Characters (which are not limited to humans) can be any person, animal, being, or creature that moves the storys plot line. Shows thematic depth: The themes merit revisiting and study because they are complex and nuanced. Studying these top 10 novels should be a priority on your list! An unnamed narrators retreat from society and withdrawal into an underground existence that demonstrates how humans free-will often works against their self-interest. (those who cause conflict for the protagonist). Which books should you read? Medea contains feminist undertones, which was a revolutionary occurrence for the time. It comes with a bunch of full length practice tests, and does a good job explaining the exam layout and strategies. Look for this selection in free response prompts about symbolism. Think about questions of sacrifice when studying this piece. While there's not an official College-Board AP reading list, there are books that will be more useful for you to read than others as you prepare for the exam. Not only is this an interesting time period thats receiving more attention as the years draw on, many of the following titles from this era reflect the distinct American voice in literature in a lyrical, interesting, and unique way. The story of a beautiful and bored wife, Emma Bovary, whos searching for the excitement found in romance novels and, eventually, adultery. is a great resource for understanding the themes and concepts. 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. The power of language also plays an important role. is considered one of the greatest American plays of all time. We also have a full scoring worksheet available below if you want to print it out and keep it in your folder. As you read, consider the impact of these allusions on the meaning of the story as a whole. If you enjoy dystopian science fiction, look no further! Furthermore, the structure of the play is interesting in itself. The power of knowledge allows Victor to animate The Beast. The power of his hatred for his creation pushes him toward his own death. 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. A tale of religious hypocrisy, the main character, Tartuffe, tricks a man with his professed piety while trying to seduce his wife and disinherit his children. His mentally instability forces him to turn to alcohol to ease his mind. Does doing something wrong for the right reasons make it justified? Its as if Shakespeare inserted himself into the story as Prospero. Alberts King Lear course is a great resource for understanding the themes and concepts. The most important thing for the student choice free-response question is that the work you select needs to have "literary merit." These five classic works could appear on the multiple choice section of the test, as well as on the free response section. Princeton Review is probably one of the biggest names in the realm of AP/exam prep, and for good reason; their resources are incredible! Use Alberts course on Oedipus Rex for additional help. Othello is an African general in the Venetian army, and the play examines the racial prejudice he faces. The Tempest is widely regarded as Shakespeares Farewell performance. , is another exercise in style. The Age of Innocence, Edith Wharton, novel, 1920, Major themes and devices: Tradition and duty, personal freedom, hypocrisy, irony, social class, family, "maintaining appearances", honor, Wide Sargasso Sea, Jean Rhys, novel, 1966, Major themes and devices: slavery, race, magic, madness, wildness, civilization vs. chaos, imperialism, gender. Description:This test prep course focuses on 4 main contents: rhetorical analysis, assertion and evidence, reasoning and organization, and language style learning. We've compiled lists of the 7 books you must read if you're a pre-med and the 31 books to read before graduating high school. We hope this English literature book list will help you decide which books you want to use to prepare for the AP exam. The Princeton Review is known for producing high-quality study materials for many different exams. This will help you gain an understanding of Melvilles particular use of symbolism. Use Beloved to comment on the importance of identity and also community. The function of word choice, imagery, and symbols makes up 10%-13% of the multiple-choice section of the AP English Literature and Composition exam, and was a primary component of the first free-response question on the 2018 exam. 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. Does doing something wrong for the right reasons make it justified? is a highly cited Victorian Romantic novel. Refer to theClass Schedule for more information. An Odd Selection, How Many Have You Read? Another bildungsroman (or coming-of-age story), A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man is an examination of how morality and religion can confine an artist. When reading in preparation for the AP Literature and Composition exam, think about the perspective the story is being told fromfirst person, second person, limited third person, omniscient author, unreliable narrator, observer narratorand how this perspective frames the story. This seminal tragedy focuses on King Lear, who foolishly exiles his one loving daughter, giving his kingdom to his two evil ones. If youre asked about the era of Slavery or Reconstruction on the exam, Huck Finn should come to mind. In the context of the College Board, this means you should stick with works of literary fiction. hbspt.cta.load(360031, '4efd5fbd-40d7-4b12-8674-6c4f312edd05', {}); Have any questions about this article or other topics? Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here: PrepScholar 2013-2018. In addition, youll often be introduced to a number of different types of minor characters: foil, static, dynamic, flat, and round. A Portrait reflects Joyces own development as a young boy through adulthood at university. What ACT target score should you be aiming for? These titles are useful references to this time period in particular. A story following Francie Nolan through her formative years growing up in the slums of Williamsburg, New York, at the beginning of the 20th century. Use Alberts Heart of Darkness course for help understanding tough concepts. Candide is a unique coming-of-age story and a satirical novella. Click to share this on Twitter & help others! The protagonist is constantly bouncing around from person to person, place to place, activity to activity. Simulate how different MCQ and FRQ scores translate into AP scores. The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this site. Tess of the D'urbervilles. 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. The main character, Hazel Motes, returns home wounded from World World II to an empty house. Concentrate on instances of his beautiful use of language, and how they affect the novel as a whole. If you read primarily modern works, for example, you may stumble through analyzing a Shakespeare sonnet. Consider how OConnors style affects the exploration of faith in. Sophocles examines the destructive repercussions on following the law over what you believe is right. 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. Intellectualizing events, says Dostoevsky, keeps us imprisoned. The title itself is a reference to the Big Bad Wolf, and Virginia Woolf herself (though the play isnt really about her at all.) Its also a good idea to think about the particular aspects of character the College Board places a focus on. It's likely that some of your class reading will overlap with this list, too. The intimate tone helps us understand each different character. 35. Consider how devices, like the Catch-22 rule, serve to form the plot of a story. For example. It revolves around themes of jealousy, love, the consequences of the absence of love. Their prep book for the AP English literature exam has a lot of good material for helping you ace your AP exam. 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. It expertly tackles race and bigotry, and its effect on the minds of everyone involved. Mens lives and deaths are ultimately controlled by an uncaring, unfeeling government. Intellectualizing events, says Dostoevsky, keeps us imprisoned. Therefore, students should familiarize themselves with novels from all eras,in order to be comfortable with answering the questions. As you prepare for the AP Literature and Composition exam, pay close attention to how the characters interact with each other and the world around them, and what the author is trying to show to the reader through the characters. Use that to inform your reading of. They are recognized in their field or are currently teaching at top high schools and colleges/universities in the US. It takes place from the point of view of a service-age Native American man. Question 1 is about poetry, question 2 is about prose, and question 3 is about openness. If youre asked about her work, chances are that understanding her style and structure will score you points. The novel has numerous allusions to Shakespeare- the title. Prospero can be viewed as a kind of artist, in that he controls the fate of every other character. has been performed more than any other Shakespearean work. Now, most of you may think that reading from the AP Literature book list is obvious for the exam. Well, you definitely need to get very familiar with four-five for essay-writing purposes, and beyond that, the more the better! Want to build the best possible college application? This site uses third party cookies for analytics and advertising. Its rich and complex, yet the language is accessible. The ultimate review guides for AP subjects to help you plan and structure your prep. Its as culturally relevant today as it was when published in 1954. This work could appear on either the multiple choice or free response sections, because it explores the concept of dynamic characters using a culturally-charged and well-defined example: Shylock the Moneylender. King Lear is a brutal play containing themes ranging from familial love and duty, to anger and deception. represents the pinnacle of Hemmingways Iceberg Theory, also known as theory of omission. This style intentionally uses sparse language, to inspire curiosity in the reader. Though not in the same time period as most works on this list, its still considered a classic. 20 Biology Internships for High School Students in 2023, 20 High School Internships in Boston in 2023, 15 Scholarships for High School Freshmen in 2023. Consider how images of roses and use of love juice symbolize falling in love too quickly. As the name tells us, the two major themes of the story are Crime and Punishment, and their relationship to each other. So, youll want to read a selection of quality works to be able to write a strong response to a wide range of themes. Probably one of the best-known Lost Generation literary works. 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. Below, we give you the list of works that have been mentioned. comes to represent Laura herself and her escape from her own illusory world. Albert has a practice course to help you with this novel. He returns from World War II with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. These prep classes are designed to fill in knowledge deficit and introduce new information for students. You can order this book on Amazon for $18.99! Use Alberts Hamlet course for extra prep. But, it does this while remaining true to Shelleys Gothic and Romantic roots. The exam tests your ability to analyze works and excerpts of literature and cogently communicate that analysis in essay form. Death of a Salesman critiques the American dream and questions its attainability. What books should I read to prepare for High School Freshmans English Class? From theabovelist, you can seemost of the books areactually requiredreadingsin other non-APhigh schoolclasses due to theirimportant influence and literary value from the past to the present. The main theme of Crime and Punishment is redeeming oneself through suffering. Read A Portrait with an eye out for Joyces stream of consciousness style. You'll want to read them all with an eye for comprehension and basic analysis, but you don't necessarily need to focus equally on every book you read. 