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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. The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables found in poetry






2. The repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words or a line of poetry






3. A work of literature dealing with rural life






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






5. 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...'






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






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






8. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






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






10. Providing hints of things to come in a story or play






11. The language spoken in England roughly between 1150 and 1500 A.D.






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






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






14. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






24. A structure that provides premise or setting for a narrative






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






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






27. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem






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






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






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






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






32. In poetry - the use of successive lines with no punctuation or pause between them






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






34. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






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






36. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






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






38. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






39. A lyric poem or passage that describes a kind of ideal life or place






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






48. 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.






49. 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.






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