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






2. A false name or alias used by writers






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






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






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






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






7. An adjective or phrase that expresses a striking quality of a person or thing






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






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






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






11. 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






12. The resolution that occurs at the end of a play or work of fiction






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






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






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






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






17. A vagueness of meaning; a conscious lack of clarity meant to evoke multiple meanings and interpretations






18. A phrase - idea or event that through representation serves to unify or convey a theme in a work of literature






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






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






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






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






23. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






24. An imitation of a work meant to ridicule its style and subject






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






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






27. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






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






29. The repetition of two or more vowel sounds in a group of words or lines of a poem






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






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






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






33. In contrast to literal language - implies meanings






34. 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






35. In poetry - the use of successive lines with no punctuation or pause between them






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






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






38. Grating - inharmonious sounds






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






40. A work of literature dealing with rural life






41. 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






42. Two or more independent clauses






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






44. French for a novel in which historical events and actual people appear under the guise of fiction






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






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






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






48. 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






49. An episodic novel about a roguelike wanderer who lives off his wits






50. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation