Literary Terms: Test! Quiz

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using the words "like" or "as". It is a literary device used to make a comparison in a more vivid and imaginative way. Unlike a metaphor, which directly states that one thing is another, a simile uses the words "like" or "as" to make the comparison more explicit. For example, "Her smile is like sunshine" is a simile because it compares a smile to sunshine using the word "like". Therefore, the correct answer is simile.

Symbol is the correct answer because it refers to the use of an object or action that represents or signifies something beyond its literal meaning. Symbols are commonly used in literature, art, and other forms of communication to convey deeper meanings or ideas. They can evoke emotions, convey themes, or represent abstract concepts.

The general idea or insight about life that a writer wishes to express is known as the theme. It is the underlying message or central idea that can be inferred from the story or piece of writing. The theme often reflects on human nature, society, or the human condition, and it provides a deeper understanding of the work and its purpose.

Onomatopoeia is a figure of speech where words are used to imitate or represent sounds. It is the correct answer because it directly matches the definition provided in the question. Onomatopoeic words sound like the noises they describe, such as "buzz," "bang," or "meow." This literary device is commonly used in poetry, comic books, and children's literature to create vivid and sensory descriptions.

Personification is a form of metaphor where human characteristics are given to nonhuman things. It allows the writer to bring life and movement to the world by attributing familiar human behaviors and emotions to animals, inanimate objects, and abstract ideas. An example of personification is found in Keats's "Ode on a Grecian Urn," where the speaker refers to the urn as an "unravished bride of quietness." This use of personification helps to create vivid imagery and engage the reader's imagination.

Assonance is the correct answer because it is the repetition of vowel sounds but not consonant sounds. This is different from consonance, which is the repetition of consonant sounds but not vowels. Onomatopoeia refers to words that imitate the sound they represent, metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things, and speaker refers to the person or entity delivering a speech or poem.

Alliteration is the repetition of initial sounds in neighboring words. It is a literary device that adds emphasis and musicality to a phrase or sentence. It is often used in poetry and literature to create a pleasing and memorable effect. By repeating the initial sounds, alliteration can create a sense of rhythm and unity within a text. It helps to create a specific mood or tone and can also enhance the imagery and overall meaning of a piece of writing.

A symbol is using an object or action that means something more than its literal meaning. Symbols are often used to represent abstract ideas or concepts and can be found in literature, art, and everyday life. They allow for deeper interpretation and understanding by adding layers of meaning to a text or visual representation.

Rhythm is the correct answer because it refers to the recurrence of stressed and unstressed sounds in poetry. Rhythm is an essential element of poetry that helps to establish the pace and flow of the poem. It is created through the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables, creating a pattern of beats and pauses. This pattern of rhythm helps to create a musical quality in poetry and contributes to the overall effect and meaning of the poem.

A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things by stating that one thing is another thing. In this case, the comparison is between smile and something else using the verb "to be." This suggests that smile is being used to represent or symbolize something else, rather than being described literally. Therefore, the correct answer is metaphor.

The emotional attitude the author takes towards their subject is known as the mood. It refers to the overall feeling or atmosphere that is created in a piece of writing. The mood can be described as happy, sad, suspenseful, or any other emotion that the author wants to evoke in the reader. It is different from tone, which refers to the author's attitude towards the audience or the subject matter. The theme, on the other hand, is the central message or idea of the story. Symbol, on the other hand, refers to an object or element in the story that represents a deeper meaning.

Tone refers to the attitude that a writer adopts towards a subject or character. It can be serious, humorous, sarcastic, ironic, satirical, tongue-in-cheek, solemn, or objective. This is similar to mood, which is the atmosphere or feeling created in a literary work. However, tone specifically focuses on the writer's attitude, while mood pertains to the overall emotional atmosphere of the text.

The speaker refers to the narrative voice or the persona adopted by the author to convey the story or poem. It is the voice through which the author expresses their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. The speaker plays a crucial role in shaping the tone, imagery, and theme of the literary work, making it the most fitting choice among the given options.

Meter refers to the rhythmic pattern of stresses that recurs in a poem. It is the organization of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry, creating a pattern that gives the poem a musical quality. Rhythm, on the other hand, refers to the overall flow and beat of the poem, which is often created by the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables according to the meter. Symbol and tone are unrelated to the concept of rhythmic patterns in poetry.