Literary Terms and Devices Quiz Questions With Answers

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Literary Terms And Devices Quiz Questions With Answers - Quiz

Ready to test your knowledge of literary terms and devices? Take our fun and informative Literary Terms and Devices Quiz! From similes to symbolism, this quiz covers it all. Get ready to ace those questions and impress your friends with your literary prowess. The Literary Terms and Devices Quiz is designed to test your understanding of various literary elements and techniques commonly used in literature.

This quiz aims to enhance your knowledge of literary concepts such as metaphor, symbolism, foreshadowing, irony, imagery, and more. By taking this quiz, you'll not only reinforce your understanding of these terms but also sharpen Read moreyour analytical skills when it comes to interpreting literary works. Whether you're a student looking to ace your literature exams or an avid reader eager to deepen your appreciation of literature, this quiz offers an engaging way to learn and explore the richness of literary devices.


Literary Terms and Devices Questions and Answers

  • 1. 

    What is alliteration in literature?

    • A.

      A series of words in quick succession that all start with the same letter or sound.

    • B.

      A figure of speech wherein the traditional sentence structure is reversed.

    • C.

      When two or more parallel clauses are inverted.

    • D.

      A fancy literary term for creating a list.

    Correct Answer
    A. A series of words in quick succession that all start with the same letter or sound.
    Explanation
    Alliteration, a common literary device, involves the repetition of the same initial sound across a series of words in quick succession. This technique is often used to create a rhythmic effect, enhance mood, or emphasize certain points within the text.

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  • 2. 

    What is anastrophe in literature?

    • A.

      A series of words in quick succession that all start with the same letter or sound.

    • B.

      A figure of speech wherein the traditional sentence structure is reversed.

    • C.

      When two or more parallel clauses are inverted.

    • D.

      A fancy literary term for creating a list.

    Correct Answer
    B. A figure of speech wherein the traditional sentence structure is reversed.
    Explanation
    Anastrophe is a figure of speech that involves the inversion of the traditional sentence structure. Instead of following the usual subject-verb-object order, anastrophe flips this around, often for emphasis or poetic effect.

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  • 3. 

    What is chiasmus in literature?

    • A.

      A series of words in quick succession that all start with the same letter or sound.

    • B.

      A figure of speech wherein the traditional sentence structure is reversed.

    • C.

      When two or more parallel clauses are inverted.

    • D.

      A fancy literary term for creating a list.

    Correct Answer
    C. When two or more parallel clauses are inverted.
    Explanation
    Chiasmus is a rhetorical device where two or more clauses are balanced against each other through the reversal of their structures. This technique creates a symmetrical pattern and can make statements more memorable or emphasize a particular point.

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  • 4. 

    What is congeries in literature?

    • A.

      A series of words in quick succession that all start with the same letter or sound.

    • B.

      A figure of speech wherein the traditional sentence structure is reversed.

    • C.

      When two or more parallel clauses are inverted.

    • D.

      A fancy literary term for creating a list.

    Correct Answer
    D. A fancy literary term for creating a list.
    Explanation
    Congeries refers to the listing of words, ideas, or phrases in a literary work. This technique can be used to create emphasis, add detail, or enhance the rhythm of the prose. It’s more than just a simple list; it’s a tool for adding richness and depth to the text.

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  • 5. 

    What is a cumulative sentence in literature?

    • A.

      A sentence that starts with an independent clause, but then has additional or modifying clauses.

    • B.

      A series of words in quick succession that all start with the same letter or sound.

    • C.

      A figure of speech wherein the traditional sentence structure is reversed.

    • D.

      A sound.

    Correct Answer
    A. A sentence that starts with an independent clause, but then has additional or modifying clauses.
    Explanation
    A cumulative sentence starts with an independent clause, which is then followed by a series of subordinate clauses or phrases. These additional elements provide further detail or modify the main clause, creating a sentence that ‘accumulates’ information as it progresses.

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  • 6. 

    What is epistrophe in literature?

    • A.

      The opposite of anaphora, with a word or phrase being repeated at the end of a sentence.

    • B.

      Exaggeration of something.

    • C.

      A figure of speech wherein the traditional sentence structure is reversed.

    • D.

      When two or more parallel clauses are inverted.

    Correct Answer
    A. The opposite of anaphora, with a word or phrase being repeated at the end of a sentence.
    Explanation
    Epistrophe is a rhetorical device where a word or phrase is repeated at the end of successive sentences. This is the opposite of anaphora, which involves repetition at the beginning of sentences. Epistrophe can create a rhythm and emphasize a particular point.

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  • 7. 

    What is erotesis in literature?

    • A.

      A close cousin of the rhetorical question.

    • B.

      A series of words in quick succession that all start with the same letter or sound.

    • C.

      A figure of speech wherein the traditional sentence structure is reversed.

    • D.

      When two or more parallel clauses are inverted.

    Correct Answer
    A. A close cousin of the rhetorical question.
    Explanation
    Erotesis, often considered a type of rhetorical question, is when a question is posed not to elicit information but to affirm or deny a point strongly. The speaker or writer confidently expects a response, whether negative or affirmative.

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  • 8. 

    What is hyperbaton in literature?

    • A.

      The inversion of words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence that differs from how they would normally be arranged.

    • B.

      A series of words in quick succession that all start with the same letter or sound.

    • C.

      Two contradicting Phrases.

    • D.

      When two or more parallel clauses are inverted.

    Correct Answer
    A. The inversion of words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence that differs from how they would normally be arranged.
    Explanation
    Hyperbaton involves rearranging the words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence in a way that deviates from the usual order. This can be used for emphasis, to alter the rhythm of the prose, or to create a particular mood or tone.

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  • 9. 

    What is isocolon in literature?

    • A.

      When two or more phrases or clauses have similar structure, rhythm, and even length.

    • B.

      A series of words in quick succession that all start with the same letter or sound.

    • C.

      A figure of speech wherein the traditional sentence structure is reversed.

    • D.

      Two words beginning with the same alphabet.

    Correct Answer
    A. When two or more phrases or clauses have similar structure, rhythm, and even length.
    Explanation
    Isocolon is a figure of speech where two or more phrases or clauses share a similar structure, rhythm, and length. This parallel structure can create a sense of balance and rhythm, making the text more memorable and effective.

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  • 10. 

    What is litotes in literature?

    • A.

      The signature literary device of the double negative.

    • B.

      A series of words in quick succession that all start with the same letter or sound.

    • C.

      A comparison of an inanimate object.

    • D.

      When two or more parallel clauses are inverted.

    Correct Answer
    A. The signature literary device of the double negative.
    Explanation
    Litotes is a figure of speech that employs double negatives to express a positive statement. It’s a form of understatement that asserts a point by denying its opposite, adding emphasis through ironic understatement.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 29, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Mar 29, 2024
    Quiz Created by
    Kasturi Chaudhuri
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