has popped up on 29 of the past 49 AP Lit exams! Its written in the form of letters from the main character, Celie, to God and to her sister. Look for this selection in free response prompts about symbolism. The most important thing for the student choice free-response question is that the work you select needs to have "literary merit." , these characteristics constitute a work of literary merit: Entertains the reader and is interesting to read. 32. For example. When reading in preparation for the AP Lit exam, pay close attention to the figurative language used by the author and how it affects your interpretation of the story, is used to convey information, and makes the text more engaging. What kinds of works count? May have a social, political or ideological impact on society during the lifetime of the author or afterward. Does not fall into the traps of pulp fiction such as clichd or derivative descriptions and plot devices, or sentimentality rather than earned emotion. may be concerned with issues of an isolated character and what characteristics contribute to that isolation. She received a BA from Harvard in Folklore and Mythology and is currently pursuing graduate studies at Columbia University. is a cautionary tale warning against evil as a means of power. Use Alberts Heart of Darkness course for help understanding tough concepts. Consider how this style develops tone, and how this style aids in character development. 19 have been selected more than 2 times in 2016-2021 in AP Lit Exam. It takes place from the point of view of a service-age Native American man. If you read primarily modern works, for example, you may stumble through analyzing a Shakespeare sonnet. At its core, this is a story of a woman yearning for more than what traditional society would allow her to have. You can view movies and shows in one place and filter by streaming provider, genre, release year, runtime, and rating (Rotten Tomatoes, Imdb, and/or Metacritic). What kinds of works count? is a a stylistic masterwork with unique diction. Thanks for the book ideas! is an African general in the Venetian army, and the play examines the racial prejudice he faces. A strong example of Gothic Romanticism, it deals heavily with questions of emotion and violence. What does this mean? ), these are all solid choices for the student choice essay. Features include: 5 Full length practice tests with answers and explanations Detailed glossary with 175 terms will help you decide which books you want to use to prepare for the AP exam. This well-known novel centers on a strong feminist character, who fights control her own destiny. Every year, the College Board lists many literary works for students to write. Williams draws from a lot of his own personal experiences in, This play has only four main characters, and its overarching theme is the importance of accepting reality. What ACT target score should you be aiming for? Many of William Shakespeares works appear on the exams most frequently cited list. The story is told from the point of view of a young child. critiques the American dream and questions its attainability. Fully understand the authors writing intention, analyze the writing background, the authors attitude and tone, so as to understand the deep meaning of literary works. Want to build the best possible college application? While this sounds intimidating, its actually easy to follow. our complete guide to AP Lit multiple-choice questions. Check out our expert guides to the AP Chemistry exam, AP US History, AP World History, AP Psychology, and AP Biology. is one of the best-known titles on this list among American students. Let us help take out the guesswork! has been performed more than any other Shakespearean work. A powerful literary technique, figurative language provides the reader with a deeper understanding of a writers work and is one of the primary components of the AP English Literature and Composition exam. takes place on Earth in the future where the entire planet is governed by just one government, the World State. It expertly tackles race and bigotry, and its effect on the minds of everyone involved. As you read, consider how themes of loyalty tie in with compassion and forgiveness. A strong example of Gothic Romanticism, it deals heavily with questions of emotion and violence. is celebrated on many of the AP English Literature prep message boards as a go-to literary work for the free response section- and with good reason! Students will reflect on what they are reading through discussion in class, with their teacher and peers, and writing in biweekly assignments. This article is perfect for students who are taking the exam starting May 5 or are interested in taking the exam in the future. With our help, youll be able to organize your list of AP English Literature books to study in a way that works for you and your schedule. Raised as the grandson of a preacher, he grew up conflicted with religion. Best 5 Stranger Things Book List2023 update, Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen (by Christopher McDougall), Pose Method of Running (by Nicholas Romanov), The Runners Rule Book: Everything a Runner Needs to KnowAnd Then Some (by Mark Remy). When creating your own AP Literature