AP English Literature and Composition

AP English Literature and Composition focuses on the analysis of literary texts and the development of critical reading and writing skills.

Close Reading and AnnotationLiterary Elements and DevicesPoetry Analysis
Prose Fiction AnalysisDrama and Play AnalysisLiterary Argumentation and Essay Writing
Applying Critical Reading SkillsCreative Writing Inspired by LiteratureDiscussion and Debate
Time Management for the AP ExamThesis and Evidence StrategyActive Reading Strategies
Close Reading and An...Literary Elements an...Poetry AnalysisProse Fiction Analys...Drama and Play Analy...Literary Argumentati...Applying Critical Re...Creative Writing Ins...Discussion and Debat...Time Management for ...Thesis and Evidence ...Active Reading Strat...
Basic Concepts

Literary Elements and Devices

Unpacking the Tools of Literature

Literary elements and devices are the building blocks authors use to craft their stories, poems, and plays. Understanding these tools helps you analyze and appreciate literature on a deeper level.

Common Literary Elements

  • Theme: The central idea or message.
  • Setting: Where and when the story takes place.
  • Plot: The sequence of events.
  • Characterization: How characters are developed.

Popular Literary Devices

  • Metaphor: Comparing two things without using "like" or "as."
  • Simile: Comparing two things using "like" or "as."
  • Irony: A contrast between expectation and reality.
  • Allusion: A reference to another work, event, or person.

Why Are These Important?

Recognizing and analyzing these elements and devices allows you to interpret the author’s intentions and the text’s impact on readers.

Real-World Application

Spotting rhetorical devices in speeches or advertisements helps you become a savvier consumer of information.

Examples

  • Identifying irony in 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry.

  • Discussing the theme of ambition in 'Macbeth' by William Shakespeare.

In a Nutshell

Literary elements and devices are the author's toolkit for creating meaning and emotional impact.

Key Terms

Metaphor
A figure of speech comparing two unlike things directly.
Allusion
An indirect or passing reference to another work, person, or event.
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Poetry Analysis