AP Latin : Synchesis

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Latin

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Synchesis

Hinc via Tartarei quae fert Acherontis ad undas.              
turbidus hic caeno vastaque voragine gurges
aestuat atque omnem Cocyto eructat harenam.
Portitor has horrendus aquas et flumina servat
terribili squalore Charon, cui plurima mento                  5
canities inculta iacet, stant lumina flamma,              
sordidus ex umeris nodo dependet amictus.
Ipse ratem conto subigit velisque ministrat
et ferruginea subvectat corpora cumba,
iam senior, sed cruda deo viridisque senectus.              10
Huc omnis turba ad ripas effusa ruebat,               
matres atque viri defunctaque corpora vita
magnanimum heroum, pueri innuptaeque puellae,
impositique rogis iuvenes ante ora parentum . . .

Line 4 has an example of __________.

Possible Answers:

synchysis

chiasmus

litotes

pleonasm

Correct answer:

synchysis

Explanation:

Synchysis is the intentional scattering of words throughout a sentence. In Latin, this is normally presented in the pattern A-B-A-B, as opposed to chiasmus' A-B-B-A pattern. In this sentence, the pattern is nominative, accusative, nominative, accusative.

(Passage adapted from the Aeneid by Vergil, 6.295-308)

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