Essay Question 3 is a free response essay on any literary work. It's the last part
of the exam and it takes 40 minutes.
Analytical Focus
In the last part of the AP Exam, it is very important to
recognize the different elements used to analyze what the
free response is trying to ask from the writer. The question
will want the writer to explain how the literary element
effects the work as a "WHOLE." So elements in most cases
are very essential to know in order to write about it.
Literary Elements:
- Characterization- role of each character and their description.
- Diction- authors choice of words.
- Setting- time and place .
- Theme- Author's message to the reader.
- Tone- positive or negative attitude of the literary work.
Examples:
(1983)- From a novel or play of literary merit, select an important
character who is a villain. Then, in a well-organized essay,
analyze the nature of the character's villainy and show how
it enhances meaning in the work. Do not merely summarize
the plot. [characterization]
(1994)-In some works of literature, a character who appears briefly, or
does not appear at all, is a significant presence. Choose a novel
or play of literary merit and write an essay in which you show
how such a character functions in the work. You may wish to
discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the
development of other characters.Avoid plot summary. [characterization]
(1987)-Some novels and plays seem to advocate changes in social
or political attitudes or in traditions. Choose such a novel or play
and note briefly the particular attitudes or traditions that the author
apparently wishes to modify. Then analyze the techniques the author
uses to influence the reader's or audience's views. Avoid plot summary.
[diction]
(1991)-Many plays and novels use contrasting places (for example, two
countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to
represent opposed forces or ideas that are central to the meaning of
the work. Choose a novel or play that contrasts two such places.
Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place
represents, and how their contrast contributes to the meaning of the
work. [setting]
(1972)-In retrospect, the reader often discovers that the first chapter
of a novel or the opening scene of a drama introduces some of
the major themes of the work. Write an essay about the opening
scene of a drama or the first chapter of a novel in which you explain
how it functions in this way. [point of view]
(1979)-Choose a complex and important character in a novel or a play of
recognized literary merit who might on the basis of the character's
actions alone be considered evil or immoral. In a well-organized
essay, explain both how and why the full presentation of the character
in the work makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise
might. Avoid plot summary. [tone]
TIPS:
- DO NOT SUMMARIZE THE PLOT!!
- In some essay question 3's, you should select one character or literary work IF ASKED!
- Underline KEYWORDS from the essay question
- If you can, write prolificly. : )
- Avoid writing in first person.
Thematic Focus
This is where you get your thinking caps on. The thematic focus of essay
question 3 is to write the main ideas. Have strategies for this section of the exam.
Conflicts:
Man vs. Man- Main character against other characters => Othello, One Flew
Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Man vs. Self- Main character against himself => Hamlet, Oedipus
Man vs. Society/World- Survival of the fittest => The Awakening, As You Like It, A Doll's House
Strategies:
=> Outline the essay before writing it. (option) reminder: 40 minutes
=> Have a good thesis in your introduction to give a better understanding of the essay to the reader.
=> In your own words, paraphrase the essay question to address the topic and introduce the work of literature that is being used.
=> THIS IS A MUST: AVOID PLOT SUMMARY!!! -.-
