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






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






3. A verse with five poetic feet per line






4. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






13. 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






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






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






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






17. The repetition of similar sounds at regular intervals - used mostly in poetry.






18. 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






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






20. Three periods (. . .) indicating the omission of words in a thought or quotation






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






22. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






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






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






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






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






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






28. An imaginary story that has become an accepted part of the cultural or religious tradition of a group or society






29. A concise but ingenious - witty - and thoughtful statement






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






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






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






33. A subordinate or minor collection of events in a novel or play - usually connected to the main plot






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






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






36. An eight-line rhyming stanza of a poem






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






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






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






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






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






42. A list of works cited or otherwise relevant to a subject or other work.






43. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






44. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






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






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






48. The main character in a work of literature






49. A device employed in Anglo-Saxon poetry in which the name of a thing is replaced by one of its functions or qualities - as in 'ring-giver' for king and 'whale-road' for ocean






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