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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.
  • 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. Ordinary or familiar - used to describe diction






2. A term often used as a synonym for realism; also a view of experience that is generally characterized as bleak and pessimistic






3. 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






4. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






5. A figure of speech in which a word or phrase can be understood in two ways especially when one meaning is risque






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






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






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






9. A story in which a second meaning is to be read beneath the surface






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






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






12. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






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






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






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






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






17. The role or facade that a character assumes or depicts to a reader - a viewer or the world at large






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






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






20. A kind of poetry without rhymed lines - rhythm or fixed metrical feet






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






22. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






23. A list of works cited or otherwise relevant to a subject or other work






24. The interrelationship among the events in a story; the plot line is the pattern of events - including exposition - rising action - climax - falling action and resolution






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






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






27. Faulty reasoning that inappropriately ascribes human feelings to nature or non-human objects






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






29. A complex sentence in which the main clause comes first and the subordinate clause follows






30. A four-line poem or a four-line unit of a longer poem






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






32. The interpretation or analysis of a text






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






34. A verbal ending in 'ing'_ that functions in a sentence as a noun.






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






36. A form of verse or prose that tells a story






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






38. 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






39. 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






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






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






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






43. An eight-line rhyming stanza of a poem






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






45. The works considered most important in a national literature or period; works widely read and studied






46. 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






47. The pattern of rhymes within a given poems






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






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






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