Literary Vocabulary and Poetic Forms

Questions and Answers

What does the word 'Astute' mean?

Present or found everywhere

Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage (correct)

Aiding or designed to aid the memory

A type of poem with two rhymes

What is a Villanelle?

A nineteen-line poem with two rhymes throughout, consisting of five tercets and a quatrain.

What does 'Mnemonic' refer to?

Aiding or designed to aid the memory.

Define 'Sagacity'.

Acuteness of mental discernment and soundness of judgment. Signup and view all the answers

The term 'Ubiquitous' means present and found everywhere.

True Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Myriad' mean?

A countless or extremely great number. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Petrarchan Sonnet?

A sonnet form popularized by Petrarch, consisting of an octave with the rhyme scheme abbaabba and a sestet with rhyme schemes such as cdecde. Signup and view all the answers

What is an Octave in poetry?

A poem or stanza of eight lines. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Idiosyncrasy' mean?

A mode of behavior or way of thought peculiar to an individual. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Portend' mean?

Be a sign or warning that something is likely to happen. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Narcissus in Greek mythology?

A hunter known for his beauty who disdained those who loved him. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Sestet?

The last six lines of a sonnet. Signup and view all the answers

A __________ Sonnet has no set rhyme scheme.

Blank Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vocabulary Definitions

Astute: Indicates the ability to accurately evaluate situations or people for personal advantage.
Villanelles: A complex poetic form made up of 19 lines, structured with five tercets and a quatrain, utilizing two repeating rhymes and refrains from the initial tercet.
Mnemonic: Refers to techniques or devices that enhance memory retention.
Sagacity: Signifies sharp mental insight and sound judgment.
Ubiquitous: Describes a state of being present or existing everywhere simultaneously.
Myriad: Denotes an exceedingly large or countless number.

Poetic Forms

Petrarchan Sonnet: A sonnet type that features an octave following the rhyme scheme abbaabba, followed by a sestet with variable schemes like cdecde or cdcdcd, also known as the Italian sonnet.
Octave: Represents a stanza or poem component with exactly eight lines.
Sestet: Refers to the final six lines of a sonnet.

Literary Concepts

Idiosyncrasy: Describes characteristics or behaviors that are unique to an individual.
Portend: Serves as a warning or indication that significant or disastrous events may occur.

Mythological Reference

Narcissus: A character from Greek mythology recognized for his extraordinary beauty; he was the son of the river god Cephissus and the nymph Liriope, known for his pride and disdain for those who adored him.

Additional Terms

Blank Sonnet: A form of sonnet that does not use any rhyme, typically consisting of unrhymed iambic pentameter.

Description

Test your knowledge on vocabulary definitions and various poetic forms. This quiz covers literary concepts from astute vocabulary choices to the structure of villanelles and sonnets. Perfect for students and literature enthusiasts alike!