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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 form of verse or prose that tells a story






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






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






4. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






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






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






7. 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






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






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






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






11. The main character in a work of literature






12. 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






13. A saying or proverb containing a truth based on experience and often couched in metaphorical language






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






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






16. 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.






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






18. A lyric poem usually marked by serious - respectful - and exalted feeling towards the subject






19. Grating - inharmonious sounds






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






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






22. 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






23. A four-line poem or a four-line unit of a longer poem






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






25. A feeling of association or identification with an object or person






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






27. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






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






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






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






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






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






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






34. A highly regarded work of literature or other art form that has withstood the test of time






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






42. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






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






44. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






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






46. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






47. 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






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






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






50. '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.