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






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






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






4. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






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






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






7. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






8. Similar to the truth; the quality of realism in a work that persuades readers that they are getting a vision of life as it is.






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






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






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






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






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






14. A verse with five poetic feet per line






15. 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






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






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






18. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






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






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






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






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






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






24. 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.






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






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






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






28. 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.






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






30. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






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






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






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






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






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






36. A statement that seems self-contradictory but is nevertheless true






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






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






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






40. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






49. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem






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






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