet per line






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






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






28. A quick succession of images or impressions used to express an idea






29. Similar to the truth; the quality of realism in a work that persuades readers that they are getting a vision of life as it is.






30. The language spoken in England roughly between 1150 and 1500 A.D.






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






32. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






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






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






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






36. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






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






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






39. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






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






41. One of the ancient Greek goddesses presiding over the arts. The imaginary source of inspiration for an artist or writer






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






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






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






45. The Anglo-Saxon language spoken in what is now England from approximately 450 to 1150 A.D.






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






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






48. The action in a play or story that occurs after the climax and that leads to the conclusion and often to the resolution of the conflict






49. 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.






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