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AP Literary Terms

Subjects : english, ap, literature
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • 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 belief that emphasizes faith and optimism in human potential and creativity






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






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






4. A version of a text put into simpler - everyday words






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






6. The role or facade that a character assumes or depicts to a reader - a viewer - or the world at large






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






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






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






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






11. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






12. 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






13. 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.






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






15. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






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






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






18. A device employed in Anglo-Saxon poetry in which the name of a thing is replaced by one of its functions or qualities - as in 'ring-giver' for king and 'whale-road' for ocean






19. 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






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






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






22. 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...'






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






24. A brief and often simplistic lesson that a reader may infer from a work of literature






25. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






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






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






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






29. An eight-line rhyming stanza of a poem






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






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






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






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






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






35. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






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






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






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






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






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






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






42. The dictionary definition of a word






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






Can you answer 50 questions in 15 minutes?



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