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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. One of the ancient Greek goddesses presiding over the arts. The imaginary source of inspiration for an artist or writer






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






3. A style of writing in which the author tries to reproduce the random flow of thoughts in the human mind






4. A term used to describe literary forms - such as novel - play - and essay






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






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






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 locution that addresses a person or personified thing not present






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






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






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






12. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem






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






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






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






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






17. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






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






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






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






21. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






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






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






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






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






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






27. Grating - inharmonious sounds






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






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






30. A term that describes characters' excessive emotional response to experience; also nauseatingly nostalgic and mawkish






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






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






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






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






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






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






37. The pattern of rhymes within a given poem






38. A rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words - clauses - or sentences: 'They promised freedom but provided slavery'






39. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






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






41. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






42. A witty or ingenious thought; a diverting or highly fanciful idea - often stated in figurative language






43. A form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity. Ex: He's not a bad dancer






44. 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






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






46. An eight-line rhyming stanza of a poem






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






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






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






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