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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 device employed in Anglo-Saxon poetry in which the name of a thing is replaced by one of its functions or qualities - as in 'ring-giver' for king and 'whale-road' for ocean






2. French for a novel in which hisotrical events and actual people appear under the guise of fiction






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






4. The works considered most important in a national literature or period; works widely read and studied






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






6. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






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






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






9. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






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






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






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






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






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






15. A novel in which supernatural horrors and an atmosphere of unknown terrors pervades the action






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






17. The main character in a work of literature






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






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






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






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






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






23. A pause somewhere in the middle of a verse - often (but not always) marked by punctuation






24. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






25. A tale in which a young protagonist experiences an introduction to adulthood. The character may develop understanding via disillusionment - education - doses of reality - or any other experiences that alter his or her emotional or intellectual maturi






26. A figure of speech that uses the name of one thing to represent something else with which it is associated. Ex: 'The White House says...'






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






28. A forceful sermon - lecture - or tirade






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






30. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






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






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






33. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






34. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






35. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






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






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






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






39. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






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






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






42. '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.






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






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






45. 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.






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






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






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






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






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