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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 version of a text put into simpler - everyday words






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






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






4. 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






5. A forceful sermon - lecture - or tirade






6. The general form - pattern - and manner of expression of a work of literature






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






8. The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that make up a line of poetry






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






10. 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






11. The repetition of similar sounds at regular intervals - used mostly in poetry.






12. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






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






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






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






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






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






18. A belief that emphasizes faith and optimism in human potential and creativity






19. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






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






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






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






23. 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






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






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






26. The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables found in poetry






27. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






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






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






30. A synonym for poetry. Also a group of lines in a song or poem; also a single line of poetry






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






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






33. Deriving from the orderly qualities of ancient Greek and Roman culture; implies formality - objectivity - simplicity - and restraint






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






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






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






37. A work of fiction of roughly 20 -000 to 50 -000 words--longer than a short story - but shorter than a novel






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






39. A figure of speech that compares unlike objects






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






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






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






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






44. The language spoken in England roughly between 1150 and 1500 A.D.






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






46. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






47. '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.






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






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






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