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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. Poetry written in iambic pentameter - the primary meter used in English poetry and the works of Shakespeare and Milton






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






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






4. The dictionary definition of a word






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






6. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






7. 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.






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






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






10. The act of determining the meter of a poetic line.






11. A parody of traditional epic form. It usually treats a frivolous topic with extreme seriousness - using conventions such as invocations to the Muse - action-packed battle scenes - and accounts of heroic exploits.






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






13. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem






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






15. The general form - pattern - and manner of expression of a work of literature






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






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






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






19. A character whose name appears in the title of the novel or play; also known as the eponymous character






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






21. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






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






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






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






25. 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






26. The pattern of rhymes within a given poem






27. A structure that provides premise or setting for a narrative






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






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






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






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






32. 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






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






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






35. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






36. 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.






37. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






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






39. 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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






47. A figure of speech that compares unlike objects






48. A sharp - caustic expression or remark; a bitter jibe or taunt; different from irony - which is more subtle






49. A vagueness of meaning; a conscious lack of clarity meant to evoke multiple meanings and interpretation






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