ap english literature live cram sessions 2020 study guides

Key Concepts and Themes

• Explores the human condition, delving into the complexities of emotions, relationships, and experiences that shape individuals and society
• Examines the role of identity, including personal, cultural, and societal influences that contribute to the formation and evolution of one's sense of self
• Investigates the nature of power dynamics within various contexts (interpersonal relationships, social structures, political systems)
• Analyzes the impact of historical, cultural, and social contexts on literature, considering how these factors influence the creation, interpretation, and reception of literary works
• Explores the theme of transformation, examining how characters, relationships, and societies change over time due to internal and external factors
• Delves into the concept of mortality, contemplating the inevitability of death and its profound impact on the human psyche and the meaning of life
• Examines the role of storytelling and narrative structure in conveying meaning, evoking emotions, and engaging readers

Literary Devices and Techniques

• Symbolism employs objects, characters, or events to represent abstract ideas or concepts beyond their literal meaning (light symbolizing hope or knowledge)
• Imagery engages the reader's senses through vivid, descriptive language to create mental pictures and evoke emotions
  • Visual imagery appeals to the sense of sight, describing physical appearances, colors, and scenes
  • Auditory imagery involves sounds, such as dialogue, onomatopoeia, and background noises
  • Olfactory imagery describes smells and scents, often evoking memories or emotions
  • Gustatory imagery relates to the sense of taste, describing flavors and textures of food or drink
  • Tactile imagery involves the sense of touch, describing sensations like temperature, texture, and physical contact
• Metaphors draw comparisons between two seemingly unrelated things to highlight their similarities and deepen understanding (love is a battlefield)
• Similes use "like" or "as" to compare two distinct things, emphasizing shared qualities or characteristics (her eyes shone like stars)
• Personification attributes human qualities or actions to non-human entities, objects, or abstract concepts to create vivid imagery and convey deeper meanings (the wind whispered secrets)
• Foreshadowing hints at future events or outcomes through subtle clues, creating suspense and anticipation for the reader
• Irony juxtaposes expectations and reality, often for humorous or tragic effect
  • Verbal irony occurs when a character's words contradict their true meaning or intention
  • Situational irony arises when an outcome differs significantly from what was anticipated
  • Dramatic irony involves the audience knowing more than the characters, creating tension or humor

Major Works and Authors

• William Shakespeare, the renowned English playwright and poet, is known for his timeless works such as "Hamlet," "Macbeth," and "Romeo and Juliet," which explore universal themes of love, power, and the human condition
• Jane Austen's novels, including "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility," offer witty social commentary and insights into the lives of women in Regency-era England, often focusing on themes of marriage, class, and societal expectations
• F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" captures the decadence and disillusionment of the Jazz Age, exploring themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream through the lens of complex characters and symbolism
• Toni Morrison's novels, such as "Beloved" and "The Bluest Eye," delve into the African American experience, addressing issues of race, identity, trauma, and the enduring impact of slavery on individuals and communities
• Gabriel García Márquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude" is a landmark work of magical realism, weaving together the multi-generational story of the Buendía family with elements of fantasy and political commentary on Latin American history
• Virginia Woolf's modernist works, including "Mrs. Dalloway" and "To the Lighthouse," experiment with narrative techniques and stream-of-consciousness style to explore the inner lives and relationships of her characters
• Ernest Hemingway's concise, understated prose in works like "The Sun Also Rises" and "A Farewell to Arms" reflects the disillusionment and existential struggles of the Lost Generation following World War I

Critical Analysis Strategies

• Close reading involves carefully examining the text, paying attention to diction, syntax, imagery, and other literary devices to uncover deeper meanings and themes
• Historical and cultural context considers the time period, social norms, and political climate in which a work was written, providing insight into the author's intentions and the work's significance
• Character analysis examines the development, motivations, and relationships of characters, considering how they contribute to the overall themes and conflicts of the work
• Setting analysis explores the physical, social, and psychological environments in which the story takes place, examining how the setting influences characters and events
• Thematic analysis identifies and traces the development of central themes throughout the work, considering how they are conveyed through symbols, motifs, and character actions
• Comparative analysis juxtaposes two or more works, authors, or literary movements to identify similarities, differences, and shared themes or techniques
• Applying literary theories, such as feminism, Marxism, or psychoanalysis, offers unique perspectives on interpreting and understanding literature by focusing on specific aspects of the text or its context

