Literary Terms Quiz

What is the term for writing that reflects the idea that the universe is irrational and meaningless?

• Allegory

• Absurdism

• Allusion

• Anecdote

Which literary term refers to a short incident or story that illustrates a point?

• Antagonist

• Aphorism

• Anecdote

• Archetype

What is the term for a character who opposes the hero or main character of the story?

• Antagonist

• Antihero

• Archetype

• Character

What is an archetype?

• A saying that teaches a lesson

• A persuasive technique

• An image, character, symbol, plot, or other literary device that appears frequently in myths and folktales

• A person or animal in a story

What does the term 'climax' refer to in a story?

• The beginning of the story

• The high point of a plot

• The resolution of the conflict

• The introduction of characters

What is the definition of 'colloquialism'?

• A local or regional expression

• A universal concern

• The struggle between opposing forces

• The emotional associations surrounding a word

What is a 'coming-of-age story'?

• A story about a hero's journey

• A story in which the protagonist is initiated into adulthood

• A story with a tragic ending

• A story about a historical event

What does 'denotation' mean?

• The emotional associations surrounding a word

• The dictionary definition of a word

• The high point of a plot

• A local or regional expression

What is 'dénouement' in a literary work?

• The beginning of the story

• The part of a plot in which the conflict is resolved

• The introduction of characters

• The struggle between opposing forces

What is an 'epiphany' in literature?

• A character's sudden realization or moment of clarity

• A conversation between characters

• The struggle between opposing forces

• The high point of a plot