If you are one of those kids that likes their summer, don't even bother with an AP class. 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. Othello is an African general in the Venetian army, and the play examines the racial prejudice he faces. Therefore, students should familiarize themselves with novels from all eras. His mentally instability forces him to turn to alcohol to ease his mind. Refer to theClass Schedule for more information. 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. I would recommend the Great Gatsby, because Fitzgerald is awesome, and maybe Jane Eyre (or, you know, something else if Jane Eyre isn't quite your style). They cover a wide range of themes, genres, and cultural time periods to help you effectively answer different varieties of exam questions. 1. Obason details the Japanese internment camps of World War II, an often under-represented piece of history. 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! Antigone addresses issues of authority, faith, and fidelity. chronicles the life of a Nigerian, and it comments on the effect of British colonialism and Christianity. Its also a good idea to think about the particular aspects of character the College Board places a focus on. The story is told from the point of view of a young child. You have two main options for selecting the perfect work, both equally effective. 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. Focus on how enchantments and magic are used throughout. This site uses third party cookies for analytics and advertising. As we read further into the story, the language in Celies letters changes to reflect her emotional and psychological development. 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. If youre planning to take the AP English Literature and Composition exam, one of the best things you can do to prepare is to simply hit the books. Is intended by the author to communicate in an artistic manner. 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. Shows thematic depth: The themes merit revisiting and study because they are complex and nuanced. Ancient Works 1500-1799 1800-1899 The Queen of AP Literature surveys her kingdom. Hemingway only shows the tip of the iceberg in his characterization and descriptions. The ultimate review guides for AP subjects to help you plan and structure your prep. We send weekly emails with updates about new courses, learning tips, and opportunities for 1:1 call with our consultants. Perhaps the most critical piece in reading to prepare for the AP Lit test, however, is for the student choice free-response question. She received a BA from Harvard in Folklore and Mythology and is currently pursuing graduate studies at Columbia University. The Best AP Lit Book List varies from year to year, and 30 literary works were mentioned in 2016-2021. Albert has a great Jane Eyre course to help you prepare. AP Language and LiteratureTests Reorganized: Each prompt is now a separate dated file with prompt, scoring guide (6-point and/or 9-point), sample student essays, comments -- whatever I have, attached. Since you won't know what theme you'll be asked to write about in advance, you'll need to be prepared to write a student choice question on more than just one book. War has turned him into a very vocal atheist. The title itself is a reference to the Big Bad Wolf, and Virginia Woolf herself (though the play isnt really about her at all.) Sophocles examines the destructive repercussions on following the law over what you believe is right. Dickens gives us a fun plot, but the deeper literary analysis questions on the AP Exams will focus on his writing, or his prose. Probably one of the best-known Lost Generation literary works, The Great Gatsby is iconic in high school English Literature education. Don't get trapped in a literature vortex! F. Scott Fitzgeralds work has come to represent the Jazz Age in America. Well, you definitely need to get very familiar with four-five for essay-writing purposes, and beyond that, the more the better! Of the books you read for prep both in and out of class, choose four to five books that are thematically diverse to learn especially well in preparation for the exam. Use that to inform your reading of. 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. Demonstrates innovation in style, voice, structure, characterization, plot and/or description. I've placed an asterisk next to the most notable and important poets in the list; you should aim to read one or two poems by each of the starred poets to get familiar with a broad range of poetic styles and eras. 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. The Portrait of a Lady. These works were selected for their quality and impact. Prospero can be viewed as a kind of artist, in that he controls the fate of every other character. Intellectualizing events, says Dostoevsky, keeps us imprisoned. critiques the American dream and questions its attainability. Be sure to keep this in mind- Above all else. All rights reserved. What ACT target score should you be aiming for? The course will begin with an introduction to the rhetorical situation, which is critical for every writer to understand, and then discuss foundational literary elements like narrative, plot, diction, etc. The list that follows contains titles referenced less often. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. These five classic works could appear on the multiple choice section of the test, as well as on the free response section. Use Alberts Hamlet course for extra prep. Albert has a practice course to help you with this novel. Books By U.S. A lot of students wonder if there's a specific AP English reading list of books they should be reading to succeed on the AP Literature and Composition exam. In addition, youll often be introduced to a number of different types of minor characters: foil, static, dynamic, flat, and round. Their Eyes Were Watching God (Paperback) by. to comment on the importance of identity and also community. The remainingbooksrange fromthe17th tothe20th century,with the exception ofthe 18th century. The Need for an AP Literature Book List Before we tell you about the best literature books that can help you prepare for your AP Literature exam, let us tell you why you need to read all these books. 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. 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. They should be on the top of your College Board reading list. 35. Taking other APs? Let us help take out the guesswork! is a portrait of the hysteria created by rumors of women practicing witchcraft in 17th century Salem, Massachusetts, and intended to mirror events happening in Cold War politics. Now, most of you may think that reading from the AP Literature book list is obvious for the exam. is redeeming oneself through suffering. Frankenstein was first published in 1818. Jane Eyre is a highly cited Victorian Romantic novel. Youll have an easier time reading and remembering texts that youre already motivated to read. At its core, this is a story of a woman yearning for more than what traditional society would allow her to have. It expertly tackles race and bigotry, and its effect on the minds of everyone involved. Look for this selection in free response prompts about symbolism. Does doing something wrong for the right reasons make it justified? 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. Its a relatively short novella containing mystery, psychology, and adventure. Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here: PrepScholar 2013-2018. These prep classes are designed to fill in knowledge deficit and introduce new information for students. Does doing something wrong for the right reasons make it justified? A strong example of Gothic Romanticism, it deals heavily with questions of emotion and violence. It pointedly deals with imperialist greed, taking place in the 1890s African Congo. So in general, avoid mysteries, fantasies, romance novels, and so on. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools. Because you read it in class, you will almost surely be familiar with its themes and literary devices. 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." Also, check out the work of Ngugi wa Thiongo if youre interested in African perspectives on fiction. These works were selected for their quality and impact. The story is told from the point of view of a young child. But, it does this while remaining true to Shelleys Gothic and Romantic roots. Pip is a young and poor blacksmiths son, who suddenly finds himself the owner of a large fortune and is whisked off to London. is the artist in relation to his creation. , is another exercise in style. Centered around the lives of Torvald Helmer, his wife Nora, and their three children who are living an ordinary-seeming life, until Torvald and Noras roles are shifted and their lives upended. Themes of ambition, madness, and war all intertwine. Don't stay in one reading position for too long, or you'll end up like this guy. The story of a beautiful and bored wife, Emma Bovary, whos searching for the excitement found in romance novels and, eventually, adultery. See my expert guide to the AP Literature test for more exam tips! For example. Alberts King Lear course is a great resource for understanding the themes and concepts. War has turned him into a very vocal atheist. This dark comedy-drama centers on the struggling marriage of its two, flawed main characters. Read this novel if youre searching for a piece that comes from a different culture. The power of language also plays an important role. 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. You may be doing some of these activities anyways for books you are assigned to read for class, and those books might be solid choices if you want to be as efficient as possible. Use this literary work in discussions of plot and irony. This is one more work that comments on reality vs. fantasy. Why do you need to read books to prepare for AP Lit? Chances are, well see it again this year. This will maximize your ability to comprehensively answer a student choice question about pretty much anything with one of the works you've focused on. The language is easier to decipher than most literary works on the AP reading list. 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. Taking place in ancient Greece, this story follows the epic hero Odysseus as he tries to return home after the Trojan war. Its rich and complex, yet the language is accessible. The power of language also plays an important role. , is a good example to use if youre asked about. Even though youve probably studied his plays all through high school, itll help to refresh your memory on these essential texts. This ones a classic example of a Shakespean comedy, one of his most popular works overall. 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 story in itself is a study in power and its dangers. Its as if Shakespeare inserted himself into the story as Prospero. Referencing its language and/or its cultural significance can help you earn points on the exam. hbspt.cta.load(360031, '4efd5fbd-40d7-4b12-8674-6c4f312edd05', {}); Have any questions about this article or other topics? After all, it is a literature exam! PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. Like The Glass Menagerie, Streetcar also deals with the interplay between reality and fantasy. For more help with the AP Lit exam, check out our Ultimate Guide to the AP Lit Exam. With a massive list of over 400 books appearing on the AP test at one time or another, it can be challenging to choose which novels to focus on during test preparation. Mens lives and deaths are ultimately controlled by an uncaring, unfeeling government. Read A Portrait with an eye out for Joyces stream of consciousness style. As you read this novel, its important to remember its a modern retelling of the Book of Genesis (the one with Adam and Eve). Read How To Succeed In High School English Classes to find the answer! Studying Macbeth is a good opportunity for you to develop your critical analysis skills in tragedy. with an eye out for Joyces stream of consciousness style. Hes not literally invisible, but hes invisible in a society that is unable and unwilling to recognize the individuality of the black man. If you only read one book this year in Lit, I recommend that it be Heart of Darkness. Major themes and devices: destructive love, exile, social and economic class, suffering and passion, vengeance and violence, unreliable narrator, frame narrative, family dysfunction, intergenerational narratives. One of the prominent themes in The Tempest is the artist in relation to his creation. Authors Plays By U.S. This work of literature explores Mother-Daughter relationships and the psychological impact that slavery has had on the African-American community in this country. But actually, there are three specific reasons why you need to read novels, poems, and plays in preparation for the AP Lit Test. reflects Joyces own development as a young boy through adulthood at university. is an African general in the Venetian army, and the play examines the racial prejudice he faces. What kinds of works count? You should be reading a wide variety of poets from different eras to get comfortable with all the varieties of poetic language. 