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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.
  • 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. A mode of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is stated - often implying ridicule or light sarcasm; a state of affairs or events that is the reverse of what might have been expected






2. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






3. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






4. A four-line poem or a four-line unit of a longer poem






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






6. 'In the middle of things'--a Latin term for a narrative that starts not at the beginning of events - but at some other critical point.






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






8. A phrase - idea - or event that through repetition serves to unify or convey a theme in a work of literature






9. 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.






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






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






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






13. The organization of language into meaningful structure; every sentence has a particular pattern of words






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






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






16. A unit of stressed and unstressed syllables used to determine the meter of a poetic line.






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






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






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






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






21. A statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before






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






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






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






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






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






27. The quickness of intellect and the power and talent for saying brilliant things that suprise and delight by their unexpectedness; the power to comment subtly and pointedly on the foibles of the passing scene






28. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






29. A saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language






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






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






32. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






33. The interrelationship among the events in a story; the plot line is the pattern of events - including exposition - rising action - climax - falling action - and resolution.






34. A vagueness of meaning; a conscious lack of clarity meant to evoke multiple meanings and interpretation






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






36. A lyric poem usually marked by serious - respectful - and exalted feeling towards the subject






37. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






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






39. A sentence that follows the customary word order of English sentences - i.e. subject-verb-object. The main idea of the sentence is presented first and is then followed by one or more subordinate clauses






40. A term consisting of contradictory elements juxtaposed to create a paradoxical effect






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






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






43. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem






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






45. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






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






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






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






49. The excessive pride that often leads tragic heroes to their death






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