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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 concise but ingenious - witty - and thoughtful statement






2. '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.






3. A short - pithy statement of a generally accepted truth or sentiment






4. 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






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






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






7. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






8. 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






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






10. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






11. 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






12. 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.






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






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






15. A form of literature in which the hero is destroyed by some character flaw and a set of forces that cause the hero considerable anguish






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






17. A group of two or more lines in poetry combined according to subject matter - rhyme - or some other plan






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






19. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






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






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






22. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






23. The Anglo-Saxon language spoken in what is now England from approximately 450 to 1150 A.D.






24. 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






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






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






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






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






29. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






39. The pattern of rhymes within a given poem






40. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






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






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






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






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






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






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






47. A character whose name appears in the title of the novel or play; also known as the eponymous character






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






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






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