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. A series of comparisons between two unlike objects






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






3. A verbal (often preceded by 'to') that functions as a noun adjective or adverb






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






5. A metaphor embedded in a sentence rather than expressed directly as a sentence






6. A direct verbal assault; a denunciation






7. A parody of traditional epic form






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






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






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






11. Pleasing - harmonious sounds






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






13. A forceful sermon - lecture or tirade






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






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






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






17. A lyric poem usually marked by serious - respectful and exalted feelings toward the subject






18. Grating - inharmonious sounds






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






20. 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






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






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






23. A novel focusing on and describing social customs and habits of a particular social group






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






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






26. A figure of speech that compares unlike objects - without using like or as






27. Two or more independent clauses






28. One independent clause and no dependent clause






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






30. In contrast to literal language - implies meanings






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






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






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






34. A figurative comparison using the words like or as






35. The use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning






36. A latin term for a narrative that starts not at the beginning of events but at some other critical point






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






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






39. Overstatement; gross exaggeration for rhetorical effect






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






41. A term that describes a line of poetry that ends with a natural pause often indicated by a mark of punctuation






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






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






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






45. Sentence with interrogative pronouns






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






47. Inflated - pretentious language used for trivial subjects






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






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






50. 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