Literary Terms Quiz

What is a metaphor?

• A comparison using 'like' or 'as'

• An exaggerated statement

• A direct comparison between two unlike things

• Giving human traits to non-human things

Answer explanation

A metaphor is a direct comparison between two unlike things, suggesting they are alike in a significant way. This distinguishes it from similes, which use 'like' or 'as' for comparison.

Which of the following is a simile?

• The stars danced in the night sky.

• Her smile was as bright as the sun.

• The wind whispered through the trees.

• Time is a thief.

Answer explanation

A simile compares two different things using 'like' or 'as'. 'Her smile was as bright as the sun' uses 'as' to compare her smile to the brightness of the sun, making it a simile. The other options do not use this comparison.

What does personification mean?

• A type of rhyme

• Giving human qualities to animals or objects

• A reference to another work of literature

• A repeated phrase or word

Answer explanation

Personification is a literary device where human qualities are attributed to animals or objects, making them relatable and enhancing the narrative. Thus, the correct answer is 'Giving human qualities to animals or objects'.

What is assonance?

• A comparison without using 'like' or 'as'

• A figure of speech that exaggerates

• The repetition of vowel sounds

• The repetition of consonant sounds

Answer explanation

Assonance is defined as the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words, creating a musical effect. This distinguishes it from other literary devices like similes or alliteration, making 'the repetition of vowel sounds' the correct choice.

Which term describes the repetition of 's' sounds?

• Sibilance

• Imagery

• Alliteration

• Symbolism

Answer explanation

The term 'sibilance' specifically refers to the repetition of 's' sounds, creating a hissing effect. This distinguishes it from 'imagery', 'alliteration', and 'symbolism', which refer to different literary devices.

What is alliteration?

• The repetition of the same initial consonant sounds

• A type of imagery

• A comparison using 'like' or 'as'

• A reference to a historical event

Answer explanation

Alliteration is defined as the repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a series of words. This literary device is often used to create rhythm and enhance the musical quality of language.

What does hyperbole mean?

• A repeated phrase

• An extreme exaggeration

• A subtle reference to another work

• A comparison between two unlike things

Answer explanation

Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves extreme exaggeration for emphasis or effect. It is not a repeated phrase, subtle reference, or a comparison, making 'an extreme exaggeration' the correct definition.

What is imagery?

• A repeated phrase or word

• The use of symbols to represent ideas

• Descriptive language that appeals to the senses

• A type of rhyme scheme

Answer explanation

Imagery refers to descriptive language that appeals to the senses, helping readers visualize scenes, hear sounds, or feel emotions. This makes it the correct choice, as it captures the essence of what imagery truly represents.

What does symbolism refer to?

• The use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities

• A direct comparison

• The repetition of vowel sounds

• A type of alliteration

Answer explanation

Symbolism refers to the use of symbols to represent ideas and qualities, making it the correct choice. The other options describe different literary devices, such as similes and alliteration.

What is an allusion?

• A direct reference to a well-known story or event

• A type of imagery

• An exaggerated statement

• A repeated phrase

Answer explanation

An allusion is a direct reference to a well-known story or event, allowing the writer to convey deeper meaning without extensive explanation. This distinguishes it from imagery, exaggeration, or repetition.