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






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






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






4. A figure of speech that compares unlike objects






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






12. A term consisting of contradictory elements juxtaposed to create a paradoxical effect






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






20. 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






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






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






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






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






25. A locution that addresses a person or personified thing not present






26. The dictionary definition of a word






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






28. An imaginary story that has become an accepted part of the cultural or religious tradition of a group or society






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






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






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






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






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






34. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem






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






36. A comparison that points out similarities between two dissimilar things






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






38. A discrepancy between the true meaning of a situation and the literal meaning of the written or spoken words






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






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






41. A sentence that departs from the usual word order of English sentences by expressing its main though only at the end. In other words - the particulars in the sentence are presented before the idea they support.






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






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






44. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






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






46. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






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






48. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






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






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







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