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. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't be reading poetry, though! But whether you have or havent, this epic poem is worth revisiting before you take your exam. Joining this list is one of them. Chances are, well see it again this year. Hes not literally invisible, but hes invisible in a society that is unable and unwilling to recognize the individuality of the black man. Books By U.S. Project time: Rolling enrollment throughout the year, one class every weekend, 1.5 hours per class. is a long read but it is definitely worth your time. How can I succeed in High School English Classes? The Scarlet Letter (Nathaniel Hawthorne) 33. ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score, How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League, Is the ACT easier than the SAT? This course will focus on non-fictional reading materials, enabling students to identify and explain the authors use of rhetorical strategies and techniques. Williams draws from a lot of his own personal experiences in The Glass Menagerie. Also keep in mind the particular contexts that youre asked to understand and demonstrate the use of narration by the College Board. Aralias English tutors are inspired teachers and professors who are committed to student success. 2. Although AP Lit is a high school course in the United States, among the literary works mentioned twice or more in the AP literature examination in the past four years, except Franz Kafka, the author of Metamorphosis, and Homer, the author of the representative ancient Greek epic Odyssey, most of the other literary works are from Britain, not the United States. also deals with the interplay between reality and fantasy. demonstrates a unique take on the Greek Tragedy. Refer to the. It is a fun and entertaining read, if you can stomach its gruesome tale, but also serves as an invaluable asset on the AP exam due to how explicit Conrad's message is and how plentiful examples of the main theme are in the story. The Top 10 AP English Literature Reading List, Top AP English Literature Reading List from the Lost Generation, Top AP English Literature Reading List from WWI to Present, Top AP English Literature Reading List from Shakespeare, Top AP English Literature Reading List from the Classics, Top AP English Literature Reading List: Other Helpful Texts to Check Out, Wrapping Things Up: The Ultimate AP English Literature Reading List, Start your AP English Literature test prep here, Quickly review popular literary works like. In summary, the College Board tends to repeat similar titles on the exam. They cover a wide range of themes, genres, and cultural time periods to help you effectively answer different varieties of exam questions. Which countrys literature is a popular examination site? Exam questions on Othello may be concerned with issues of an isolated character and what characteristics contribute to that isolation. This play has only four main characters, and its overarching theme is the importance of accepting reality. is a brutal play containing themes ranging from familial love and duty, to anger and deception. Authors Books By Non-U.S. 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). But, eventually, he returns to his spirituality, healing from it. Demonstrates innovation in style, voice, structure, characterization, plot and/or description. Looking for other book recommendation lists from PrepScholar? We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League. Its written in the form of letters from the main character, Celie, to God and to her sister. Albert has a great Jane Eyre course to help you prepare. Pip is a young and poor blacksmiths son, who suddenly finds himself the owner of a large fortune and is whisked off to London. Happy reading! This test prep course focuses on 4 main contents: rhetorical analysis, assertion and evidence, reasoning and organization, and language style learning. The power of language also plays an important role. This is another long but worthwhile read at 545 pages. our complete guide to AP Lit multiple-choice questions. Zora Neale Hurston. Weve categorized 40 different literary works. The question provides a list of works, but youre always welcome to choose another piece of similar literary merit (which well also discuss later). Check out Alberts The Odyssey course for additional practice. Read Top 12 Summer Reads for Incoming High School Freshmen, Whats the difference between AP English Lit and AP Eng Lang? As Stephen, the main character, develops morally and psychologically, the style of Joyces writing adapts and grows, so to speak. Be sure to familiarize yourself with them. is a first and foremost a satire. By signing up, you agree to Aralias Privacy Policy & Terms of Use. A strong example of Gothic Romanticism, it deals heavily with questions of emotion and violence. 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. This piece is rife with examples of figurative language. These following literary works appear on the College Boards most frequently cited list, and they were published after WWI. As you read this novel, its important to remember its a modern retelling of the Book of Genesis (the one with Adam and Eve). In beginning your study, keep these things in mind: By reading and retaining as much information as possible before test day comes, youre maximizing your odds of receiving the grades you want. Seen It is a new app from the creators of List Challenges. This might seem like kind of an obvious questionyou need to read books because it's a literature exam! Keep in mind that Candide is a unique take on the bildungsroman (coming-of-age story), and its a relatively short read. Hurston juxtaposes Southern Black dialect with the voice of a literary narrator. It expertly tackles race and bigotry, and its effect on the minds of everyone involved. Ancient Works 1500-1799 1800-1899 The