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






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






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






4. The pattern of rhymes within a given poem






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






6. A mode of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is stated - often implying ridicule or light sarcasm; a state of affairs or events that is the reverse of what might have been expected






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






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






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






10. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






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






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






13. Grating - inharmonious sounds






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






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






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






17. The main character in a work of literature






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






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






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






21. '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.






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






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






24. The author's attitude toward the subject being written about. The spirit or quality that is the work's emotional essence






25. The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables found in poetry






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






27. 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






28. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem






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






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






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






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






34. A statement that seems self-contradictory but is nevertheless true






35. An abbreviated synopsis of a longer work of scholarship or research






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






37. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






38. The resolution that occurs at the end of a play or work of fiction






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






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






41. A reference to a person - place - or event meant to create an effect or enhance the meaning of an idea






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






43. 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...'






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






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






46. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






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






48. 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.






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






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







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