Essay Writing Tips

• Develop a clear, arguable thesis statement that directly addresses the prompt and sets the direction for your essay
• Create a well-organized essay structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion that effectively supports your thesis
  • The introduction should provide relevant background information, contextualize the topic, and end with a strong thesis statement
  • Body paragraphs should each focus on a single main idea, beginning with a topic sentence and providing evidence and analysis to support your argument
  • The conclusion should summarize your main points, restate your thesis, and provide a final insight or reflection on the topic
• Use specific, relevant evidence from the text to support your arguments, including direct quotations, paraphrased passages, and references to key events or characters
• Analyze the evidence you present, explaining how it supports your thesis and contributes to the overall meaning of the work
• Employ smooth transitions between paragraphs and ideas to create a coherent, logical flow throughout your essay
• Maintain a formal, academic tone and style, using precise language and avoiding personal anecdotes or overly subjective statements
• Proofread and edit your work for clarity, coherence, and adherence to grammatical and stylistic conventions

Practice Questions and Prompts

• Analyze how a specific literary device or technique (such as symbolism, irony, or point of view) contributes to the meaning of a work, using examples from the text to support your argument
• Compare and contrast two characters from different works, examining their roles, development, and thematic significance
• Discuss how a particular theme (such as love, power, or identity) is explored in a novel or play, considering how it is developed through plot, character, and literary devices
• Examine the role of setting in a work of literature, analyzing how it influences characters, events, and themes
• Evaluate the effectiveness of an author's use of a specific literary device or technique in conveying the central message or theme of a work
• Analyze how a character's actions, thoughts, and dialogue reveal their motivations, conflicts, and development throughout a novel or play
• Discuss the significance of a recurring symbol or motif in a literary work, examining how it contributes to the overall meaning and themes

Exam Preparation Strategies

• Create a study schedule that allows sufficient time to review key concepts, practice close reading and analysis, and refine essay writing skills
• Prioritize the works and authors most likely to appear on the exam, focusing on their central themes, literary devices, and historical/cultural context
• Engage in active reading by annotating texts, making note of important passages, literary devices, and thematic elements
• Practice timed essay writing to develop the ability to organize thoughts, formulate arguments, and provide textual evidence under pressure
• Collaborate with peers through study groups or discussions to share insights, interpretations, and essay strategies
• Review and analyze past exam questions and sample responses to familiarize yourself with the format, expectations, and scoring criteria
• Seek feedback from teachers or tutors on practice essays to identify areas for improvement and refine your writing skills
• Maintain a healthy balance between studying and self-care, ensuring adequate rest, nutrition, and stress management techniques to optimize performance on exam day

Additional Resources and Study Materials

• SparkNotes and CliffsNotes offer summaries, character analyses, and thematic overviews of major literary works, providing a helpful supplement to your primary reading
• The College Board website provides official AP English Literature exam information, including past exam questions, scoring guidelines, and sample student responses
• Online study platforms like Khan Academy and Shmoop offer video lessons, interactive exercises, and practice quizzes to reinforce key concepts and skills
• Writing guides such as "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White and "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser offer tips and techniques for improving your writing clarity, coherence, and style
• Literary criticism and scholarly articles offer in-depth analyses and interpretations of literary works, providing additional perspectives and insights to deepen your understanding
• Podcasts like "The History of Literature" and "The Great Books" discuss major works, authors, and literary movements, offering engaging and informative content to supplement your studies
• YouTube channels such as "Crash Course Literature" and "Thug Notes" provide accessible, entertaining overviews of literary works and concepts, helping to reinforce your knowledge and understanding