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






2. A figure of speech in which objects and animals are given human characteristics






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






4. The generic name for a figure of speech such as image - symbol - simile - and metaphor






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






6. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






7. The excessive pride that often leads tragic heroes to their death






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






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






10. Grating - inharmonious sounds






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






12. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






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






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






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 detailed analysis or interpretation of a work of literature






17. The language of a work and its style; words - often highly emotional - used to convince or sway an audience






18. 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






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






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






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






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






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






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






25. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






26. 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.






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






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






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






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






31. A pause somewhere in the middle of a verse - often (but not always) marked by punctuation






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






33. 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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






45. A parody of traditional epic form. It usually treats a frivolous topic with extreme seriousness - using conventions such as invocations to the Muse - action-packed battle scenes - and accounts of heroic exploits.






46. 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.






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






48. A novel focusing on and describing the social customs and habits of a particular social group






49. 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...'






50. A verse with five poetic feet per line