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






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






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






4. A figure of speech that uses the name of one thing to represent something else with which it is associated






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






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






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






8. A form of verse usually consisting of three four line units called quatrains and a concluding couplet






9. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






10. A short tale often with nonhuman characters from which a useful lesson may be drawn






11. The interpretation or analysis of a text






12. An extended narrative about improbable events and extraordinary people in exotic places






13. A discrepancy between the true meaning of a situation and the literal meaning of the written or spoken words






14. A subordinate or minor collection of events in an novel or play - usually connected to the main plot






15. A lyric poem or passage that describes a kind of ideal life or place






16. Sentence with interrogative pronouns






17. The suggested or implied meaning of a word or phrase. contrast with denotation






18. The repetition of similar sounds at regular intervals - used mostly in poetry






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






20. Grating - inharmonious sounds






21. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






22. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






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






24. 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






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






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






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






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






29. The grammar of meter and rhythm in poetry






30. A brief explanation - summary - or evaluation of a text or work of literature






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






32. The use of insincere or overdone sentimentality






33. in literature - the use of an artificial device or gimmick to solve a problem






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






41. A sentence with one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses






42. A forceful sermon - lecture or tirade






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






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






45. A piece of writing that reveals weaknesses - faults - frailties - or other shortcomings






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






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






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






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






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