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






2. French term for the world of books - criticism - and literature in general






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






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






5. The pattern of rhymes within a given poems






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






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






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






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






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






11. The anglo-saxon language spoken in what is now england from approximately 450 to 1150 AD






12. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






13. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






14. A pair of rhyming lines in a poem. two rhyming lines in iambic pentameter is sometimes called a heroic couplet






15. A lyric poem usually marked by serious - respectful and exalted feelings toward the subject






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






17. A work of literature dealing with rural life






18. A literary form in which events are exaggerated in order to create an extreme emotional response






19. The language spoken in England roughly between 1150 and 1500 AD






20. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






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






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






23. An eight-line rhyming stanza of a poem






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






25. The use of one object to evoke ideas and associations not literally part of the original object






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






27. A poet; in olden times - a performer who told heroic stories to musical accompaniment






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






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






30. A figure of speech in which a part signifies the whole or the whole signifies the part - also when the name of a material stands for the thing itself






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






32. The manner in which an author uses and arranges words - shapes ideas - forms sentences and creates a structure to convey ideas






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






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






35. Ordinary or familiar - used to describe diction






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






37. A detailed analysis or interpretation of a work of literature






38. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






39. The repetition of one or more initial consonants in a group of words or lines in a poem






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






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






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






43. 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






44. Grating - inharmonious sounds






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






46. 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






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






48. The act of determining the meter of a poetic line. the pattern is called scansion. if a verse doesn't 'scan' its meter is irregular






49. Issues a comand






50. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects