AP Lit

Icarus

A character from Classical Mythology who flew too close to the sun, causing his wax wings to melt.

Achilles’ Heel

A weakness in spite of overall strength, originating from the story of Achilles in Classical Mythology.

Oedipal Complex

A psychoanalytic theory derived from Classical Mythology, particularly the story of Oedipus, involving a child's desire for their opposite-sex parent.

Hades / Underworld

Region in Classical Mythology where souls go after death, ruled by Hades.

Flight of Daedalus

The story of Daedalus and his son Icarus, who escaped from Crete using wings made of feathers and wax.

Wasteland / Grail Quest

Mythological themes found in Medieval mythology involving a search for the Holy Grail.

Walking on Water

A miracle attributed to Jesus in The Bible, symbolizing divine power.

Crown of Thorns

An emblem of suffering and sacrifice from The Bible, worn by Jesus during his crucifixion.

Ark / Flood / Rainbow

Biblical story of Noah, who built an ark to survive the great flood, marked by the rainbow as a promise from God.

Garden of Eden / Fall

Biblical narrative describing the original sin and expulsion of Adam and Eve from paradise.

Parting of Red Sea

Miracle performed by Moses in The Bible where the Red Sea was divided, allowing the Israelites to escape from Egypt.

David and Goliath

The Biblical story demonstrating that a small, unlikely hero can defeat a formidable foe.

Prodigal Son

A parable from The Bible illustrating themes of forgiveness and redemption.

Tower of Babel

A story in The Bible explaining the origin of different languages and God's response to human pride.

James Baldwin

Author known for the short story 'Sonny's Blues' which explores themes of music, family, and suffering.

Ann Beattie

Author of the short story 'Janus', which addresses themes of perception and desire.

Joseph Conrad

Author of 'Heart of Darkness', which explores imperialism and human nature.

Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Author of 'The Yellow Wallpaper', a feminist text about mental illness and societal oppression.

Ernest Hemingway

Author of 'A Farewell to Arms' and 'The Old Man and the Sea', both exploring themes of love, war, and resilience.

Homer

Ancient poet known for 'The Iliad', an epic poem about the Trojan War.

Washington Irving

Author of 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow', a classic American tale.

Henry James

Author of 'Daisy Miller', exploring themes of social contrasts and cultural differences.

James Joyce

Modernist author known for works like 'The Dead', 'Araby', and 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man'.

D. H. Lawrence

Author of 'Women in Love', exploring complex relationships and social issues.

Katherine Mansfield

Author of 'The Garden Party', known for her narratives on the middle class and human experience.

George Orwell

Author of 'Animal Farm', a political allegory critiquing totalitarianism.

William Shakespeare

Renowned playwright known for 'King Lear', a tragedy exploring themes of power and madness.

Mary Shelley

Author of 'Frankenstein', a novel examining the consequences of creation and ambition.

Sophocles

Ancient Greek playwright known for 'Oedipus Rex', a tragedy about fate and self-discovery.

John Steinbeck

Author of 'Of Mice and Men', a novella about friendship and the American Dream.

Robert Louis Stevenson

Author of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', a story exploring duality of human nature.