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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.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

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 verse with five poetic feet per line






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






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






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






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






6. A term that describes a line of poetry that ends with a natural pause often indicated by a mark of punctuation.






7. A comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness - although it may have a serious - scornful purpose.






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






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






12. A figure of speech that compares unlike objects






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






14. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






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






16. A form of verse or prose that tells a story






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






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






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






20. Two rhymed lines written in iambic pentameter and used widely in eighteenth-century verse.






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






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






23. The total environment for the action in a novel or play. It includes time - place - historical milieu - and social - political - and even spiritual circumstances






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






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






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






27. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






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






29. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






30. 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






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






32. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






33. 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






34. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






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






36. The main character in a work of literature






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






38. A poet; in olden times - a performer who told heroic stories to musical accompaniment






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






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






41. The dictionary definition of a word






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






43. 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






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






45. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






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






47. The background and events that lead to the presentation of the main idea or purpose of a work of literature






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






49. Grating - inharmonious sounds






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