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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 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'






2. The generic name for a figure of speech such as image - symbol - simile - and metaphor






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






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






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






6. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






7. Poetry written in iambic pentameter - the primary meter used in English poetry and the works of Shakespeare and Milton






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






16. A sentence containing a deliberate omission of words. In the sentence 'May was hot and June the same -' the verb 'was' is omitted from the second clause






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






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






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






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






21. The work of poets - particularly those of the seventeenth century - that uses elaborate conceits - is highly intellectual - and expresses the complexities of love and life






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






23. A story in which the narrative or characters carry an underlying symbolic - metaphorical - or possibly an ethical meaning






24. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






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






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






27. The real or assumed personality used by a writer or speaker






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






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






30. A work of fiction of roughly 20 -000 to 50 -000 words--longer than a short story - but shorter than a novel






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






32. 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.






33. The role or facade that a character assumes or depicts to a reader - a viewer - or the world at large






34. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






35. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






41. 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






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






43. The pattern of rhymes within a given poem






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






45. The main character in a work of literature






46. 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






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






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






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






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