The Advanced Placement (AP) Literature and Composition exam is a rigorous assessment that requires students to demonstrate a deep understanding of literary works, critical thinking, and effective writing skills. To achieve success on the AP Lit exam, it is essential to master a range of key terms and concepts that are commonly used in literary analysis. Here are 10+ key words to focus on, along with their definitions, examples, and explanations of how they can be applied to literary analysis.
Key Terms for Literary Analysis
Understanding the following key terms is crucial for success on the AP Lit exam. These terms will help you analyze and interpret literary works, identify themes and motifs, and develop well-supported arguments in your essays.
1. Imagery
Imagery refers to the use of language to create vivid sensory experiences for the reader. This can include descriptions of nature, characters, settings, and actions. For example, in William Wordsworth’s poem “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,” the line “I wandered lonely as a cloud / That floats on high o’er vales and hills” creates a powerful image of the speaker’s isolation and connection to nature.
2. Symbolism
Symbolism involves the use of objects, colors, or other elements to represent abstract ideas or concepts. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby, the green light across the water is a symbol of the elusive American Dream, which Gatsby longs for. Understanding symbolism is essential for uncovering the deeper meanings and themes in literary works.
3. Theme
A theme is a central idea or message that emerges from a literary work. Themes can be implicit or explicit and are often developed through the characters, plot, and setting. In Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice, one of the major themes is the dangers of making judgments based on appearances, as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy must overcome their initial impressions of each other to realize their true feelings.
4. Motif
A motif is a recurring element or idea that is repeated throughout a literary work. Motifs can be used to develop themes, create suspense, or add depth to the narrative. In Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, the motif of blood is used to symbolize guilt, violence, and the consequences of sin.
5. Characterization
Characterization refers to the ways in which authors create and develop characters in a literary work. This can include direct description, dialogue, and action, as well as indirect methods such as what other characters say about them. In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the character of Severus Snape is developed through a combination of direct and indirect characterization, revealing a complex and multifaceted personality.
6. Plot
The plot of a literary work refers to the sequence of events that make up the narrative. Plots can be linear or non-linear and may include elements such as exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. In Gustave Flaubert’s novel Madame Bovary, the plot is driven by the protagonist’s desires and disappointments, leading to a tragic conclusion.
7. Setting
The setting of a literary work refers to the time and place in which the narrative takes place. Setting can be used to establish mood, influence character behavior, and provide background information. In Toni Morrison’s novel Beloved, the setting of a haunted house in post-Civil War America serves as a powerful symbol of the legacy of slavery and its ongoing impact on the characters’ lives.
8. Tone
The tone of a literary work refers to the author’s attitude towards the subject matter. Tone can be formal or informal, serious or humorous, and can influence the reader’s interpretation of the narrative. In Jonathan Swift’s satire A Modest Proposal, the tone is ironic and sarcastic, as Swift uses humor to critique the social and economic conditions of his time.
9. Irony
Irony involves a discrepancy or incongruity between what is expected and what actually occurs. There are three types of irony: verbal, situational, and dramatic. In O. Henry’s short story “The Gift of the Magi,” the irony lies in the fact that the young couple each sacrifices their most precious possession to buy a Christmas gift for the other, only to discover that the gifts are now useless.
10. Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is a literary device in which the author hints at events that will occur later in the narrative. Foreshadowing can create suspense, build tension, and add depth to the plot. In William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, the chorus’s opening lines “From forth the fatal loins of these two foes / A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life” foreshadow the tragic ending of the story.
| Literary Device | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Imagery | The use of language to create vivid sensory experiences | Wordsworth's "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" |
| Symbolism | The use of objects or colors to represent abstract ideas | Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby |
| Theme | A central idea or message that emerges from a literary work | Austen's Pride and Prejudice |
| Motif | A recurring element or idea that is repeated throughout a literary work | Shakespeare's Macbeth |
| Characterization | The ways in which authors create and develop characters | Rowling's Harry Potter series |
| Plot | The sequence of events that make up the narrative | Flaubert's Madame Bovary |
| Setting | The time and place in which the narrative takes place | Morrison's Beloved |
| Tone | The author's attitude towards the subject matter | Swift's A Modest Proposal |
| Irony | A discrepancy or incongruity between what is expected and what actually occurs | O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi" |
| Foreshadowing | A literary device in which the author hints at events that will occur later in the narrative | Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet |
In addition to mastering these key terms, it is also important to develop effective reading and writing skills. This includes being able to closely read and analyze literary texts, identify and explain literary devices, and develop well-supported arguments in your essays.
AP Lit Exam Format and Content
The AP Lit exam consists of two sections: multiple choice and free response. The multiple-choice section tests your ability to analyze and interpret literary passages, while the free-response section requires you to write essays in response to prompts.
Multiple-Choice Section
The multiple-choice section includes 55 questions that test your knowledge of literary works, literary devices, and critical thinking skills. You will have 1 hour to complete this section.
Free-Response Section
The free-response section includes three essay prompts that require you to write well-supported arguments in response to literary works. You will have 2 hours to complete this section.
What is the format of the AP Lit exam?
+The AP Lit exam consists of two sections: multiple choice and free
