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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.
  • 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 concise but ingenious - witty - and thoughtful statement






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






3. An imaginary story that has become an accepted part of the cultural or religious tradition of a group or society






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






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






6. 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






7. The main character in a work of literature






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






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






10. A work of literature dealing with rural life






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






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






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






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






15. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






16. A term that describes a line of poetry that ends with a natural pause often indicated by a mark of punctuation.






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






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






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






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






21. A figure of speech that compares unlike objects






22. A belief that emphasizes faith and optimism in human potential and creativity






23. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






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






25. 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.






26. 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






27. A parody of traditional epic form. It usually treats a frivolous topic with extreme seriousness - using conventions such as invocations to the Muse - action-packed battle scenes - and accounts of heroic exploits.






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






29. 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






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






31. '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.






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






33. 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






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






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






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






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






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






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






40. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






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






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






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






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






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






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






47. A verse with five poetic feet per line






48. A detailed analysis or interpretation of a work of literature






49. A term often used as a synonym for realism - also a view of experience that is generally characterized as bleak and pessimistic.






50. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects







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