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






2. 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






3. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






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






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






6. 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






7. 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






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






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






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






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






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






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






14. 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






15. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






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






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






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






19. An eight-line rhyming stanza of a poem






20. The general form - pattern - and manner of expression of a work of literature






21. 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.






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






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






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






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






26. A work of literature dealing with rural life






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






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






29. The action in a play or story that occurs after the climax and that leads to the conclusion and often to the resolution of the conflict






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






31. A term consisting of contradictory elements juxtaposed to create a paradoxical effect






32. The suggested or implied meaning of a word or phrase






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






34. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






35. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






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






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






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






39. The relation in which a narrator or speaker stands to the story or subject matter of a poem.






40. The dictionary definition of a word






41. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






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






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






44. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem






45. 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






46. The depiction of people - things - and events as they really are without idealization or exaggeration for effect.






47. A unit of stressed and unstressed syllables used to determine the meter of a poetic line.






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






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






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