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






2. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






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






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






5. A verse with five poetic feet per line






6. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






7. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






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






9. 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






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






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






12. A feeling of association or identification with an object or person






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






14. 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.






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






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






17. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






18. The use of one object to evoke ideas and associations not literally part of the original object






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






20. 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






21. 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






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






23. 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






24. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






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






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






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






28. A figure of speech that compares unlike objects






29. The emotional tone in a work of literature






30. The dictionary definition of a word






31. A story in which the narrative or characters carry an underlying symbolic - metaphorical - or possibly an ethical meaning






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






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






34. A figure of speech that uses the name of one thing to represent something else with which it is associated. Ex: 'The White House says...'






35. A form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity. Ex: He's not a bad dancer






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






37. 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.






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






39. 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.






40. A person - scene - event - or other element in literature that fails to correspond with the time or era in which the work is set






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






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






43. In contrast to Dionysian - it refers to the most noble - godlike qualities of human nature and behavior






44. A grotesque likeness of striking qualities in persons and things






45. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






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






47. The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables found in poetry






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






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






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