📚AP English Literature
Key Terms
229 essential vocabulary terms and definitions to know for your AP English Literature exam
Most-studied AP English Literature key terms
The AP English Literature terms students look up most, with a definition for each.
Key Terms by Unit
1.1 Interpreting the role of character in fiction
1.2 Identifying and interpreting setting
1.3 Understanding how a story’s structure affects interpretations
1.4 Understanding and interpreting a narrator’s perspective
1.5 Reading texts literally and figuratively
2.1 Identifying characters in poetry
2.2 Understanding & interpreting meaning in poetic structure
2.3 Analyzing word choice to find meaning
2.4 Identifying techniques in poetry to analyze literary works
3.1 Interpreting character description and perspective
3.2 Character evolution throughout a narrative
3.3 Conflict and plot development
3.4 Interpreting symbolism
3.5 Identifying evidence and supporting literary arguments
4.1 Protagonists, antagonists, character relationships, and conflict
4.2 Character interactions with setting and its significance
4.3 Archetypes in literature
4.4 Types of narration like stream of consciousness
4.5 Narrative distance, tone, and perspective
5.1 Traits of closed and open structures in poetry
5.2 Use of techniques like imagery and hyperbole
5.3 Types of comparisons in poetry including personification and allusion
5.4 Identifying and interpreting extended metaphors
6.1 Interpreting foil characters
6.2 Understanding and interpreting character complexity
6.3 Understanding nonlinear narrative structures like flashbacks and foreshadowing
6.4 The effect of narrative tone and bias on reading
6.5 Characters as symbols, metaphors, and archetypes
6.6 Developing literary arguments within a broader context of works
7.1 Sudden and more gradual change in characters
7.3 Relationships between characters and groups
7.4 Character interactions with changing and contrasting settings
7.5 The significance of the pacing of a narrative
7.6 Setting as a symbol
7.7 Interpreting texts in their historical and societal contexts
8.1 Looking at Punctuation and Structural Patterns
8.2 Interpreting juxtaposition, paradox, and irony
8.3 How ambiguity can allow for various interpretations
8.4 Identifying symbols, conceits, and allusions
8.5 Learning proper attribution and citation in literary analysis
9.1 Looking at a character’s response to the resolution of a narrative
9.2 Suspense, resolution, and plot development
9.3 Narrative inconsistencies and contrasting perspectives
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