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






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






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






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






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






6. A return to an earlier time in a story or play in order to clarify present action or circumstances.






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






8. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






14. 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






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






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






17. 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






18. A cleansing of the spirit brought about by the pity and terror of a dramatic tragedy






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






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






21. 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






22. 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






23. The main character in a work of literature






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






25. The high point - or turning point - of a story or play






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






27. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






33. A figure of speech in which objects and animals are given human characteristics






34. The author's attitude toward the subject being written about. The spirit or quality that is the work's emotional essence






35. A comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness - although it may have a serious - scornful purpose.






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






37. 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






38. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






39. An eight-line rhyming stanza of a poem






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






41. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






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






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






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






45. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






46. In literature - the use of an artificial device or gimmick to solve a problem






47. The depiction of people - things - and events as they really are without idealization or exaggeration for effect.






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






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






50. A narrator with unlimited awareness - understanding - and insight of characters - setting - background - and all other elements of the story