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






2. A variety of poetry meant to entertain or amuse - but sometimes with a satirical thrust






3. 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.






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






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






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






7. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






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






9. 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.






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






11. The main character in a work of literature






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






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






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






15. 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






16. A forceful sermon - lecture - or tirade






17. French term for the world of books - criticism - and literature in general






18. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






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






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






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






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






23. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






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






25. 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






26. 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






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






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






29. 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






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






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






32. Grating - inharmonious sounds






33. The depiction of people - things - and events as they really are without idealization or exaggeration for effect.






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






35. '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.






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






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






38. 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






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






40. 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.






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






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






43. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






44. An abstract or ideal conception of a type; a perfectly typical example; an original model or form






45. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






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






47. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






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






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






50. A simple narrative verse that tells a story that is sung or recited