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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 statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before






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






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






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






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






6. '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.






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






8. 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






9. The relation in which a narrator or speaker stands to the story or subject matter of a poem.






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






11. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






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






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






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






15. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






16. A term for the title character of a work of literature






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






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






19. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






20. A sentence that follows the customary word order of English sentences - i.e. subject-verb-object. The main idea of the sentence is presented first and is then followed by one or more subordinate clauses






21. The implied meaning that underlies the main meaning of a work of literature






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






23. The work of poets - particularly those of the seventeenth century - that uses elaborate conceits - is highly intellectual - and expresses the complexities of love and life






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






25. A discrepancy between the true meaning of a situation and the literal meaning of the written or spoken words






26. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






27. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






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






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






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






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






32. Also called figure of speech. In contrast to literal language - it implies meanings. Includes metaphors - similes - and personification - among others.






33. The interrelationship among the events in a story; the plot line is the pattern of events - including exposition - rising action - climax - falling action - and resolution.






34. The suggested or implied meaning of a word or phrase






35. A work of literature dealing with rural life






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






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






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






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






40. The main character in a work of literature






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






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






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






44. A story consisting of events from which a moral or spiritual truth may be derived






45. A saying or proverb expressing common wisdom or truth






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






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






48. 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






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






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