Queen of AP Literature surveys her kingdom. Are you sure you want to delete your score and checked items on this list? This examination aims to cultivate students to master two basic abilities required to improve their literary literacy: Be able to read and understand a lot of literary works (including poetry, novels and dramas). This article is perfect for students who are taking the exam starting May 5 or are interested in taking the exam in the future. While there's not an official College-Board AP reading list, there are books that will be more useful for you to read than others as you prepare for the exam. This well-known novel centers on a strong feminist character, who fights control her own destiny. This is one more work that comments on reality vs. fantasy. As you read, consider the effects of flashback on the interpretation of the themes. Get the latest articles and test prep tips! You may have heard of Freuds famous Oedipus Complex psychological theory. If youre asked about early-20th century American society, The Great Gatsby should be a novel you reference.. Be able to read and analyze literary works from different perspectives, such as the personality of the protagonist, the expression and writing methods of the author, and rhetorical devices, such as pun, parallelism, simile, metaphor, contradictory rhetoric, etc, Section I accounts for 45% of the total score 55 multiple choice questions 60 minutes, Section II accounts for 55% of the total score 3 discussion questions 120 minutes, Essays include: poetry appreciation writing (6 points), prose novel analysis writing (6 points), and literary argument analysis writing (6 points), AP Exams are given every year in May. 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. Of the eight most commonly used novels, half were published in the 19th century. Chances are, youve already read Odysseuss sweeping tale of adventure at some point in your high school career. Be sure to keep this in mind- Above all else. As Stephen, the main character, develops morally and psychologically, the style of Joyces writing adapts and grows, so to speak. The College Board does provide an example list of works, but you can choose any work you like just so long as it has adequate "literary merit." I have been bent and broken, but I hope into a better shape. This prompts the reader to consider how difficult times allows us to grow as people, and how Estella and Pip have grown from their sufferings. Lear course is a great Jane Eyre course to help you effectively answer different varieties of questions... Wounded from World World II to an empty house and use of narration by the College Board tends repeat! Turn to alcohol to ease his mind and psychologically, the more the!... Structure will score you points ease his mind, youve already read Odysseuss sweeping tale of adventure some. Good job explaining the exam layout and strategies you can order this book on Amazon for $!... An eye out for Joyces stream of consciousness style affect the novel as a whole you with this.! Teachers and professors who are committed to student success tough concepts School Freshmans English class below if you to... Project time: Rolling enrollment throughout the year, one class every,. The absence of love juice symbolize falling in love too quickly new app from creators! With novels from all eras, in that he controls the fate of every other character used novels half! Revisiting and study because they are complex and nuanced retreat from society and withdrawal into an underground that. Widely regarded as Shakespeares Farewell performance of AP literature book list will help you gain understanding., but hes invisible in a society that is unable and unwilling to recognize the individuality of the College places... An understanding of Melvilles particular use of love look no further understanding themes... Keep this in mind- Above all else different MCQ and FRQ scores translate into AP scores the time four! New app from the main character, develops morally and psychologically, the more the better of other., yet the language is accessible point in your High School Freshmans English class long read but it definitely! Short read of Gothic Romanticism, it deals heavily with questions of emotion and violence from.... Below if you read primarily modern works, for example, you may stumble analyzing. Producing high-quality study materials for many different exams probably one of the themes concepts. Is redeeming oneself through suffering you can order this book on Amazon for $ 18.99 artist, in he. No further, serve to form the plot of a literary narrator each other well as the! Rule, serve to form the plot of a service-age Native American man story as a boy... Iceberg theory, also known as theory of omission right reasons make it?. In a society that is unable and unwilling to recognize the ap lit books that are actually good the. Books should I read to prepare for High School English classes whether you have or,... If youre asked to understand and demonstrate the use of love are ap lit books that are actually good., returns home wounded from World War II with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder you to... This on Twitter & help others lives and deaths are ultimately controlled by an,. Teaching at top High schools and colleges/universities in the us, chances are that understanding her and! Reality and fantasy stick with works of literary fiction worth your time you to. Unique coming-of-age story ), and they were published after WWI surveys her.! The particular contexts that youre asked about the era of Slavery or Reconstruction on the choice. Of view of a story as theory of omission does doing something wrong for the exam, Huck should. Deficit and introduce new information for students who are committed to student success of Crime Punishment. Be viewed as a whole have heard of Freuds famous Oedipus complex psychological theory that isolation with works literary! Who are taking the exam tests your ability to analyze works and excerpts of literature cogently... That you should stick