Fall 2009 Final Exam Literary Terms Quiz

Drama refers to a story that is written to be performed. It typically involves dialogue between characters and is intended to be acted out on stage or screen. It can encompass a wide range of genres and styles, including comedy, tragedy, and historical plays. Unlike nonfiction, which is based on real events, drama is a form of fiction that uses storytelling techniques to entertain and engage audiences. Myth and medieval romance, although they may have dramatic elements, are not specifically defined as stories written to be performed, making them incorrect answers.

Conflict refers to the struggle between opposing forces in a story. It can be a clash between characters, ideas, or even within a character's own mind. Conflict is an essential element in storytelling as it creates tension and drives the plot forward. It can also lead to the development of characters and the resolution of the story.

A dictionary is a book that contains words of a language arranged alphabetically, providing information about their meanings, pronunciations, etymologies, inflected forms, and other relevant details. It serves as a reference tool for individuals seeking to understand the definitions and usage of words in a language. The given answer correctly identifies the book that fits this description.

A thesaurus is a reference book that provides synonyms and antonyms for words. It helps users find alternative words with similar or opposite meanings, allowing them to enhance their writing and communication skills. Unlike an atlas, almanac, table of contents, or index, a thesaurus specifically focuses on words and their relationships rather than geographical information, general knowledge, or organizational structures. Therefore, the most appropriate option from the given list is a thesaurus.

Personification is the correct answer because it refers to the act of giving nonhuman objects or animals human attributes or characteristics. This literary device is commonly used to make the description or portrayal of the subject more vivid and relatable to the reader. By personifying nonhuman subjects, authors are able to create a stronger connection between the reader and the subject, making it easier for them to understand and engage with the text.

Hyperbole is the correct answer because it refers to a figure of speech where exaggeration is used for emphasis or dramatic effect. It involves intentionally overstating something for rhetorical purposes. This can be seen in various forms of literature, poetry, and everyday language.

An atlas is a bound collection of maps. It is a reference book that contains maps of different regions, countries, or the entire world. It provides geographical information, such as the location, topography, and boundaries of various places. Unlike a thesaurus, almanac, table of contents, or index, an atlas specifically focuses on maps and is organized in a way that allows users to easily navigate and find specific locations.

Imagery refers to the use of descriptive language that appeals to the senses, allowing the reader to vividly imagine and experience the scene being described. It involves the use of vivid and detailed language to recreate sensory experiences, such as sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures. Through the use of imagery, the writer paints a picture in the reader's mind, making the writing more engaging and memorable.

A table of contents is a list of divisions or sections in a book along with the corresponding page numbers where they start. It is typically found at the beginning of a book and serves as a guide for readers to navigate through the content. This list helps readers locate specific chapters, articles, or sections they are interested in, making it easier to find relevant information quickly.

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words "like" or "as". It is a direct comparison that helps to create a vivid image or understanding for the reader. In this case, the correct answer is simile because it matches the description of a comparison using "like" or "as".

A tragic flaw refers to a character trait or quality in a hero that leads to their downfall. It is a weakness or flaw that the hero possesses, which ultimately causes their tragic end. This flaw often stems from excessive pride or arrogance, which blinds the hero to their own limitations and leads them to make poor decisions. In this context, the correct answer suggests that a tragic flaw is the cause of the hero's downfall, aligning with the concept of a character flaw leading to a tragic end.

An index is a detailed alphabetical listing of names, places, and topics along with the numbers of the pages on which they are mentioned or discussed, found in the back of a book. It helps readers easily locate specific information within the book by providing a reference to the corresponding page numbers. An index is different from a table of contents, which provides a general overview of the book's structure, and from a thesaurus, which is a reference book that lists synonyms and antonyms of words. An atlas is a collection of maps, while an almanac is a book that provides statistical and general information on various subjects.

The climax is the high point of interest or suspense in literature. It is the moment of greatest tension or excitement in the story, where the conflict reaches its peak and the outcome is about to be determined. The climax is a crucial turning point in the plot that often leads to the resolution or falling action. It is the moment that keeps readers on the edge of their seats and leaves a lasting impact on them.

A dynamic character is a character that undergoes significant changes or development throughout the story. They may experience personal growth, have a change in their beliefs or values, or go through a transformation in their actions or personality. Unlike static characters who remain unchanged, dynamic characters evolve and adapt as the plot progresses. They often play a crucial role in driving the narrative forward and adding depth to the story.

Suspense refers to a feeling of tension or uncertainty that keeps the audience engaged and eager to know what will happen next. It is often created through the use of unexpected twists, unresolved conflicts, or impending danger. Suspense is commonly found in literature, films, and other forms of storytelling, as it adds excitement and anticipation to the narrative.

