Literary Vocabulary

About Literary Vocabulary

How well do you know these words from classic literature? Literary Vocabulary packs 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 5 easy, 5 medium, 5 hard questions into a relaxed session of roughly 7 minutes — no sign-up, no timer pressure. An explanation appears after every answer, and finishing once a day keeps your streak alive.

A few sample questions

1. 1. What does the word 'benevolent' mean?

   Answer: Well-meaning and kindly

   Benevolent means well-meaning and kindly. It comes from the Latin 'bene' (well) and 'volens' (wishing). It appears frequently in works by Charles Dickens.

2. 2. In literature, what does 'melancholy' describe?

   Answer: A deep feeling of sadness

   Melancholy describes a deep, persistent sadness or gloom. Shakespeare used this word extensively, most notably in describing Hamlet's disposition.

3. 3. What does 'eloquent' mean?

   Answer: Fluent and persuasive in speech or writing

   Eloquent means fluent, persuasive, and articulate in speaking or writing. Many literary heroes, such as Atticus Finch in 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' are described as eloquent.

4. 4. What does 'quixotic' mean, derived from the novel 'Don Quixote'?

   Answer: Exceedingly idealistic and unrealistic

   Quixotic means exceedingly idealistic, unrealistic, and impractical. It comes directly from Cervantes' character Don Quixote, who pursued impossible dreams.

5. 5. What is the meaning of the word 'protagonist'?

   Answer: The main character in a story

   A protagonist is the leading or main character in a literary work. The word comes from Greek 'protos' (first) and 'agonistes' (actor or combatant).

Things you'll learn along the way

• ✓Ubiquitous means present, appearing, or found everywhere. From the Latin 'ubique' meaning 'everywhere,' it is often used in literary criticism to describe recurring themes.
• ✓Verdant means green with grass or rich vegetation. From the Latin 'viridis' (green), it is commonly used by authors like Thomas Hardy to describe pastoral landscapes.
• ✓A sycophant is a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain an advantage. The word appears in works from Shakespeare to modern literature.