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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 figure of speech in which objects and animals are given human characteristics






2. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






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






4. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






5. The generic name for a figure of speech such as image - symbol - simile - and metaphor






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






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






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






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






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






11. Poetry written in iambic pentameter - the primary meter used in English poetry and the works of Shakespeare and Milton






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






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






14. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






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






16. A mocking - satirical assault on a person or situation






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






18. The main character in a work of literature






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






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






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






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






23. 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.






24. A return to an earlier time in a story or play in order to clarify present action or circumstances.






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






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






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






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






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






30. 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...'






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






32. A word or phrase representing that which can be seen - touched - tasted - smelled - or felt






33. A French verse form calculated to appear simple and spontaneous but consisting of nineteen lines and a prescribed pattern of rhymes






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






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






36. A forceful sermon - lecture - or tirade






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






38. The action in a play or story that occurs after the climax and that leads to the conclusion and often to the resolution of the conflict






39. A synonym for view or feeling; also a refined and tender emotion in literature






40. The emotional tone in a work of literature






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






42. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






43. 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






44. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






45. A story containing unreal - imaginary features






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






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






48. Grating - inharmonious sounds






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






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