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






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






3. Providing hints of things to come in a story or play






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






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






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






7. 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.






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






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






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






11. The dictionary definition of a word






12. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






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






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






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






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






17. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






18. 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






19. 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






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






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






22. 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.






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






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






25. A statement or idea that fails to follow logically from the one before






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






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






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






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






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






31. 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






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






33. The emotional tone in a work of literature






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






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






36. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






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






38. A kind of poetry without rhymed lines - rhythm - or fixed metrical feet






39. 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






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






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






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






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






44. A list of works cited or otherwise relevant to a subject or other work.






45. The role or facade that a character assumes or depicts to a reader - a viewer - or the world at large






46. 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






47. 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.






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






49. A verse with five poetic feet per line






50. Novels written for mass consumption - often emphasizing exciting and titillating plots