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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 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






2. A term that describes characters' excessive emotional response to experience; also nauseatingly nostalgic and mawkish






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






12. The dictionary definition of a word






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






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






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






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






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






18. A tale in which a young protagonist experiences an introduction to adulthood. The character may develop understanding via disillusionment - education - doses of reality - or any other experiences that alter his or her emotional or intellectual maturi






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






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






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






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






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






24. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






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






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






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






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






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






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






31. Language that conveys a speaker's attitude or opinion with regard to a particular subject






32. The structural form of a line of verse as revealed by the number of feet it contains. For example: monometer = 1foot; tetrameter = 4 feet; pentameter = 5 feet - and so forth






33. A form of verse or prose that tells a story






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






35. An adjective or phrase that expresses a striking quality of a person or thing - ex. sun-bright topaz - sun-lit lake - sun-bright lake






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






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






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






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






40. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






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






42. 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'






43. 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






44. Two rhymed lines written in iambic pentameter and used widely in eighteenth-century verse.






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






46. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






47. An eight-line rhyming stanza of a poem






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






49. The high point - or turning point - of a story or play






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