Test your basic knowledge |

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






2. 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






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






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






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






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






7. The action in a play or story that occurs after the climax and that leads to the conclusion and often to the resolution of the conflict






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






9. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






10. 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






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






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






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






14. That element in literature that stimulates pity or sorrow






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






25. A rendering of a quotation in which actual words are not stated but only approximated or paraphrased






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






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






28. A german word referring to a novel structured as a series of events that take place as the hero travels in quest of a goal






29. The interpretation or analysis of a text






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






31. A story consisting of events from which a moral or spiritual truth may be derived






32. A familiar grouping of words - especially words that habitually appear together and thereby convey meaning by association






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






34. A verse with five poetic feet per line






35. Three periods (. . .) indicating the omission of words in a thought or quotation






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






37. 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






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






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






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






41. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






42. The correspondence of a verb with its subject in person and number and of a pronoun with its antecedent in person - number - and gender






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






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






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






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






47. 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






48. The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that make up a line of poetry






49. A circumstance in which the audience or reader knows more about a situation than a character






50. The repetition of two or more consonant sounds in a group of words or a line of poetry