Literary Terms MCQs And Answers

Reviewed by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Tianna Munroe
T
Tianna Munroe
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 1 | Total Attempts: 32,426
| Attempts: 32,562
SettingsSettings
Please wait...
  • 1/25 Questions

    The hero or central character of a literary work.

    • Genre
    • Literary Theory
    • Motif
    • Protagonist
Please wait...
About This Quiz

Can you pass this test of Literary terms MCQs? Literary terms refer to those techniques, style, and formatting used mostly by authors, bloggers, speakers to emphasize and strengthen their compositions in a unique and beautiful way. These terms can be words, phrases, figurative language, etc. So, this quiz is all about literary terms; let's see if you have enough to pass this test or not. Also, give a comment mentioning your score in the end.

Literary Terms MCQs And Answers - Quiz

Quiz Preview

  • 2. 

    The structure of a story; the sequence in which the author arranges events in a story; the structure of a five-act play often includes the rising action, the climax, the falling action, and the resolution.

    • Pathetic Fallacy

    • Verisimilitude

    • Allusion

    • Plot

    Correct Answer
    A. Plot
    Explanation
    The given correct answer is "Plot". Plot refers to the structure of a story and how events are arranged by the author. It includes the rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This structure helps to create a coherent and engaging narrative for the reader or audience.

    Rate this question:

  • 3. 

    A mild word or phrase which substitues for another which would be undesirable because it is too direct, unpleasant, or offensive.

    • Euphemism

    • Genre

    • Point of View

    • Picaresque Novel

    Correct Answer
    A. Euphemism
    Explanation
    An euphemism is a mild word or phrase that is used to replace another word or phrase that may be considered too direct, unpleasant, or offensive. It is a linguistic tool used to soften the impact of certain words or phrases and make them more socially acceptable or less harsh. Euphemisms are commonly used in various contexts, such as in polite conversation, sensitive topics, or to avoid offending someone. They serve as a way to convey a message without causing discomfort or offense to the listener or reader.

    Rate this question:

  • 4. 

    The audience knows something that the characters in the drama do not.

    • Adage

    • Bildungsroman

    • Apostrophe

    • Dramatic Irony

    Correct Answer
    A. Dramatic Irony
    Explanation
    Dramatic irony refers to a situation in which the audience possesses information that the characters in a drama are unaware of. This creates a sense of tension and anticipation as the audience watches the events unfold, knowing what will happen while the characters remain oblivious. It adds depth and complexity to the narrative, allowing the audience to engage with the story on a deeper level. This concept is often used in plays and films to create suspense and dramatic effect.

    Rate this question:

  • 5. 

    An author's choice of words.

    • Epic

    • Diction

    • Syntax

    • Genre

    Correct Answer
    A. Diction
    Explanation
    Diction refers to the author's choice of words. It encompasses the style of language used, including the vocabulary, tone, and level of formality. The author's choice of words can greatly impact the overall meaning and tone of a piece of writing. It can also help to establish the author's voice and create a specific atmosphere or mood. Therefore, diction is an important aspect of writing that can greatly influence the reader's interpretation and understanding of the text.

    Rate this question:

  • 6. 

    The result of an action is the reverse of what the actor expected.

    • Understatement

    • Situational Irony

    • Postmodernism

    • Oxymoron

    Correct Answer
    A. Situational Irony
    Explanation
    Situational irony refers to a situation where the outcome of an action is the opposite of what was expected. In this case, the statement suggests that the result of an action is contrary to the actor's expectations. This aligns with the definition of situational irony, making it the correct answer. Understatement, postmodernism, and oxymoron do not accurately capture the idea of the outcome being the reverse of expectations.

    Rate this question:

  • 7. 

    The dictionary definition of a word.

    • Connotation

    • Figure of Speech

    • Denotation

    • Epithet

    Correct Answer
    A. Denotation
    Explanation
    Denotation refers to the literal or dictionary definition of a word, without any implied or associated meanings. It focuses on the objective and factual meaning of a word, separate from any emotions, opinions, or cultural associations that may be attached to it. In this context, the correct answer is Denotation because it aligns with the given statement about the dictionary definition of a word.

    Rate this question:

  • 8. 

    A device in literature where an object represents an idea.

    • Narrator

    • Parody

    • Symbolism

    • Theme

    Correct Answer
    A. Symbolism
    Explanation
    Symbolism is the correct answer because it refers to a literary device where an object or action is used to represent a deeper meaning or idea. In literature, symbols are often used to convey abstract concepts, emotions, or themes. They add depth and complexity to the text by allowing readers to interpret the symbolic meaning behind the object or action. This device enhances the reader's understanding and engagement with the story, making it a crucial element in literature.

    Rate this question:

  • 9. 

    A statement which lessens or minimizes the importance of what is meant.

    • Verisimilitude

    • Understatement

    • Colloquialism

    • Hyperbole

    Correct Answer
    A. Understatement
    Explanation
    Understatement refers to a statement that downplays or diminishes the significance or importance of what is being conveyed. It involves the deliberate use of language that makes something seem less important, intense, or serious than it actually is. This technique is often employed for various reasons, such as creating a humorous effect, downplaying achievements, or displaying modesty.

