AP English Literature and Composition Flashcards: Function Of Simile Poetry

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Function Of Simile Poetry, 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: Which function best fits a simile that repeats a similar comparison across a poem?

Answer: Reinforces a motif that supports the poem's central meaning. Repeated imagery patterns unify and deepen thematic significance.

Flashcard 2: What is a common function of a simile in clarifying complex ideas?

Answer: To explain the unfamiliar by comparing it to the familiar. Known references help readers grasp new concepts.

Flashcard 3: Which word most reliably signals a simile: "as," "was," or "seems"?

Answer: "As". Often paired with adjectives to form comparisons.

Flashcard 4: What is a common analysis error to avoid when explaining a simile's function?

Answer: Only paraphrasing the comparison instead of stating its effect. Analysis must explain purpose, not just restate the comparison.

Flashcard 5: Which function best fits this simile: "The classroom was quiet as snow"?

Answer: Establishes a hushed, subdued mood. Snow's silence creates peaceful, muted atmosphere.

Flashcard 6: Which function best fits a simile that makes an abstract idea concrete?

Answer: Clarifies abstraction by making it vivid and specific. Concrete imagery helps readers grasp intangible concepts.

Flashcard 7: What is the most defensible way to state a simile's function in a thesis?

Answer: Explain how the comparison develops meaning, tone, or theme. Moves beyond identification to analyze literary purpose and effect.

Flashcard 8: What is the most precise way to state a simile's function in an essay?

Answer: Name its effect (tone/mood/theme/character) and the key connotation. Specificity shows analytical understanding of the device.

Flashcard 9: In "His mind was like a locked room," what is the vehicle?

Answer: A locked room. The vehicle provides the image for comparison.

Flashcard 10: What is a common function of a simile in characterization?

Answer: To reveal traits by linking a person to a telling image. The comparison's qualities transfer to the character.

Flashcard 11: Identify the tenor in the simile: "His mind was like a locked room."

Answer: His mind. The subject being described through comparison to the locked room.

Flashcard 12: What two elements must a simile contain to count as a comparison?

Answer: A tenor (subject) and a vehicle (image of comparison). These terms distinguish what's being described from how.

Flashcard 13: What is a common function of a simile in establishing tone?

Answer: To shape the emotional attitude through the comparison's connotations. Word associations in the comparison affect reader feeling.

Flashcard 14: Identify the figure of speech: "Her voice was velvet."

Answer: Metaphor. Direct statement of equivalence without comparison words.

Flashcard 15: What two parts must a simile contain to be complete?

Answer: A tenor (subject) and a vehicle (image of comparison). The tenor is what's described; the vehicle provides the comparison.

Flashcard 16: Identify the figure of speech: "Her smile was sunrise."

Answer: Metaphor. Direct equation without comparison words makes it metaphor.

Flashcard 17: Which function best fits this simile: "He argued like a prosecutor"?

Answer: Characterizes the speaker as relentless and adversarial. Prosecutor image suggests aggressive, systematic approach.

Flashcard 18: Identify the most likely function: "His apology fell flat like a rehearsed line."

Answer: Suggests insincerity and undermines the apology's credibility. Performance comparison reveals hollow, practiced delivery.

Flashcard 19: What is a common function of a simile in creating mood?

Answer: To build atmosphere by guiding the reader's sensory expectations. Comparisons evoke specific sensory and emotional responses.

Flashcard 20: Which function best fits a simile that links a character to animal imagery?

Answer: Characterizes by implying traits through the comparison. Animal comparisons reveal personality or behavior patterns.

Flashcard 21: Which function best fits a simile that makes a target seem ridiculous?

Answer: Creates irony or satire by undercutting the subject. Deflating comparisons expose flaws or critique subjects.

Flashcard 22: Identify the figure of speech: "Her voice was like velvet."

Answer: Simile. "Like" signals the comparison between voice and velvet.

Flashcard 23: Identify the vehicle in the simile: "His mind was like a locked room."

Answer: A locked room. The comparison image that characterizes the tenor (mind).

Flashcard 24: Identify the most likely function: "Hope is like a thin flame in wind."

Answer: Emphasizes hope's fragility and precarious persistence. Flame imagery conveys vulnerability and tenuous survival.

Flashcard 25: What is a common function of a simile in poetry regarding imagery?

Answer: To make an abstract idea vivid through concrete sensory detail. Concrete images help readers visualize abstract concepts.

Flashcard 26: Identify the simile in this sentence: "The fog crept in like a thief."

Answer: "like a thief". The phrase compares fog's movement to a thief's stealth.

Flashcard 27: Identify the figure of speech: "Her smile was like sunrise."

Answer: Simile. "Like" signals the comparison between smile and sunrise.

Flashcard 28: What is the key difference between a simile and a metaphor?

Answer: Simile uses "like/as"; metaphor states identity without them. The presence of comparison words distinguishes them.

Flashcard 29: Which question most directly tests whether your simile analysis explains function?

Answer: How does this comparison shape meaning, tone, or characterization. Focuses on literary impact rather than mere identification.

Flashcard 30: Which revision best turns this into a simile: "Grief is an ocean"?

Answer: Grief is like an ocean. Adding "like" transforms the metaphor into a simile.

Flashcard 31: Which function best fits this simile: "Grief hung on him like wet wool"?

Answer: Conveys emotional weight through tactile imagery. "Wet wool" creates physical sensation of burden.

Flashcard 32: In "His mind was like a locked room," what is the tenor?

Answer: His mind. The tenor is what's being described in the comparison.

Flashcard 33: Which word most reliably signals a simile: "like," "is," or "becomes"?

Answer: "Like". The most common simile marker in English.

Flashcard 34: Which function best fits a simile that creates a disturbing image for the reader?

Answer: Establishes mood and shapes the emotional response. Vivid comparisons evoke specific feelings in readers.

Flashcard 35: What is a common function of a simile in developing theme?

Answer: To reinforce a central idea by recurring or pointed comparisons. Repeated or significant comparisons emphasize meaning.

Flashcard 36: Identify the most likely function: "The city roared like a hungry beast."

Answer: Personifies the city to create menace and urgency. Beast comparison makes the city threatening and alive.