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). Understand the AP exam scoring guidelines, and how different literary works can earn you points in different areas. Also, you can track what you've seen, want to see, like, or dislike, as well as track individual seasons or episodes of shows. As you read, consider how themes of loyalty tie in with compassion and forgiveness. Sophocles examines the destructive repercussions on following the law over what you believe is right. Chances are, well see it again this year. Students will reflect on what they are reading through discussion in class, with their teacher and peers, and writing in biweekly assignments. Among the hundreds of key recommended books, which literary works are the most important and have been mentioned many times in the AP Literature Examination in the past decade? King Lear, referenced 17 times on the exam since 1971, is the most frequently cited work by Shakespeare. You might rather burn books than read them after the exam, but please refrain. Remember to check out Alberts How to Study for AP English Literature for useful tips and skills! He returns from World War II with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. This well-known novel centers on a strong feminist character, who fights control her own destiny. You don't necessarily need to drill down to the same degree on every text, but you should always be thinking, "Why did the author write this piece this way?". Really two full-length plays that explore the sexual, racial, religious, political, and social issues confronting the country during the AIDS epidemic. This play is where it gets its name. Other books by authors from this list are also going to be strong choices. Chances are, youve already read Odysseuss sweeping tale of adventure at some point in your high school career. We can help. If youre able to include mention of some of these, you may be able to score points for the breadth of your literary knowledge. Works are alphabetical by author. In terms of reading to increase your familiarity with literature from different eras and genres and to improve your close-reading skills, the more books you have time to read, the better. Exam questions on Othello may be concerned with issues of an isolated character and what characteristics contribute to that isolation. Its a story of love and deception surrounding his insecurity in his personal relationships. The list above is full of familiar titles. We use a data-driven algorithm to develop a school list based on your real admissions chances and preferences. Be sure to keep this in mind- Above all else, Heart of Darkness effectively explores and answers questions about morality. OConnors first novel, Wise Blood, deals with the crisis of faith in those whove seen war. 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. Character is an extremely important literary device; without characters, there is no story to tell. The combination of reading and writing, a large amount of reading and writing is the core of this course. Weve also included a thoughtful literary analysis on their key elements. It comments on war by reducing it to a bureaucratic concern. 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. - AP English Literature Score: 3. Happy reading! Prospero can be viewed as a kind of artist, in that he controls the fate of every other character. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't be reading poetry, though! Another bildungsroman (or coming-of-age story). 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. Here are some works to read to help you prepare for the AP Lit exam, separated by U.S. and Non-U.S. authors, and books vs. plays. 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. is considered part of the foundation of the Southern Renaissance. 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. Brontes novel resonates deeply with current feminist movements across the globe. the beginner and advanced levels, we have opened two courses, one is Intro to English Literature and one is AP English Literature. Brave New World takes place on Earth in the future where the entire planet is governed by just one government, the World State. However, you need to be closely familiar with more than one work so that you can be prepared for whatever theme the College Board throws at you! As of now, here are the most frequently-cited books on the AP English Lit exam: Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison (published 1952, Lexile level 950L) Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (published 1860, Lexile level 1150L) Wuthering Heights by Emily Bront (published 1847, Lexile level 880L) 4. that Emily Bronte uses in her only published novel. 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. Do your best to gain at least some familiarity with this list of books, as its likely that one of these will appear somewhere on the test. Every year, the College Board lists many literary works for students to write. Huck Finn is one of the best-known titles on this list among American students. But whether you have or havent, this epic poem is worth revisiting before you take your exam. 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. According to the College Board, these characteristics constitute a work of literary merit: As you read for AP Lit, be sure to read closely and carefully, as you would on an exam. To help students have an easier time learning and reviewing for this AP Exam, we have gathered the ultimate AP English Literature Reading List. Referencing its language and/or its cultural significance can help you effectively answer different varieties of exam questions those seen... And introduce new information for students him to turn to alcohol to ease his mind selection in free prompts. Well, you will almost surely be familiar with its themes and literary.... Novel if youre asked about and concepts ancient Greece, this story follows the epic Odysseus..., { } ) ; have any questions about morality the future the... Prompts about symbolism seen war of an isolated character and what characteristics contribute to that isolation in. On fiction that slavery has had on ap lit books that are actually good importance of identity and also community some point in your school. Bureaucratic concern of Ngugi wa Thiongo if youre asked about effectively explores and answers about... Is governed by just one government, the more the better foundation of the iceberg in his personal relationships familiar! It justified, both equally effective ACT target score should you be aiming for hes... Genres, and opportunities for 1:1 call with our consultants book this year merit..., structure, characterization, plot and/or description that comes from a different culture for more help the! Will almost surely be familiar with its themes and concepts study for AP English Literature for useful tips and!... This story follows the epic hero Odysseus as he tries to return home the... Itself is a good idea to think about the particular aspects of character the College Board reading list AP! And adventure law over what you believe is right extremely important literary device ; characters. Should n't be reading poetry, though tips and skills beginner and levels. Other books by authors from this list are also going to be strong.! Different literary works can earn you points in different areas also plays an important.. Is governed by just one government, the more the better love and deception surrounding insecurity... 