AP English Literature and Composition Flashcards: Distinguish Literal Figurative Meaning Fiction Drama

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Distinguish Literal Figurative Meaning Fiction Drama, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP English Literature and Composition.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is personification?

Answer: Attributing human qualities to nonhuman things. Makes inanimate objects or concepts seem alive and relatable.

Flashcard 2: What is the key difference between denotation and connotation?

Answer: Denotation is literal definition; connotation is implied association. Denotation = dictionary meaning; connotation = emotional/cultural associations.

Flashcard 3: What is an idiom, as it relates to figurative meaning?

Answer: A fixed phrase whose meaning cannot be derived literally. Common expressions with meanings unrelated to individual words.

Flashcard 4: Identify whether the meaning is literal or figurative: "The basement flooded, and I am drowning."

Answer: Literal. Actual physical drowning in water is happening.

Flashcard 5: What is hyperbole?

Answer: Deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or effect. Overstates to create dramatic or humorous impact.

Flashcard 6: What is symbolism, and how does it relate to figurative meaning?

Answer: An object or action represents an abstract idea beyond itself. Uses concrete objects to represent abstract concepts.

Flashcard 7: What is a metaphor?

Answer: A direct comparison stating one thing is another. Creates equivalence without using comparison words.

Flashcard 8: Identify the figurative device in: "Time is a thief."

Answer: Metaphor. Direct equation (is) creates metaphorical comparison.

Flashcard 9: Identify whether the meaning is literal or figurative: "The wind whispered through the trees."

Answer: Figurative. Wind can't whisper; personification makes nature seem human.

Flashcard 10: Identify the figurative device in: "He ran like the wind."

Answer: Simile. "Like" signals explicit comparison between running and wind.

Flashcard 11: What is the definition of figurative meaning in a text?

Answer: A nonliteral meaning created by comparison, symbolism, or exaggeration. Goes beyond literal to convey deeper meaning through literary devices.

Flashcard 12: What is verbal irony?

Answer: Saying one thing while meaning its opposite. Creates contrast between literal words and intended meaning.

Flashcard 13: Which reading is figurative in context: "He has a heart of stone" (about his cruelty)?

Answer: Figurative. Heart isn't stone; metaphor for emotional coldness.

Flashcard 14: Which reading is literal in context: "The statue is made of stone" (material description)?

Answer: Literal. Describes actual material composition, not symbolic meaning.

Flashcard 15: What is understatement (litotes as a broader category)?

Answer: Intentional downplaying of something's significance. Minimizes for ironic effect or modesty.

Flashcard 16: Identify the figurative device: "All hands on deck."

Answer: Synecdoche. 'Hands' (part) represents sailors (whole).

Flashcard 17: Identify whether the meaning is literal or figurative: "My heart sank when I heard the news."

Answer: Figurative. Hearts don't literally sink; expresses emotional disappointment.

Flashcard 18: Identify whether the meaning is literal or figurative: "I am drowning in homework."

Answer: Figurative. "Drowning" metaphorically means overwhelmed, not literally underwater.

Flashcard 19: What is the literal meaning of language in a literary text?

Answer: The straightforward, denotative meaning of the words. Refers to dictionary definitions without symbolic interpretation.

Flashcard 20: Identify the figurative device: "He is as stubborn as a mule."

Answer: Simile. Uses 'as' to make an explicit comparison.

Flashcard 21: Identify whether the meaning is literal or figurative: "The surgeon cut with a scalpel."

Answer: Literal. Describes actual physical cutting action with a medical tool.

Flashcard 22: Identify whether the meaning is literal or figurative: "Her words cut deeper than a knife."

Answer: Figurative. Words can't physically cut; expresses emotional pain metaphorically.

Flashcard 23: Identify the figurative device: "I have told you a million times."

Answer: Hyperbole. Exaggerates for emphasis, not meant to be taken literally.

Flashcard 24: Identify the most likely meaning type: "The crown decided to raise taxes."

Answer: Figurative. 'Crown' substitutes for monarchy or government.

Flashcard 25: What is the definition of literal meaning in a text?

Answer: The explicit, surface meaning of the words as stated. Refers to the actual, dictionary definition without interpretation.

Flashcard 26: Identify the figurative device: "The wind whispered through the trees."

Answer: Personification. Gives human qualities to non-human things.

Flashcard 27: What is a simile?

Answer: A comparison using "like" or "as.". Explicit comparison signals help identify the figurative language.

Flashcard 28: Identify whether the meaning is literal or figurative: "He kicked the bucket" (meaning died).

Answer: Figurative. Idiomatic expression where 'kicked the bucket' means died.

Flashcard 29: Identify the figurative device: "The pen is mightier than the sword."

Answer: Metonymy. 'Pen' represents writing; 'sword' represents warfare.

Flashcard 30: Identify the device in: "The White House announced a new policy."

Answer: Metonymy. 'White House' stands for the presidential administration.

Flashcard 31: Identify the figurative device: "Her smile was sunshine."

Answer: Metaphor. Direct comparison without using 'like' or 'as'.

Flashcard 32: What is the key difference between metonymy and synecdoche?

Answer: Metonymy substitutes related; synecdoche uses part for whole. Metonymy uses association; synecdoche uses part/whole relationship.

Flashcard 33: What is the figurative meaning of language in a literary text?

Answer: A nonliteral meaning that implies or symbolizes something else. Creates deeper meaning beyond surface-level words.

Flashcard 34: Identify whether the meaning is literal or figurative: "He kicked the bucket" (describing an actual kick).

Answer: Literal. Describes the physical action of kicking an actual bucket.

Flashcard 35: Identify whether the meaning is literal or figurative: "The witness's account was crystal clear."

Answer: Figurative. "Crystal clear" metaphorically means very understandable.