AP English Literature and Composition College Board

This subject offers 60 topics in 3 modules:

  1. Longer Fiction or Drama 19 topics
  2. Poetry 17 topics
  3. Short Fiction 24 topics
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This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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English Literature and Composition

Longer Fiction or Drama

Character

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Character

Understanding Characters in Literature

Character Introduction

  • Characters are the individuals who inhabit the world of the text and carry out the actions that form the narrative.
  • Characters can be humans, animals, or even inanimate objects depending on the style and genre.
  • The character or characters are vital for driving the narrative, influencing the plot and evoking certain emotions from the reader.

Analysis of Characters

  • Character analysis involves exploring the personality traits, actions, and motivations of a character to better understand them.
  • Remember to look beyond the obvious. Characters are often multi-faceted with hidden qualities and motivations that may require careful reading to unveil.
  • Inferences about a character may be made from their dialogue, behaviour and relationships.

Character's Perspectives

  • A character's perspective or point of view can greatly influence how events are depicted in a text.
  • Their perspective can be shaped by their background, social class or personal experiences.
  • A character's perspective can help to highlight certain aspects of the narrative or themes within the work.

Character's Motives

  • Every character has motivations, or reasons for his or her actions. These motivations can often drive the plot.
  • Well-crafted characters have complex motives that can reflect both their personality and their situation.
  • It's essential to identify and discuss a character's motives in order to trace the development of the plot.

Revealing Characters Through Textual Details

  • Not all character information is directly stated by the author. Often, details are revealed subtly through actions, dialogue or descriptions.
  • These textual details can provide crucial cues about a character's personality, motivations and thinking.
  • Similarly, attitudes towards other characters or reactions to situations can also provide deep insights about a character.

As the reader, your role is to piece together the character qualities and motivations hinted at by the author. This helps you not only to better understand the character, but also to form a more complete picture of the literary work as a whole.

Course material for English Literature and Composition, module Longer Fiction or Drama, topic Character

English Literature and Composition

Poetry

Simile in Poetry

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Simile in Poetry

Understanding Similes in Poetry

  • Similes are a common literary device used in poetry to create detailed images and comparisons. They involve comparing one thing to another using the words 'like' or 'as'.
  • A simile allows a poet to connect two unlike things in an imaginative manner, often to emphasize or spotlight a certain characteristic or quality.
  • Grasp the basic structure: "X is like Y" or "X is as Y as Z", where X is the subject, Y is the characteristic, and Z is the comparison.
  • Similes can be used to express emotion, make abstract ideas more concrete, or paint vivid visual images for the readers.

Analysing Similes in Poetry

  • When you identify a simile, ask yourself: What are the two things being compared and why are they compared? This can give you insight into what the poet is trying to convey.
  • Consider the impact of the simile on the overall poem. Does it contribute to the poem’s theme, mood, or tone?
  • Keep in mind that similes, while straightforward on the surface, can carry deeper, more subtle meanings. A seemingly simple comparison can reveal much about the poem's themes or the poet's perception.
  • Make note of any similes that are particularly striking or unusual. These could be the poet's way of challenging your expectations or drawing attention to a specific point.

Interpreting Similes in Poetry

  • Remember that similes are subjective and their interpretation can vary. Your task is to provide a thoughtful and convincing analysis, not necessarily the 'correct' one.
  • Articulate the effectiveness of the simile. Does it add to your understanding or appreciation of the poem? Does it evoke certain emotions or images?
  • Finally, use your analysis of the simile to contribute to your overall interpretation of the poem. Show how the simile fits into the broader context and themes of the poem. Don't analyse it in isolation.
  • In essays, use evidence in the form of quotations, explain the make-up of the simile, its impact, and tie it back to the poem's larger themes or message. This will demonstrate your ability to close read and interpret poetry.

Course material for English Literature and Composition, module Poetry, topic Simile in Poetry

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