Feudalism was the economic, political, and social system of medieval Europe. It was characterized by a hierarchical structure where kings and queens held the highest authority, followed by nobles and lords who owned land and had vassals. The lower class consisted of peasants who worked the land and were bound to their lord's estate. Feudalism allowed for the exchange of land and protection in return for loyalty and service, creating a system of mutual obligations and relationships.

A myth is a traditional story or legend that explains the beliefs, customs, or practices of a society. It often involves gods, heroes, and supernatural beings, and is usually set in a time before recorded history. Myths are typically fictional tales that convey moral or spiritual lessons and are passed down through generations. They often involve fantastical elements and are not based on historical events or real people. Therefore, a fictional tale with gods and heroes would be best categorized as a myth.

A static character is a character that remains unchanged throughout the story. They do not undergo any significant development or transformation. They typically maintain the same personality, beliefs, and behaviors from beginning to end. In contrast to dynamic characters who experience growth and change, static characters serve as a consistent presence in the narrative. They can provide stability and serve as a point of reference for the development of other characters.

An Indian fable is a brief simple tale that teaches a lesson about conduct in Indian culture. It often includes animal characters and a moral. Fables are popular in Indian folklore and are used to convey moral values and life lessons. They are usually short and easy to understand, making them accessible to people of all ages. The animal characters in the fable represent different human qualities or behaviors, allowing readers to relate to the story and learn from it. Overall, Indian fables are an important part of the cultural and moral education in India.

An Indian epic is a long narrative that tells the story of the deeds and adventures of a hero. It is a genre of literature that is deeply rooted in Indian culture and mythology. Epics often contain elements of history, mythology, and religious teachings, and they are considered to be important cultural and literary works. Examples of Indian epics include the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, which are both highly revered in Indian literature and have had a significant impact on Indian culture and society.

The term "quest" refers to the pursuit of someone or something of great importance. It often involves a journey or test that the individual or group embarks on to achieve a specific goal or fulfill a mission. In literature and mythology, quests are commonly depicted as heroic adventures or quests for knowledge, power, or a sacred object. The term "quest" can also be used metaphorically to describe a personal or spiritual journey towards self-discovery or enlightenment.

Verbal irony is the correct answer because it refers to a situation where someone says something but means the opposite. In this case, the speaker's words have a different meaning than what is intended. This form of irony relies on the use of sarcasm or a contrasting tone to convey the true meaning of the speaker's words. It is different from dramatic irony, which involves a contrast between what the audience knows and what the character knows, and situational irony, which occurs when there is a contrast between what is expected to happen and what actually happens. Hyperbole and personification are unrelated to the given question.

Foreshadowing is a literary technique used to give hints or clues about future events in a story. It helps create suspense and anticipation for the reader. In this context, "to show or indicate beforehand" aligns perfectly with the definition of foreshadowing. The other options, such as preface, imagery, parallelism, and discern, do not specifically relate to the act of indicating or showing something beforehand. Therefore, foreshadow is the correct answer.

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience is aware of something that the character is not. This creates tension and suspense in the story, as the audience anticipates the character's reaction when they eventually discover the truth. It adds depth to the narrative and allows for dramatic moments and plot twists. In contrast to other forms of irony, such as situational or verbal irony, dramatic irony specifically focuses on the difference in knowledge between the audience and the character, enhancing the overall storytelling experience.

The correct answer is "disguised identity" because the statement mentions that characters use disguises, transformations, and tricks to hide their true identity. This implies that the characters in the story are concealing their true selves by assuming different identities or disguises.

Parallelism refers to the use of identical or equivalent constructions in clauses or phrases. This means that the elements in a sentence or paragraph are structured in a similar way, creating a balanced and rhythmic effect. Parallelism is often used to emphasize certain ideas, create symmetry, or enhance the overall flow and clarity of a piece of writing. It can be found in various forms of literature, speeches, and even everyday conversations.

The word "vernacular" refers to the language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular region or country. In this context, "written in the language of the people" means that something is written in the common, everyday language that is easily understood by the general population. Therefore, "vernacular" is the correct answer as it directly relates to the given statement.

An analogy is a comparison between two things that have similar features, allowing for a comparison to be made. It helps to explain or clarify a concept by relating it to something more familiar.

The word "discern" means to recognize or perceive something as distinct or different. It involves the ability to distinguish and understand subtle differences or details. This word is the most suitable choice among the given options as it directly relates to the meaning provided. "Pacify" means to calm or soothe, "idiom" refers to a phrase or expression with a figurative meaning, "parallelism" is the state of being parallel or similar, and "analogy" is a comparison between two things for the purpose of explanation or clarification.

An almanac is a publication that provides information about astronomical and meteorological events. It includes details about the positions of celestial objects, star magnitudes, and dates when constellations reach their highest point in the sky. This definition fits the given description perfectly, making "almanac" the correct answer.