    Rate this question:

  • 10. 

    A purification of emotions in literature or art.

    • Catharsis

    • Colloquialism

    • Vernacular

    • Foil

    Correct Answer
    A. Catharsis
    Explanation
    Catharsis refers to the process of purifying or releasing emotions through literature or art. It is a term often used in literary criticism to describe the emotional release or relief experienced by the audience or reader when they witness or engage with a work of art that evokes strong emotions. This emotional cleansing can be therapeutic and provide a sense of cathartic release, allowing individuals to process and understand their own emotions in a safe and controlled environment.

    Rate this question:

  • 11. 

    Unintentional use of an inappropriate word similar in sound to the appropriate word, often with humorous effect.

    • Naturalism

    • Modernism

    • Malapropism

    • Postmodernism

    Correct Answer
    A. Malapropism
    Explanation
    Malapropism refers to the unintentional use of a word that sounds similar to the intended word but has a completely different meaning, often resulting in a humorous effect. This is a common linguistic mistake that occurs when someone substitutes a word with a similar-sounding word that they mistakenly believe has the same meaning. It is often used in comedy to create humor through the confusion and absurdity caused by the misuse of words. Naturalism, modernism, and postmodernism, on the other hand, are unrelated terms that do not involve the misuse of words.

    Rate this question:

  • 12. 

    A repition of sentences using the same structure.

    • Adage

    • Parallel Structure

    • Aphorism

    • Pastoral

    Correct Answer
    A. Parallel Structure
    Explanation
    Parallel structure refers to the repetition of a similar grammatical structure in a sentence or a series of sentences. It helps to create balance and rhythm in writing, making it more effective and easier to understand. In this context, the repetition of sentences using the same structure indicates the use of parallel structure. The other options, adage, aphorism, and pastoral, are unrelated to the concept of parallel structure and do not fit the given explanation.

    Rate this question:

  • 13. 

    A statement which can contain two or more meanings.

    • Ambiguity

    • Anecdote

    • Epigraph

    • Foil

    Correct Answer
    A. Ambiguity
    Explanation
    Ambiguity refers to a statement that can have multiple interpretations or meanings. It is often used intentionally to create confusion or to allow for different interpretations. In literature or language, ambiguity can add depth and complexity to a text, inviting readers to engage in critical thinking and analysis. It can also be used for comedic effect or to explore different perspectives. Therefore, ambiguity is the correct answer in this case as it accurately describes a statement with multiple meanings.

    Rate this question:

  • 14. 

    A play on words wherein a word is used to convey two meanings at the same time.

    • Pun

    • Satire

    • Hyperbole

    • Paradox

    Correct Answer
    A. Pun
    Explanation
    A pun is a play on words where a word is used to convey two meanings simultaneously. It often involves a word or phrase that has multiple interpretations or a word that sounds similar to another word but has a different meaning. Puns are used to create humor or to add a clever twist to a statement or phrase.

    Rate this question:

  • 15. 

    The contrast is between the literal meaning of what is said and what is meant.

    • Verbal Irony

    • Analogy

    • Paradox

    • Juxtaposition

    Correct Answer
    A. Verbal Irony
    Explanation
    Verbal irony refers to a situation where the speaker says something but intends to convey a different meaning. In this case, the contrast between the literal meaning of what is said and what is meant indicates verbal irony. It involves using words to express the opposite of their literal meaning, often to create humor or emphasize a point. This is different from analogy, which is a comparison between two things, paradox, which is a contradictory statement, and juxtaposition, which is the placement of two contrasting elements together.

    Rate this question:

  • 16. 

    A movement away from the viewpoint of modernism. 

    • Naturalism

    • Malapropism

    • Modernism

    • Postmodernism

    Correct Answer
    A. Postmodernism
    Explanation
    Postmodernism is the correct answer because it refers to a movement away from the viewpoint of modernism. Modernism is characterized by a focus on rationality, progress, and the belief in universal truths, while postmodernism rejects these ideas and embraces subjectivity, fragmentation, and the idea that there are no objective truths. Therefore, postmodernism can be seen as a reaction against modernism and a shift towards a different perspective.

    Rate this question:

  • 17. 

    It means "advance guard" or "vanguard" and is used to refer to people or works that are experimental or innovative, particularly with respect to art, culture, and politics.

    • Anachronism

    • Catharsis

    • Avant-garde

    • Vernacular

    Correct Answer
    A. Avant-garde
    Explanation
    Avant-garde refers to people or works that are experimental or innovative, particularly in the fields of art, culture, and politics. It is a term used to describe individuals or creations that push the boundaries and challenge conventional norms. The term "avant-garde" can also be translated as "advance guard" or "vanguard," indicating its role in leading and pioneering new ideas and movements.

    Rate this question:

  • 18. 

    Pervasive irony created by a structural feature such as a naive protagonist whose viewpoint is consistently wrong, shared by neither author nor reader, is known as this.