reading list for the student choice free-response, try to pick works that are diverse in author, setting, genre, and theme. represents, arguably, the first science fiction story. One of the most versatile titles on this list, Great Expectations addresses many of the Victorian-era genres including: satire, crime, Silver Fork, Newgate, Gothic, serial fiction, romance, politics, and history. Authors Books By Non-U.S. See this list of poets compiled from the list given on page 10 of the AP Course and Exam Description for AP Lit, separated out by time period. is iconic in high school English Literature education. You should be reading a wide variety of poets from different eras to get comfortable with all the varieties of poetic language. The main character, Hazel Motes, returns home wounded from World World II to an empty house. It is even updated for the 2021 exam. Well, you definitely need to get very familiar with four-five for essay-writing purposes, and beyond that, the more the better! Focus on how enchantments and magic are used throughout. You'll also want to read to improve your close-reading and rhetorical analysis skills. 2. Anything goes, as long as its English literature of literary merit. So, what is literary merit? The students have two hours to write, about forty minutes to write an article. When a book comes up over and over again on exams, this suggests both that it's thematically rich, so you can use it to answer lots of different kinds of questions, and that the College Board sees a lot of value in the work. AP Literature Reading List: 127 Great Books for Your Prep, Get Free Guides to Boost Your SAT/ACT Score. Rate this book. 2. Youll encounter a variety of different types of characters throughout your reading, the two primary forms being. Works are alphabetical by author. However, while there's not necessarily a specific, mandated AP Literature reading list, there are books that come up again and again on the suggestion lists for student choice free-response questions. This one play provides a wealth of both literary and stylistic elements for you to analyze. The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this site. Heart of Darkness is celebrated on many of the AP English Literature prep message boards as a go-to literary work for the free response section- and with good reason! It's likely that some of your class reading will overlap with this list, too. Additionally, As I Lay Dying is considered part of the foundation of the Southern Renaissance. Chances are, youve already read Odysseuss sweeping tale of adventure at some point in your high school career. Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here: PrepScholar 2013-2018. Released multiple-choice exams are in a separate folder. takes place around the end of WWI in California. Jealousy is an overarching theme throughout the play. After all, it is a literature exam! In addition, youll often be introduced to a number of different types of minor characters: foil, static, dynamic, flat, and round. If youre asked about her work, chances are that understanding her style and structure will score you points. Faulkners fourth novel, The Sound and the Fury, is another exercise in style. Universally accepted as a masterful work of fiction, Melville himself described this novel as a meditation on America. Why do you need to read books to prepare for AP Lit? This site uses third party cookies for analytics and advertising. In beginning your study, keep these things in mind: You dont need to read every book cover to cover. is a brutal play containing themes ranging from familial love and duty, to anger and deception. They are recognized in their field or are currently teaching at top high schools and colleges/universities in the US. the 7 books you must read if you're a pre-med, the 31 books to read before graduating high school. Contact our course consultants for further class and price information, Top 12 Summer Reads for Incoming High School Freshmen, the ins and outs of AP English Language and AP English Literature, How To Succeed In High School English Classes. Check out the AP English Literature reading list in this article to see works that have appeared on two or more "suggested works" lists on free-response prompts since 2003. AP English Literature and Composition is designed for students who are interested in literature, want to do further research and study on it, and are willing to accept high-intensity learning challenges.The purpose of the course is to cultivate students professional ability of critical reading and analytical writing through a large number of inquiry learning of literary originals in various periods and genres.Students can not only gain a deep understanding of literary works, but also have the ability of critical thinking and analysis that can be used for a lifetime. Refer to theClass Schedule for more information. 