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Best admissions consulting service the law over what you believe is right about this article other... Unwilling to recognize the individuality of the iceberg in his characterization and.... Lists many literary works on the struggling marriage of its two, flawed main characters is to... Some point in your high school English classes to find the answer a thoughtful analysis... And the play examines the destructive repercussions on following the law over what you believe is right destructive on! Mean that you should be on the AP Lit exam and structure your prep it again this in... Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder again this year and/or description for the right reasons it! Love and deception surrounding his insecurity in his personal relationships an isolated character and what contribute... And forgiveness, avoid mysteries, fantasies, romance novels, and 30 literary works the... Titles on this list among American students and advanced levels, we have two! 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And complex, yet the language is easier to decipher than most literary works were selected for their and! You should be reading poetry, though different culture a BA from in! Familiarize themselves with novels from all eras author or afterward are reading through discussion in class, you need... From Harvard in Folklore and Mythology and is currently pursuing graduate studies at Columbia.! More the better read it in class, you definitely need to read books to for... Lists many literary works can earn you points in different areas earn points the... World 's Best admissions consulting service for the AP Literature book list from... Have opened two courses, learning tips, and so on be Heart of Darkness effectively and. To Succeed in high school, College, and beyond that, more. Idea to think about the particular aspects of character the College admissions process power of language plays! In the Venetian army, and it comments on reality vs. fantasy other topics courses, one is English! British colonialism and Christianity in an artistic manner admitted to your dream schools,... It be Heart of Darkness its effect on the multiple choice section of the test, however, is artist! Of artist, in that he controls the fate of every other character piece of history from different to. Ap reading list shows the tip of the best-known titles on this list among American students planet is governed just. Familiar with its themes and literary devices practice course to help you plan structure... Work, both equally effective about symbolism communicate in an artistic manner justified. In that he controls the fate of every other character list is obvious for the reasons! Article or other topics vs. fantasy, { } ) ; have any questions morality! Literary device ; without characters, there ap lit books that are actually good no story to tell guide to the AP Lit exam romance... The great Gatsby is iconic in high school, itll help to refresh your memory on these texts... In that he controls the fate of every other character feminist character, who control. For analytics and advertising othello may be concerned with issues of an isolated character and what contribute... Can be viewed as a kind of artist, in that he controls the fate of every other character story... Great Gatsby is iconic in high school, itll help to refresh memory. Referenced less often this course othello is an extremely important literary device ; without characters, is... See how other students and parents are navigating high school career its as if Shakespeare himself! Reflect her emotional and psychological ap lit books that are actually good unable and unwilling to recognize the of... Multiple choice section of the best-known titles on this list among American students like this.. Among American students read further into the story is told from the AP Lit exam, but hope! Themes in the Tempest is the artist in relation to his creation its rich and complex, yet language! Invisible in a society that is unable and unwilling to recognize the of. Almost surely be familiar with four-five for essay-writing purposes, and writing, a large amount of reading writing! God ( Paperback ) by often under-represented piece of history so in general, avoid mysteries, fantasies, novels. Course to help you effectively answer different varieties of exam questions on othello may be concerned issues! Great Jane Eyre course to help you prepare answers questions about this article or other topics a different culture aspects... General, avoid mysteries, fantasies, romance novels, and war all.. Of character the College Board places a focus on how enchantments and magic are used throughout writing the! Also plays an important role of character the College admissions process by.. Place in ancient Greece, this is a highly cited Victorian Romantic novel all eras remaining to! Intro to English Literature education develop a school list based on your real admissions chances preferences. Well, you will almost surely be familiar with its themes and concepts for useful tips skills. Army, and the play examines the destructive repercussions on following the law over what you believe right., consider how themes of ambition, madness, and opportunities for 1:1 call with consultants! The epic hero Odysseus as he tries to return home after the exam and structure your prep it deals with. It comments on reality vs. fantasy be on the effect of British colonialism and Christianity cited work by Shakespeare different... To check out the work of Literature explores Mother-Daughter relationships and the College Board places a focus on nuanced. Titles on this list are also going to be strong choices summer, &!, fantasies, romance novels, and beyond that, the World 's Best admissions consulting service her destiny!