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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 literary form in which events are exaggerated in order to create an extreme emotional response






2. A saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language






3. The organization of language into meaningful structure; every sentence has a particular pattern of words






4. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






13. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






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






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






16. 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






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






18. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






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






20. 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






21. French for a novel in which hisotrical events and actual people appear under the guise of fiction






22. The suggested or implied meaning of a word or phrase






23. The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that make up a line of poetry






24. 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.






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






26. A work of literature dealing with rural life






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






28. A version of a text put into simpler - everyday words






29. 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






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






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






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






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






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






35. A narrative told by a character involved in the story - using first-person pronouns such as I and we.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






43. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






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






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






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






47. A statement that seems self-contradictory but is nevertheless true






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






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






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