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AP Literary Terms

Subjects : english, ap, literature
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 role or facade that a character assumes or depicts to a reader - a viewer - or the world at large






2. A figure of speech in which a part signifies the whole ('fifty masts' for fifty ships) or the whole signifies the part ('days' for life - as in 'He lived his days in Canada'). Also when the name of the material stands for the thing itself ('pigskin'






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






4. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






5. A pause somewhere in the middle of a verse - often (but not always) marked by punctuation






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






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






8. 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






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






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






11. A forceful sermon - lecture - or tirade






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






13. A poem or prose selection that laments or mediates on the passing or death of something or someone of value






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






15. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






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






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






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






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






20. The use of one object to evoke ideas and associations not literally part of the original object






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






22. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






23. A term often used as a synonym for realism - also a view of experience that is generally characterized as bleak and pessimistic.






24. 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.






25. A poet; in olden times - a performer who told heroic stories to musical accompaniment






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






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






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






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






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






31. The manner in which an author uses and arranges words -






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






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






34. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






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






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






37. A figure of speech that compares unlike objects






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






39. A character or force in a work of literature that - by opposing the protagonist produces tension or conflict






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






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






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






43. A list of works cited or otherwise relevant to a subject or other work.






44. Grating - inharmonious sounds






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






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






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






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






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






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