Category: AP Literature
-
“Final Solutions” by Mahesh Dattani
“Final Solutions” is a play written by Mahesh Dattani, a renowned Indian playwright. The play delves into themes of communalism, religious conflict, and the impact of social and political ideologies on personal relationships. The play is set in the aftermath of the 2002 Gujarat riots, a period of intense religious violence in India. It revolves…
-
“Night of the Scorpion” by Nissim Ezekiel
“Night of the Scorpion” is a poem written by Nissim Ezekiel, an Indian poet of Jewish descent. The poem explores the themes of love, superstition, and the power of community in the face of adversity. The poem begins with the speaker recalling a particular night when a scorpion entered their home. The villagers gather around…
-
“Grandfather”by Jayanta Mahapatra
“Grandfather” is a poem written by Jayanta Mahapatra, an acclaimed Indian poet. The poem delves into the relationship between the speaker and their grandfather, exploring themes of time, memory, and the passage of generations. The poem begins with the speaker reminiscing about their grandfather, who is described as a figure of wisdom and authority. The…
-
“The Bangle Sellers” by Sarojini Naidu
“The Bangle Sellers” is a poem written by Sarojini Naidu, an Indian poet and political activist. The poem celebrates the beauty and significance of bangles in Indian culture while also shedding light on the struggles and hardships faced by the bangle sellers. The poem begins with the bangle sellers calling out their wares, enticing potential…
-
“I Led my Silvia to a Grove”by Aphra Behn
“I Led my Silvia to a Grove” is a poem written by Aphra Behn, a prominent English playwright and poet of the 17th century. The poem explores themes of love, nature, and the transient nature of happiness. The poem begins with the speaker, presumably the poet herself, leading her beloved Silvia to a tranquil grove.…
-
“Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking” by Walt Whitman
“Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking” is a poem written by Walt Whitman, one of the most influential American poets of the 19th century. It is a lyrical and deeply introspective piece that explores themes of nature, loss, and the power of memory. The poem is narrated by a speaker who reminisces about his childhood…
-
“Ode on Solitude” by Alexander Pope
“Ode on Solitude” is a poem written by the English poet Alexander Pope. It reflects on the joys and virtues of a solitary life, celebrating the peace and contentment that can be found in seclusion. The poem begins by describing the ideal setting for solitude—a small, simple cottage surrounded by nature. Pope emphasizes the tranquility…
-
“Tradition and the Individual Talent” by T.S. Eliot
“Tradition and the Individual Talent” is an influential essay written by T.S. Eliot, one of the most renowned modernist poets of the 20th century. Published in 1919, the essay presents Eliot’s views on literary criticism and the role of tradition in shaping artistic creation. In the essay, Eliot argues that art is not created in…
-
“Sunne Rising” by John Donne
“Sunne Rising” is a metaphysical poem written by the English poet John Donne. It explores themes of love, time, and the power of the sun. The poem is structured as a dramatic monologue, with the speaker addressing the rising sun and expressing his frustration at being interrupted in his intimate moments with his lover. The…
-
Song to Celia by Ben Jonson
“Song to Celia,” also known as “Drink to me only with thine eyes,” is a famous poem written by the English poet Ben Jonson. It is a lyrical expression of love and longing, addressing a woman named Celia. The poem begins with the speaker’s plea to Celia to convey her love through her eyes rather…