Test your basic knowledge |

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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






9. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






10. A form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity. Ex: He's not a bad dancer






11. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






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






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






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






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






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






17. A grotesque likeness of striking qualities in persons and things






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






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






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






21. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






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






23. A rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words - clauses - or sentences: 'They promised freedom but provided slavery'






24. A forceful sermon - lecture - or tirade






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






26. 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






27. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






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






29. A verse with five poetic feet per line






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






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






32. Faulty reasoning that inappropriately ascribes human feelings to nature or nonhuman objects






33. A mocking - satirical assault on a person or situation






34. The main character in a work of literature






35. The language spoken in England roughly between 1150 and 1500 A.D.






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






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






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






39. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






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






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






42. 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.






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






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






45. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






46. 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.






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






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






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






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