Ap Exam Prep (LIT)

Memory and Trauma

A major theme exploring how past experiences affect characters' present lives, particularly Sethe's internal battle with guilt and memory.

Motherhood

A central theme focusing on the sacrifices made by mothers, highlighted by Sethe's moral struggle to protect her children.

Slavery

A theme examining the legacy of slavery, portrayed through Sethe's escape and the impacts of infanticide.

Identity and the Self

A theme that deals with self-discovery post-trauma, as seen in Sethe's breakdown.

Climax of Memory and Trauma

Sethe sees Beloved as the past made flesh.

Climax of Motherhood

Sethe tries to kill Mr. Bodwin, believing he’s taking her daughter.

Climax of Slavery

Flashback to Sethe’s escape and infanticide.

Climax of Identity

Sethe’s breakdown represents a struggle to reclaim her selfhood from trauma.

Foil Character

A character who contrasts with another, highlighting traits; e.g., Amy Denver (optimism) vs. Sethe.

Simile

A literary device comparing two things using 'like' or 'as'; e.g., 'Her brain was not interested in the future. Loaded with the past and hungry for more, it left her no room to imagine…'

Metaphor

A figure of speech where a word applies to an object/action to which it is not literally applicable; e.g., Beloved as a metaphor for trauma.

Personification

Attributing human traits to non-human entities; e.g., '124 is spiteful'.

Pathetic Fallacy

Attributing human emotions to nature; e.g., House 124 reflecting emotional chaos.

Universal Idea

A general concept in literature, e.g., 'the cost of survival' in Erdrich's 'The Night Watchman'.

Literal Device: Symbol

An object or action that represents a larger concept; e.g., Beloved represents trauma.

Character Development Quote

'It was not a story to pass on'—reflects Denver’s development.

Characterization Quote

'Beloved. She my daughter. She mine.'—shows Sethe's possessiveness.

Injustice

A theme in Erdrich's ‘The Night Watchman,’ examining systemic issues faced by Native Americans.

Climax of Injustice

Policy challenged, representing the conflict between tribal rights and government.

Motif

A recurring theme or idea in a literary work, e.g., dreams in 'The Night Watchman'.

Foil to Thomas

Barnes represents apathy contrasted with Thomas's commitment.

Hamlet's Soliloquy

'To be or not to be…'—Hamlet’s meditation on existence.

Corruption and Decay

A major theme reflected in Denmark's moral decline as represented in 'Hamlet'.

Climax of Revenge

Hamlet kills Claudius, representing his action against moral paralysis.

Foil Character in Hamlet

Laertes as a decisive character contrasting Hamlet's hesitance.

Allusion

A reference to another text or cultural item, such as biblical references in literature.