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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 discrepancy between the true meaning of a situation and the literal meaning of the written or spoken words






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






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






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






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






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






7. 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






8. 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






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






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






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






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






13. The emotional tone in a work of literature






14. 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






15. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






16. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






17. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






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






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






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






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






22. 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.






23. 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






24. An episodic novel about a roguelike wanderer who lives off his wits. Ex: Don Quixote - Moll Flanders






25. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






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






32. The dictionary definition of a word






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






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






35. 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.






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






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






38. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






39. Grating - inharmonious sounds






40. 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






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






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






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






44. A work of literature dealing with rural life






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






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






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






48. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






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






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