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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 choice of words in oral and written discourse






2. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






3. A term often used as a synonym for realism - also a view of experience that is generally characterized as bleak and pessimistic.






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






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






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






7. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem






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






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






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






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






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






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






14. 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.






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






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






17. 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...'






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






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






20. 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






21. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






22. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






23. A German word referring to a novel structured as a series of events that take place as the hero travels in quest of a goal






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






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






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






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






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






29. 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.






30. 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






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






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






33. A kind of poetry without rhymed lines - rhythm - or fixed metrical feet






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






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






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






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






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






39. 'In the middle of things'--a Latin term for a narrative that starts not at the beginning of events - but at some other critical point.






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






41. A belief that emphasizes faith and optimism in human potential and creativity






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






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






44. A verse with five poetic feet per line






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






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






47. 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






48. The dictionary definition of a word






49. 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






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