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Literary And Rhetorical Vocab

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






2. An indirect or subtle - usually derogatory implication in expression - an insinuation






3. A figure of speech whose effectiveness has been worn out through overuse and excessive familiarity






4. A latin term for a narrative that starts not at the beginning of events but at some other critical point






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






6. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






7. A sentence with two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses






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






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






10. A device employed in anglo-saxon poetry in which the name of a thing is replaced by one of its functions or qualities






11. A verbal (often preceded by 'to') that functions as a noun adjective or adverb






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






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






14. A sentence containing a deliberate omission of words






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






16. The dictionary definition of a word. contrast with connotation






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






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






19. The total environment for the action in a novel or play. it includes time - place - historical milieu and social - political and even spiritual circumstances






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






21. One in which two parallel elements are set off against each other like equal weights on a scale.






22. A term that describes characters' excessive emotional response to experience; also nauseatingly nostalgic and mawkish






23. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






24. A false name or alias used by writers






25. 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






26. A verse with five poetic feet per line






27. A mild or less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term






28. Language that describes specific - observable things






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






30. A sentence that follows the customary word order of english sentences - ie subject verb object. the main idea of the sentence is presented first and is then followed by one or more subordinate clauses






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






32. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






33. A form of literature in which the hero is destroyed by some character flaw and a set of forces that causes the hero considerable anguish






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






35. A rhetorical opposition or contrast of ideas by means of a grammatical arrangement of words - clauses or sentences






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






37. A form of understatement in which the negative of the contrary is used to achieve emphasis or intensity






38. A novel in which supernatural horrors and an atmosphere of unknown terrors pervades the action






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






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






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






42. 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






43. A short tale often with nonhuman characters from which a useful lesson may be drawn






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






45. A pause somewhere in the middle of a verse - often marked by punctuation






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






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






48. A sharp - caustic expression or remark; a bitter jibe or taunt; less subtle than irony






49. Personal - reflective poetry that reveals the speaker's thoughts and feelings about the subject






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