AP English Literature Exam Essay Prep Guide

Flashcards for exam preparation focusing on essay writing strategies, literary devices, and thematic analysis of 'Frankenstein,' along with general guidelines for poetry and prose analysis.

Literary Argument Essay (Q3)

Respond to a thematic prompt using a defensible thesis and evidence from a literary work like Frankenstein.

Clear Thesis

A main point that focuses on a thematic prompt.

Specific Evidence

Refers to direct examples pulled from the pages of a novel.

Strong Analysis

Explaining the evidence by making clear connections.

Frankenstein Themes

Ambition, Isolation, and Nature vs. Nurture.

Ambition Theme

Victor's obsessive quest for knowledge leads him to defy natural laws.

Isolation Theme

Both Victor and the Creature suffer extreme isolation: Victor by choice, the Creature by rejection.

Nature vs. Nurture Theme

The Creature starts innocent, wanting love and knowledge. Society's cruelty shapes him into a vengeful being.

Frame Narrative

The novel uses a layered storytelling format: Walton -> Victor -> the Creature.

Imagery

Nature is richly described, often reflecting the emotional state of characters. For example: the Arctic mirrors Victor's desolation.

Symbolism

Light and fire symbolize knowledge and danger.

Allusions

References to Paradise Lost and Prometheus reflect Victor's god-like ambition and punishment.

Walton's Letters (Beginning & End)

Frame Narrative: Walton's ambition mirrors Victor's. Used for prompts on obsession or the dangers of exploration.

Victor's Childhood and Early Ambition (Ch. 1-4)

Sets up Victor's desire for forbidden knowledge with themes of Nature vs. Nurture and Ambition.

The Creation and Victor's Reaction (Ch. 5-6)

The moment Victor brings the creature to life and flees, relating to themes of Responsibility and Consequences of Ambition.

The Creature's Story (Ch. 11-16)

Describes learning, rejection, and emotional transformation with themes of Nature vs. Nurture, Isolation, and Empathy.

William's Death & Justine's Trial (Ch. 7-8)

Justine is wrongly blamed and executed, relating to themes of Moral Cowardice, Consequences of Ambition.

Demand for Female Creature (Ch. 17-20)

Victor refuses to complete a companion, relating to themes of Control, Loneliness, Ethics of Creation.

Revenge and Destruction (Ch. 21-23)

Creature kills Henry and Elizabeth, relating to themes of Revenge and Isolation.

Walton's Final Letters

Victor dies; the Creature delivers a final monologue, relating to themes of Regret, Moral Message, and Failed Ambition.

Poetry Analysis Essay (Q1)

Analyze how literary elements in a poem contribute to its meaning.

Prose Fiction Analysis Essay (Q2)

Analyze how an author's techniques develop character, conflict, or theme in a passage.