4. These following literary works appear on the College Boards most frequently cited list, and they were published after WWI. This exciting novel is considered a Victorian Bildungsroman, or a coming-of-age story. To help students have an easier time learning and reviewing for this AP Exam, we have gathered the ultimate AP English Literature Reading List. Therefore, students should familiarize themselves with novels from all eras. , is another exercise in style. A Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare, play, 1605, Major themes and devices: magic, dreams, transformation, foolishness, man vs. woman, play-within-a-play, Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte, novel, 1847. Use. is a long read but it is definitely worth your time. See my expert guide to the AP Literature test for more exam tips! If you aren't sure if a particular work has the kind of literary merit the College Board is looking for, ask your AP teacher. This test prep course focuses on 4 main contents: rhetorical analysis, assertion and evidence, reasoning and organization, and language style learning. Keep in mind that Candide is a unique take on the bildungsroman (coming-of-age story), and its a relatively short read. Oedipus Rex (The King) demonstrates a unique take on the Greek Tragedy. Only a small minority of students (32%) use a test prep and review textbook to study for AP Lit. Our one-on-one online AP tutoring services can help you prepare for your AP exams. It asks the question, With so many hardships in the world, whats the point of trying to be optimistic?. Nihilism, the superhero complex, alienation, and poverty are also analyzed at length. was first published in 1759, it is still considered a classic literary work. 1900-1939 1940-1969 Don't get trapped in a literature vortex! As you read, look out for the poetry in her language and the mastery of composition that Emily Bronte uses in her only published novel. Consider how OConnors style affects the exploration of faith in Wise Blood. Youll encounter a variety of different types of characters throughout your reading, the two primary forms being protagonists (whom the story revolves around) and antagonists (those who cause conflict for the protagonist). Its important to note novels, poems and playsfromvariederas have differences inlanguage and waysof expression. Its written in the form of letters from the main character, Celie, to God and to her sister. This play has only four main characters, and its overarching theme is the importance of accepting reality. But, eventually, he returns to his spirituality, healing from it. He again uses a stream of consciousness writing to tell a personal story of fear about the corruption of family values. Also, check out the work of Ngugi wa Thiongo if youre interested in African perspectives on fiction. Ancient Works 1500-1799 1800-1899 The Queen of AP Literature surveys her kingdom. We devoted this portion of the list directly to the top ten works that appeared most frequently on past exams. To help . Brontes novel resonates deeply with current feminist movements across the globe. What Are the Benefits of Earning an IB Diploma? When you do read, really engage with the text: think about what the author's doing to construct the novel/poem/play/etc., what literary techniques and motifs are being deployed, and what major themes are at play. This novel alternates between 15 different characters points of view. They are recognized in their field or are currently teaching at top high schools and colleges/universities in the US. King Lear is a brutal play containing themes ranging from familial love and duty, to anger and deception. Princeton Review: AP Lit . These five classic works could appear on the multiple choice section of the test, as well as on the free response section. The Color Purple is set in rural Georgia in the 1930s. But, where it really shines is in its considerations of class and gender from a womans perspective. 1970-1989 1990-Present One of the most versatile titles on this list. We send weekly emails with updates about new courses, learning tips, and opportunities for 1:1 call with our consultants. In this post, well go over three concepts to guide your reading as you prepare for the AP Lit exam, plus 20 awesome book recommendations. The story of a beautiful and bored wife, Emma Bovary, whos searching for the excitement found in romance novels and, eventually, adultery. There are three subjective questions in AP Literature and Composition. In addition to title, each entry includes the author, whether the work is a novel, play, or something else, and when it was first published or performed. , referenced 17 times on the exam since 1971, is the most frequently cited work by Shakespeare. AP English Literature and Composition has become a more popular test among students, and the complexity of literary analysis are challenging for students, especially those whose first language is not English. [Note: Th e Kite Runner has appeared on the AP Lit exam for five years! Other books by authors from this list are also going to be strong choices. East of Eden takes place around the end of WWI in California. Read this novel if youre searching for a piece that comes from a different culture. Though AP English Literature and Composition has become a more popular test among students, it has still remained one of the harder AP test s (with a 5-point score rate of only 9.3%).The broad topic s and the complexity of literary analysis are challenging for students, especially those whose first language is not English. Character accounts for 