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






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






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






5. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






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






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






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






9. 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.






10. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






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






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






13. A mocking - satirical assault on a person or situation






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






15. A comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things






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






17. A subordinate or minor collection of events in a novel or play - usually connected to the main plot






18. A literary form in which events are exaggerated in order to create an extreme emotional response






19. Faulty reasoning that inappropriately ascribes human feelings to nature or nonhuman objects






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






27. '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.






28. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






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






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






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






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






33. A pause somewhere in the middle of a verse - often (but not always) marked by punctuation






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






41. The emotional tone in a work of literature






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






43. The pattern of rhymes within a given poem






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






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






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






47. The language of a work and its style; words - often highly emotional - used to convince or sway an audience






48. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






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






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