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






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






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






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






5. 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.






6. A popular form of verse consisting of fourteen lines and a prescribed rhyme scheme.






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






8. A literary style used to poke fun at - attack - or ridicule an idea - vice - or foible - often for the purpose of inducing change






9. A verse with five poetic feet per line






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






11. An episodic novel about a roguelike wanderer who lives off his wits. Ex: Don Quixote - Moll Flanders






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






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






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






15. In poetry - the use of successive lines with no punctuation or pause between them






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






23. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






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






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






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






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






28. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






29. A French verse form calculated to appear simple and spontaneous but consisting of nineteen lines and a prescribed pattern of rhymes






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






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






32. 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






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






34. A mild or less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term; i.e. 'pass away' instead of 'die'






35. 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






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






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






38. The author's attitude toward the subject being written about. The spirit or quality that is the work's emotional essence






39. Also called figure of speech. In contrast to literal language - it implies meanings. Includes metaphors - similes - and personification - among others.






40. A work of literature dealing with rural life






41. 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'






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






43. '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.






44. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






45. 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






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






47. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






48. 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






49. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






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