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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






9. A witty or ingenious thought; a diverting or highly fanciful idea - often stated in figurative language






10. 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.






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






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






13. A figure of speech that compares unlike objects






14. A group of two or more lines in poetry combined according to subject matter - rhyme - or some other plan






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






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






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






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






19. 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.






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






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






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






23. A form of literature in which the hero is destroyed by some character flaw and a set of forces that cause the hero considerable anguish






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






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






26. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






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






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






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






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






31. The dictionary definition of a word






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






33. The action in a play or story that occurs after the climax and that leads to the conclusion and often to the resolution of the conflict






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






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






36. The generic name for a figure of speech such as image - symbol - simile - and metaphor






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






38. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






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






40. A story in which the narrative or characters carry an underlying symbolic - metaphorical - or possibly an ethical meaning






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






42. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






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






44. A mild or less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term; i.e. 'pass away' instead of 'die'






45. A term that describes characters' excessive emotional response to experience; also nauseatingly nostalgic and mawkish






46. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






47. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






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






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






50. 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