Category: AP Literature
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“A&P” by John Updike Summary
The story takes place in a small-town A&P supermarket, where the first-person narrator, Sammy, is a 19-year-old cashier. One day, three teenage girls walk into the store wearing only their bathing suits. This unconventional attire immediately catches the attention of Sammy and the store’s customers, causing a stir in the conservative, suburban environment. As the…
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What is Lady Macbeth’s “prayer” to the spirits after she learns Duncan is missing in ACT 1?
One of William Shakespeare’s most iconic plays, “Macbeth,” delves into the treacherous journey of its eponymous protagonist and his wife, Lady Macbeth, as they navigate the perilous path to power. In Act 1, Scene 5, Lady Macbeth delivers a compelling soliloquy that not only encapsulates her character but also sets the tone for the unfolding…
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Compare and contrast A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and Gift of the Magi by O Henry.
Two timeless short stories, “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens and “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, delve into the themes of generosity, sacrifice, and the true essence of giving. Despite their distinct settings, tones, and narrative styles, these tales share striking similarities and differences that make them enduring classics. Similarities: Differences: Conclusion:…
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Explain how and why personal responsibility is an essential theme in A Christmas Carol.
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is a timeless tale that revolves around the theme of personal responsibility. The novella tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who undergoes a profound transformation when confronted with his own lack of personal responsibility. Through the character of Scrooge and the narrative’s exploration of societal issues,…
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The Dominance of Class Conflict in ‘An Inspector Calls
In “An Inspector Calls,” both the conflict between social classes and the conflict between generations are intriguing and integral to the play’s themes. However, the conflict between social classes has a greater impact on the outcome of the play. Conflict Between Social Classes:One of the play’s main themes is the struggle between social classes. It…
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“Strange Meeting” by Wilfred Owen
“Strange Meeting” is a poem written by Wilfred Owen, a renowned English poet and soldier during World War I. It explores the horrors and futility of war and offers a powerful meditation on the profound human connection that transcends enemy lines. The poem takes the form of a dialogue between two soldiers who have died…
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“Second Coming” by W.B. Yeats
“Second Coming” is a poem written by W.B. Yeats, one of the most renowned Irish poets of the 20th century. It was composed during a period of significant social and political upheaval, following the devastation of World War I and the subsequent disillusionment and uncertainty felt by many. The poem begins with the iconic line,…
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“Suicide in the Trenches” by Siegfried Sassoon
“Suicide in the Trenches” is a poem written by Siegfried Sassoon, a British poet and soldier during World War I. It portrays the stark contrast between the idealized perception of war and the brutal reality faced by soldiers on the front lines. The poem begins with a description of a young soldier who is initially…
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“Hard Times” by Charles Dickens
“Hard Times” is a novel written by Charles Dickens, one of the most celebrated English authors of the 19th century. The novel explores themes of industrialization, social class, and the dehumanizing effects of a utilitarian society. The story is set in the fictional industrial town of Coketown, a symbol of the harsh realities of the…
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