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






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






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






4. '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.






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






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






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






8. 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






9. The act of determining the meter of a poetic line.






10. An extended narrative about improbable events and extraordinary people in exotic places






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






12. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






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






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






15. A story consisting of events from which a moral or spiritual truth may be derived






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






17. 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






18. The repetition of similar sounds at regular intervals - used mostly in poetry.






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






20. 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






21. A humorous play on words - using similar-sounding or identical words to suggest different meanings






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






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






24. The main idea or meaning - often an abstract idea upon which a work of literature is built






25. The action in a play or story that occurs after the climax and that leads to the conclusion and often to the resolution of the conflict






26. 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.






27. 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






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






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






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






31. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






32. The emotional tone in a work of literature






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






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






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






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






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






38. A forceful sermon - lecture - or tirade






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






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






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






42. A comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things






43. An extended narrative poem that tells of the adventures and exploits of a hero that is generally larger than life and is often considered a legendary figure - i.e. Odysseus - Beowulf - Homer's Iliad - Vergil's Aeneid.






44. The implied meaning that underlies the main meaning of a work of literature






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






46. A figure of speech in which objects and animals are given human characteristics






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






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






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






50. A verse with five poetic feet per line







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