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






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






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






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






5. A poem or prose selection that laments or mediates on the passing or death of something or someone of value






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






7. The manner in which an author uses and arranges words -






8. A witty or ingenious thought; a diverting or highly fanciful idea - often stated in figurative language






9. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem






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






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






12. 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.






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






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






15. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






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






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






18. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






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






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






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






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






23. 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






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






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






26. 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






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






28. A style of writing in which the author tries to reproduce the random flow of thoughts in the human mind






29. A piece of writing that reveals weaknesses - faults - frailties - or other shortcomings






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






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






32. A statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before






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






34. A work of literature dealing with rural life






35. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






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






37. The work of poets - particularly those of the seventeenth century - that uses elaborate conceits - is highly intellectual - and expresses the complexities of love and life






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






39. A sharp - caustic expression or remark; a bitter jibe or taunt; different from irony - which is more subtle






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






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






42. A rendering of a quotation in which actual words are not stated but only approximated or paraphrased






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






44. 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






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






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






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






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






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






50. Pleasing - harmonious sounds