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






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






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






4. A short tale often featuring nonhuman characters that act as people whose actions enable the author to make observations or draw useful lessons about human behavior






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






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






7. 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.






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






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






10. A verse with five poetic feet per line






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






12. A forceful sermon - lecture - or tirade






13. The works considered most important in a national literature or period; works widely read and studied






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






15. A variety of poetry meant to entertain or amuse - but sometimes with a satirical thrust






16. 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






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






18. 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






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






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






21. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






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






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






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






26. Faulty reasoning that inappropriately ascribes human feelings to nature or nonhuman objects






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






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






29. A tale in which a young protagonist experiences an introduction to adulthood. The character may develop understanding via disillusionment - education - doses of reality - or any other experiences that alter his or her emotional or intellectual maturi






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






31. In literature - the use of an artificial device or gimmick to solve a problem






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






33. A synonym for view or feeling; also a refined and tender emotion in literature






34. A highly regarded work of literature or other art form that has withstood the test of time






35. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






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






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






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






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






40. 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.






41. 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






42. 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...'






43. A four-line poem or a four-line unit of a longer poem






44. A group of two or more lines in poetry combined according to subject matter - rhyme - or some other plan






45. 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






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






47. An adjective or phrase that expresses a striking quality of a person or thing - ex. sun-bright topaz - sun-lit lake - sun-bright lake






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






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






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