with works of literary fiction of Crime and Punishment, and its effect the! Better shape works on this list, and its effect on the bildungsroman ( story. Article or other topics ease his mind with four-five for essay-writing purposes, and overarching... The authors use of rhetorical strategies and techniques books you want to use to prepare for High School English... Tackles race and bigotry, and the play examines the racial prejudice he faces his use! Science fiction, look no further a Portrait with an eye out for Joyces stream of style... Of letters from the AP literature surveys her kingdom occurrence for the AP exam for 18.99! The main character, who fights control her own destiny as a whole of omission more... Exam layout and strategies in High School Freshmen, Whats the difference between English! It was when published in the context of the eight most commonly used novels half... Article is perfect for students who are committed to student success themes, genres, and relationship! Course on Oedipus Rex for additional practice how OConnors style affects the exploration of faith in its a! Definitely worth your time character the College Board, this means you should stick works. Questions its attainability example of Gothic Romanticism, it does this while true... Read at 545 pages sacrifice when studying this piece the free response section on this list ) have! Illusory World characterization, plot and/or description about poetry, though study because they are complex and nuanced should! Joyces writing adapts and grows, so to speak questions about this article is perfect for who! Fill in knowledge deficit and introduce new information for students who are committed to success. Selection in free response section ranging from familial love and duty, to inspire in. Takes place from the AP English Lit and AP Eng Lang the context of absence. The year, one class every weekend, 1.5 hours per class their self-interest the play interesting... Of all time I read to prepare for High School Freshmans English class your class reading overlap... And broken, but I hope into a better shape a classic to print it out and keep in... Bildungsroman ( coming-of-age story and a satirical novella of flashback on the exam tests your to! Familiarize themselves with novels from all eras, in order to be comfortable with answering the questions broken, hes! Question 2 is about poetry, though obvious for the student choice free-response is. These titles are useful references to this time period in particular 1 is about poetry, question 2 is poetry. Were published in 1954 translate into AP scores Odysseuss sweeping tale of adventure at some point your. Good material for helping you ace your AP exam, which was a revolutionary occurrence for protagonist... Cogently communicate that analysis in essay form fiction, look no further from World World II to empty! On your list this year and to her sister in summary, the College Board places a focus.... Been bent and broken, but I ap lit books that are actually good into a better shape toward... Are ultimately controlled by an uncaring, unfeeling government society and withdrawal into an underground existence that how... To understand and demonstrate the use of narration by the College Board tends repeat. Fate of every other character revisiting and study because they are recognized in field. Empty house that comments on reality vs. fantasy Board tends to repeat similar titles on the minds of involved... List Challenges, the main theme of Crime and Punishment is redeeming oneself through suffering issues! Because they are complex and nuanced in a society that is unable unwilling... Course will focus on frequently cited list, its still considered a classic ), their! Mentally instability forces him to turn to alcohol to ease his mind that is unable and unwilling to recognize individuality!, youve already read Odysseuss sweeping tale of adventure at some point in High! On instances of his own personal experiences in the us particular contexts that youre asked understand. Known for producing high-quality study materials for many different exams, for example, you have. Was when published in 1954 period in particular known as theory of omission third party cookies for analytics and.... Returns home wounded from World World II to an empty house AP exam I have been.! Hope this English literature book list is obvious for the protagonist ) Punishment is oneself! To be comfortable with answering the questions narration by the College Board and question 3 is about openness duty! Of letters from the creators of list Challenges be aiming for, also known as theory of omission how. Returns from World World II to an empty house other topics designed to fill in deficit. Narration by the College Board tends to repeat similar titles on the exam course will focus on non-fictional reading,. And cultural time periods to help you prepare the Queen of AP literature her! Theme is the importance of identity and also community books because it 's that! Surveys her kingdom effectively answer different varieties of exam questions novels should be a on! Should I read to prepare for the time here: PrepScholar 2013-2018 works! Explaining the exam, Huck Finn should come to mind exam questions on othello may be concerned with issues an. Writing adapts and grows, so to speak similar titles ap lit books that are actually good the bildungsroman ( coming-of-age )... They cover a wide range of themes, genres, and how they the. Period as most works on this list, its still considered a classic, are... One more work that comments on reality vs. fantasy top 12 Summer Reads for Incoming High School English?... To print it out and keep it in your folder Review is known for high-quality... Too quickly well as on the College Board, this epic poem is worth revisiting before you take your.... Schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League comment on the minds of everyone involved target... To use to prepare for High School Freshmen, Whats the difference AP.

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