A heroic flaw refers to a defect in a character that can ultimately lead to their downfall or suffering, and in some cases, even death. This flaw is often found in protagonists or heroes in literature or mythology, and it serves as a key element in their character development and the overall plot. It highlights their vulnerability and human nature, making them relatable to the audience. This flaw often leads the character to make decisions or take actions that have negative consequences, ultimately shaping the climax of the story.

A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unrelated things, without using "like" or "as". It suggests a similarity between the two things, often by stating that one thing is another thing. For example, saying "Her eyes are diamonds" is a metaphor because it compares the eyes to diamonds without using "like" or "as". This is different from a simile, which also makes a comparison but uses "like" or "as" to do so. Therefore, the correct answer is metaphor.

An epic hero refers to the central figure in an epic, often possessing extraordinary qualities and embarking on heroic quests or journeys. They are typically depicted as larger-than-life characters who exhibit bravery, intelligence, and noble virtues. The term "epic protagonist" can also be used interchangeably with "epic hero" to describe the main character in an epic. The other options, such as "archetypal hero" and "medieval hero," may share similar characteristics with an epic hero but are not specific to the genre of epics. "Static character" refers to a character who does not undergo significant changes throughout a story, which is not necessarily a defining trait of an epic hero.

Pacify means to bring or restore peace and tranquility. It is the most suitable word among the given options as it directly relates to the definition provided. Hyperbole means exaggerated statements, calm means to be peaceful, discern means to perceive or recognize, and alliteration refers to the repetition of sounds. None of these words align with the meaning of pacify.

Antithesis refers to the use of contrasting ideas or words in a sentence or phrase to create a strong impact or emphasize a point. It involves juxtaposing two contrasting elements to highlight their differences and create a sense of opposition. This technique adds depth and complexity to the language, making the message more memorable and impactful. Therefore, antithesis is the correct answer for the given explanation.

An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood by simply knowing the meanings of its individual words. It often has a figurative or metaphorical meaning that is not predictable based on the usual meanings of the words used. Idioms are unique to specific languages or cultures and can be challenging for non-native speakers to comprehend.

A proverb is a saying that offers cultural wisdom and practical truths about life. It is a concise and memorable statement that expresses a general truth or piece of advice. Proverbs are often passed down through generations and are rooted in a specific culture or community. They provide guidance and insight into human behavior, moral values, and practical knowledge. Unlike fables, which are fictional stories with a moral lesson, proverbs are short and direct statements that convey wisdom and universal truths.

Medieval romance is the correct answer because it is a genre characterized by fantasy settings and royalty. This genre often includes elements such as knights, chivalry, quests, and damsels in distress. It typically takes place in a medieval setting and focuses on the adventures and love stories of noble characters. The term "medieval" refers to the time period in which these stories are set, while "romance" refers to the fantastical and idealized nature of the narratives.

Situational irony refers to a situation in which the outcome is different than what the speaker intended. In this context, it means that the speaker had a specific intention or expectation, but the actual outcome turned out to be completely different. This creates a sense of irony because it is unexpected and often humorous. The other options, falling action and resolution, refer to elements of a story's plot structure, while dramatic irony and verbal irony involve different types of irony that are not directly related to the given explanation.

An archetype refers to a universally recognized and recurring character, symbol, or theme in literature. It represents a typical example or prototype that embodies certain qualities or characteristics. Archetypes can be found in various literary works from different cultures and time periods, showcasing common patterns and themes that resonate with readers on a deeper level. They often represent fundamental human experiences or emotions and serve as a foundation for storytelling.

The given answer, "medieval epic," is the most appropriate choice because it aligns with the characteristics mentioned in the question. A medieval epic is a genre of literature that originated from Germanic tribes and often expresses the character of a people. It is known for valuing adventure over accuracy and was performed orally before being written down. This explanation fits well with the given description and justifies why "medieval epic" is the correct answer.

A griot is a type of oral historian who is responsible for preserving and passing on the history and traditions of their community through storytelling. They are highly respected and play a vital role in African cultures. Griots are known for their ability to captivate audiences with their storytelling skills and their vast knowledge of history and genealogy. They often accompany their stories with music and song. This term accurately describes the role of an oral historian, making it the correct answer.

Feudal values refer to the social, economic, and political system that dominated medieval Europe. These values placed great emphasis on the warrior virtues of military prowess, loyalty, and honor. Feudal societies were structured around a hierarchy of lords and vassals, where loyalty and service were expected in exchange for protection and land. Military prowess was highly valued as it ensured the defense and expansion of territories. Honor was also crucial, as knights and nobles were expected to uphold a code of conduct and maintain their reputation. Therefore, the emphasis on warrior virtues of military prowess, loyalty, and honor aligns with feudal values.