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Literary And Rhetorical Vocab

Subject : english
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • 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 piece of writing that reveals weaknesses - faults - frailties - or other shortcomings






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






3. The quickness of intellect and the power and talent for saying brilliant things that surprise and delight by their unexpectedness; the power to comment subtly and pointedly on the foibles of the passing scene






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






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






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






7. As opposed to concrete language it represents thoughts






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






9. 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






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






11. Grating - inharmonious sounds






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






13. The author's attitude toward the subject being written about. the characteristic emotion that pervades a work or part of a work--the spirit or quality that is the work's emotional essence






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






15. The main idea isn't completed until the end of the sentence






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






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






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






19. When the infinitive is interrupted with another word - typically an adverb or adverbial phrase






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






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






22. The interpretation or analysis of a text






23. A group of two or more lines in poetry combined according to subject matter - rhyme or some other plan






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






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






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






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






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






29. A sentence containing a deliberate omission of words






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






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






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






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






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






35. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






36. A narrative poem that tells of the adventures and exploits of a hero






37. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






38. Language that describes specific - observable things






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






40. An adjective that follows a linking verb






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






42. A verse with five poetic feet per line






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






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






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






46. A unit of stressed and unstressed syllables used to determine the meter of a poetic line






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






48. The choice of words in oral and written discourse






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






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