    • Metonymy

    • Myth

    • Structural Irony

    • Satire

    Correct Answer
    A. Structural Irony
    Explanation
    Structural irony refers to a literary technique where there is a contrast between what a naive protagonist believes or expects and what the author and reader know to be true. In this case, the protagonist's viewpoint is consistently wrong, creating pervasive irony throughout the narrative. This creates a sense of dramatic irony, as the reader is aware of the truth while the protagonist remains oblivious. Unlike satire, which aims to criticize or mock, structural irony is a more subtle form of irony that highlights the disconnect between the protagonist's perception and reality.

    Rate this question:

  • 19. 

    A figure of speech wherein a comparison is made between two unlike quantities without the use of the words "like" or "as."

    • Metaphor

    • Soliloquy

    • Simile

    • Analogy

    Correct Answer
    A. Metaphor
    Explanation
    A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unlike things without using the words "like" or "as." It implies that one thing is another, creating a symbolic meaning. For example, saying "Time is a thief" is a metaphor, suggesting that time steals moments from our lives, even though time is not literally a thief.

    Rate this question:

  • 20. 

    The emotional content of a word.

    • Connotation

    • Figurative Language

    • Denotation

    • Epic

    Correct Answer
    A. Connotation
    Explanation
    Connotation refers to the emotional or cultural associations that a word carries, beyond its literal meaning. It includes the feelings, attitudes, and perceptions that are evoked by a word. This is different from denotation, which refers to the literal or dictionary definition of a word. Figurative language, on the other hand, involves the use of words or phrases in a non-literal way to create a specific effect or image. Epic, in this context, does not relate to the emotional content of a word and is therefore not the correct answer.

    Rate this question:

  • 21. 

    A revolt against the conservative values of realism.

    • Naturalism

    • Malapropism

    • Modernism

    • Postmodernism

    Correct Answer
    A. Modernism
    Explanation
    Modernism is the correct answer because it refers to a movement in art, literature, and culture that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a revolt against the conservative values of realism. Modernism sought to break away from traditional forms and explore new ways of representing reality, often incorporating fragmented narratives, stream-of-consciousness writing, and experimental techniques. It challenged established norms and embraced a more subjective and individualistic approach to art and literature.

    Rate this question:

  • 22. 

    In literature, an extreme form of realism developed in France in the 19th Century.

    • Naturalism

    • Malapropism

    • Modernism

    • Postmodernism

    Correct Answer
    A. Naturalism
    Explanation
    Naturalism is the correct answer because it refers to an extreme form of realism that emerged in France during the 19th century. Naturalism sought to depict life and society in an objective and scientific manner, emphasizing the influence of social and environmental factors on individual behavior. This literary movement aimed to portray the harsh realities of life, often focusing on themes such as poverty, social inequality, and the struggles of the working class. Naturalist writers aimed to present a more accurate and unfiltered representation of the human experience, rejecting idealized or romanticized portrayals.

    Rate this question:

  • 23. 

    Wise saying; proverb; short, memorable saying that expresses a truth and is handed down from one generation to the next.

    • Aphorism

    • Analogy

    • Adage

    • Apostrophe

    Correct Answer
    A. Adage
    Explanation
    An adage is a wise saying or proverb that is passed down from one generation to the next. It is a short and memorable statement that expresses a truth or a piece of wisdom. Unlike an analogy, which is a comparison between two things, an adage is a standalone statement. An aphorism is a similar concept, but it is typically a concise statement that conveys a philosophical or moral idea. An apostrophe, on the other hand, is a punctuation mark used to indicate possession or omission of letters in a word. Therefore, the best fit for the given description is adage.

    Rate this question:

  • 24. 

    A word or phrase preceding or following a name which serves to describe the character in literature.

    • Hamartia

    • Hubris

    • Epigraph

    • Epithet

    Correct Answer
    A. Epithet
    Explanation
    An epithet is a word or phrase that is used to describe a character in literature. It is often used as a descriptive nickname or adjective that highlights a specific characteristic or quality of the character. In literature, an epithet helps to provide additional information about the character and can contribute to their overall characterization. It serves as a way to enhance the reader's understanding of the character and their role in the story.

    Rate this question:

  • 25. 

    The use of angry and insulting language.

    • Jargon

    • Invective

    • Malapropism

    • Mood

    Correct Answer
    A. Invective
    Explanation
    Invective refers to the use of angry and insulting language. It involves the use of abusive or offensive words to attack or criticize someone or something. This can be seen in situations where individuals resort to name-calling, personal attacks, or derogatory language to express their anger or frustration. Jargon, on the other hand, refers to specialized vocabulary used by a particular group or profession. Malapropism refers to the incorrect use of a word in place of a similar-sounding word, often resulting in a humorous or nonsensical effect. Mood refers to the emotional atmosphere or tone of a piece of writing or a situation. Therefore, the correct answer is Invective.

    Rate this question:

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Aug 14, 2024 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Aug 14, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Aug 24, 2012
    Quiz Created by
    Tianna Munroe
Back to Top Back to top
Advertisement
×

Wait!
Here's an interesting quiz for you.

We have other quizzes matching your interest.