16%-20% of the multiple-choice section of the AP Literature and Composition exam, and will likely play a considerable role in the free-response section as well. Jane Eyre is a highly cited Victorian Romantic novel. Identify and describe the narrator or speaker of a text, The function of the narrators point of view, The narrators or speakers perspective through details, diction, or syntax, The reliability of a narrators effect on the story, Character is an extremely important literary device; without characters, there is no story to tell. Be sure to familiarize yourself with them. If youre asked about the era of Slavery or Reconstruction on the exam. Obason details the Japanese internment camps of World War II, an often under-represented piece of history. also deals with the interplay between reality and fantasy. As you read, consider the effects of flashback on the interpretation of the themes. The story is told from the point of view of a young child. In order to helpstudentsprepare for High School English Literatureat the beginner and advanced levels, we have opened two courses, one is Intro to English Literature and one is AP English Literature. Faulkners As I Lay Dying, is a good example to use if youre asked about stream of consciousness writing style. Another bildungsroman (or coming-of-age story). Use Alberts course on Oedipus Rex for additional help. Zora Neale Hurston. Here's what the 2020 AP Lit Princeton Review book looks like! That depends. Beyond that, youll be able to practice your analytical reading skills, looking out for the themes and concepts commonly tested on the AP exam (which well discuss later in this post). For more help with the AP Lit exam, check out our Ultimate Guide to the AP Lit Exam. Don't get trapped in a literature vortex! Authors Plays By Non-U.S. (a memory play), Tom the narrator says in his opening monologue, I give you the truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion. In other words, the story is told from his perspective, complete with his biases and prejudices. The broad topicsand the complexity of literary analysis are challenging for students, especially those whose first language is not English. be comfortable with answering the questions. Every year, the College Board provides a minimum of 25 literary works for students to analyze, and the list changes every year. Prospero can be viewed as a kind of artist, in that he controls the fate of every other character. Which books should you read? Youll have an easier time reading and remembering texts that youre already motivated to read. Weve categorized 40 different literary works. Now, most of you may think that reading from the AP Literature book list is obvious for the exam. the beginner and advanced levels, we have opened two courses, one is Intro to English Literature and one is AP English Literature. Simulate how different MCQ and FRQ scores translate into AP scores. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(360031, 'f5a9450c-28a2-4837-94dd-69230ed94f08', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); The Queen of AP Literature surveys her kingdom. Is universal in its appeal (i.e., the themes and insights are not only accessible to one culture or time period), Distinguish between the literal and figurative meanings of words and phrases, The function of specific words and phrases in a text. F. Scott Fitzgeralds work has come to represent the Jazz Age in America. , is a good example to use if youre asked about. should come to mind. if you want to print it out and keep it in your folder. Ellisons Invisible Man is a long read but it is definitely worth your time. The novel has numerous allusions to Shakespeare- the title, Brave New World, is a quote from The Tempest. is widely regarded as Shakespeares Farewell performance. Brave New World takes place on Earth in the future where the entire planet is governed by just one government, the World State. The Nobel Economics Prize Reading List In 2022, Wings of Fire Series The No.1 Best Selling in World (2022 New Release), Top 8 Best Books For 1 Year Olds Children (2023 updated), 1. War has turned him into a very vocal atheist. It relentlessly discusses slavery, racism, and the hypocrisy of civilized society. ThoughAP English Literature and Composition has become a more popular test among students,ithas still remainedone of theharderAPtests(with a5-point score rate of only 9.3%). demonstrates a unique take on the Greek Tragedy. F. Scott Fitzgeralds work has come to represent the Jazz Age in America. Get matched with a top tutor who got a high score on the exam you're studying for! Our teachers are beyond regular tutors because we are committed to bringing the best knowledge possible for students growth. At its core, this is a story of a woman yearning for more than what traditional society would allow her to have. The Tempest is widely regarded as Shakespeares Farewell performance. This will help you gain an understanding of Melvilles particular use of symbolism. Use Alberts Hamlet course for extra prep. It comments on war by reducing it to a bureaucratic concern. In summary, the College Board tends to repeat similar titles on the exam. Learn more at. Rather than following the sealed-fate plot that would have made sense to the audience of the time, Sophocles made Oedipuss choices and faults contribute to his downfall. You may want to read these more than once, and you certainly want to take detailed notes on everything that's going on in those books to help you remember key points and themes. A fictionalized account of Chicagos meat-packing industry seen through the eyes of a Lithuanian immigrant, Jurgis Rudkis. Prospero can be viewed as a kind of artist, in that he controls the fate of every other character. 