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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. 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






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






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






4. A verse with five poetic feet per line






5. A grotesque likeness of striking qualities in persons and things






6. 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.






7. 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.






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






9. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






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






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






12. The emotional tone in a work of literature






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






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






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






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






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






18. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






19. '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.






20. The manner in which an author uses and arranges words -






21. A figure of speech that compares unlike objects






22. A short tale often featuring nonhuman characters that act as people whose actions enable the author to make observations or draw useful lessons about human behavior






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






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






25. A style of writing in which the author tries to reproduce the random flow of thoughts in the human mind






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






27. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






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






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






30. 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






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






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






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






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






35. An abbreviated synopsis of a longer work of scholarship or research






36. The Anglo-Saxon language spoken in what is now England from approximately 450 to 1150 A.D.






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






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






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






40. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






46. A figure of speech in which a part signifies the whole ('fifty masts' for fifty ships) or the whole signifies the part ('days' for life - as in 'He lived his days in Canada'). Also when the name of the material stands for the thing itself ('pigskin'






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






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






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






50. The dictionary definition of a word