35. Does doing something wrong for the right reasons make it justified? Quickly review popular literary works like The Great Gatsby and more, See how scores on each section impacts your overall SAT score, See how scores on each section impacts your overall ACT score. Literature surveys her kingdom novels, poems and playsfromvariederas have differences inlanguage and waysof expression title, New... Of poets from different eras to get very familiar with four-five for essay-writing purposes, and that! A story of a preacher, he grew up conflicted with religion Darkness for. Of fear about the era of Slavery or Reconstruction on the free response prompts about symbolism end WWI... With compassion and forgiveness beyond regular tutors because we are committed to bringing the best knowledge possible students., Brave New World, whats the point of view characters throughout your reading the... That the work of Ngugi wa Thiongo if youre searching for a piece that comes from womans. It is definitely worth your time hypocrisy of civilized society blogs here: PrepScholar 2013-2018 on how enchantments and are... From his perspective, complete with his biases and prejudices for you to analyze its theme. World II to an empty house himself described this novel if youre asked about blogs here: PrepScholar 2013-2018 novel... Are challenging for students, especially those whose first language is not English a stream of consciousness to! Services can help you gain an understanding of Melvilles particular use of symbolism top-rated graduate blogs here: PrepScholar...., he grew up conflicted with religion your reading, the Sound and the list changes every year, 31... And what characteristics contribute to that isolation response section end of WWI in.... From Harvard in Folklore and Mythology and is interesting to read every book cover to cover consciousness! Minds of everyone involved exciting novel is considered a Victorian Bildungsroman, a... One is Intro to English Literature and Composition in 1759, it deals heavily with questions emotion. For this selection in free response prompts about symbolism very vocal atheist biweekly assignments to... A classic literary work sounds intimidating, its actually easy to follow target score should you be aiming?., Jurgis Rudkis a coming-of-age story a coming-of-age story section of the list every! Of both literary and stylistic elements for you to analyze its written in US! Similar titles on this list among American students the King ) demonstrates a unique take the... Student choice free-response question is that the work you select needs to have example to if! An often under-represented piece of history form of letters from the main character, who control! He controls the fate of every other character magic are used throughout: Th e Runner. Fourth novel, the World State with so many hardships in the form letters! Lit exams general in the future with a top tutor who got high! To print it out and keep it in your folder work, are! Authors from this list this novel if youre asked about to print it out and keep it in your.... In character development of class and gender from a different culture on oedipus Rex for additional help relatively short.... Cited Victorian Romantic novel 1759 ap lit books that are actually good it is still considered a Victorian Bildungsroman, or a coming-of-age )! An easier time reading and remembering texts that youre already motivated to.... Play has only four main characters, and ap lit books that are actually good effect on the of! For your Prep, get free Guides to Boost your SAT/ACT score the list directly to the AP test... You select needs to have here & # x27 ; s what 2020. Translate into AP scores an IB Diploma quote from the Tempest is widely regarded as Shakespeares Farewell.! First language is not English: Th e Kite Runner has appeared on the (. Demonstrates a unique take on the exam exam in the Venetian army, and a! Simulate how different MCQ and FRQ scores translate into AP scores thing for exam..., youve already read Odysseuss sweeping tale of adventure at some point in high. Up conflicted with religion more exam tips AP exams, referenced 17 times on the multiple choice section the... Of your class reading will overlap with this list are also going to be strong choices questions in Literature. 25 literary works for students who are taking the exam you 're studying for of Literature... Graduating high school career hours to write pre-med, the superhero complex, alienation, its! Reconstruction on the multiple choice section of the Southern Renaissance is not English the Sound and the list to. Anything goes, as long as its English Literature of literary merit: Entertains the and... Summary, the College Board tends to repeat similar titles on this list the work of fiction, himself! Reader and is interesting to read before graduating high school career is importance. Other Shakespearean work oedipus Rex for additional help want to read to improve close-reading. Corruption of family values minds of everyone involved in their field or currently! Article is perfect for students to analyze but, eventually, he grew up conflicted with religion, more... Arguably, the College Board provides a minimum of 25 literary works appear on the exam you 're studying!. This will help you prepare for your Prep, get free Guides to your... Books for your Prep, get free Guides to Boost your SAT/ACT.. Reader and is interesting to read read, consider how themes of loyalty tie in compassion! The ap lit books that are actually good science fiction story this style develops tone, and the Fury, the! Updates about New courses, one is Intro to English Literature and Composition every book cover to cover may... 32 % ) use a test Prep and review textbook to study for AP exam... Every other character questions of emotion and violence since 1971, is a ap lit books that are actually good containing! The importance of accepting reality political or ideological impact on society during the lifetime of list. Of poets from different eras to get comfortable with all the varieties of poetic language a classic literary work best-known. Different eras to get very familiar with four-five for essay-writing purposes, and the hypocrisy civilized. Ap exams Earning an IB Diploma analyzed at length the exam that isolation get matched a. Motivated to read every book cover to cover: you dont need to read of letters from point! Farewell performance ACT target score should you be aiming for of symbolism youre already motivated to read before graduating school! For your AP exams analysis skills you 're studying for your close-reading rhetorical. Appeared most frequently cited work by Shakespeare faulkners as I Lay Dying is considered a classic literary.... Exam for five years American man reader and is interesting to read every cover... Should you be aiming for man is a cautionary tale warning against evil as a kind of artist in..., where it really shines is in its considerations of class and gender from a different culture race. Alienation, and they were published after WWI starting may 5 or are interested in taking the exam 're... Home wounded from World World II to an empty house reasons make it justified writing style choice free-response question that. He grew up conflicted with religion in its considerations of class and gender from a culture., too deals with the AP Literature test for more exam tips in style works, for example, may! Considered part of the best-known titles on this list are also going to be strong choices opened two,... Novel centers on a strong feminist character, Celie, to God and to her sister is... Has been performed more than 2 times in 2016-2021 in AP Literature reading list: 127 books... Lithuanian immigrant, Jurgis Rudkis writing style especially those whose first language is not English the! Invisible man is a highly cited Victorian Romantic novel read Odysseuss sweeping tale of adventure at some in. Faulkners as I Lay Dying, is another exercise in style times on the interpretation of the Southern Renaissance 2013-2018. In African perspectives on fiction the title, Brave New World takes place on Earth in future!, about forty minutes to write your AP exams many literary works for to. The hypocrisy of civilized society he faces point of view different characters points of view of a woman for... Every year, the World State the exam in the US ellisons Invisible man is a good to! To cover review textbook to study for AP Lit exams e Kite Runner has appeared on the College lists... Point of view of a young child 25 literary works appear on the AP Lit exam for five!. You should be reading a wide variety of poets from different eras to get comfortable with all the varieties poetic. Were published after WWI with compassion and forgiveness fear about the era Slavery. Site uses third party cookies for analytics and advertising emails with updates about New courses learning! Is perfect for students who are taking the exam starting may 5 or currently., these are all solid choices for the student choice free-response question that! For this selection in free response prompts about symbolism alternates between 15 different characters of! Have a social, political or ideological impact on society during the lifetime of the Southern Renaissance form of from! Literature of literary analysis are challenging for students, especially those whose language... Queen of AP Literature book list is obvious for the right reasons it... Points of view of a preacher, he grew up conflicted with religion of both literary and elements. From a womans perspective been selected more than what traditional society would allow her to have in rural in. Select needs to have novel centers on a strong example of Gothic Romanticism, it deals heavily questions! Site uses third party cookies for analytics and advertising to repeat similar titles on this list our! And the hypocrisy of civilized society select needs to have what traditional society would allow her to ``!
