1. The Prompt is Always the Same
Or, how to successfully dissect, analyze, and answer a prompt in AP Literature

2. AP Literature Prompt Format:
“How does the writer use _____ to create meaning and tone?”

3. So…how should you respond to the prompt?
More about the prompt
AP Literature prompts always stand on two legs— the first leg asks “what” and the second leg asks “how.”
So…how should you respond to the prompt?

4. Prompt Analysis
First, read the prompt carefully (read it three times). Make sure you know exactly what the prompt is asking you to analyze.
As you compose your thematic thesis statement, specifically and directly answer the prompt by using the language of the prompt.

5. The Thematic Thesis Statement
Always TAG the work in the thematic thesis statement (name the title, author, and genre) – AP Readers look for this!
Include a clause stating what the author conveys about the element or device the prompt asks you to analyze (and using the language of the prompt), and
Add a clause revealing the theme as it pertains to the literary work, and how the author feels about it/views it (tone).

6. Example Thematic Thesis Statement
Sophocles soberly unfolds the fateful events of tragedy in Oedipus the King. (TAG + Tone) All action is focused upon Oedipus, the definitive tragic hero, whose downfall illustrates how man’s attempts to outsmart fate are nothing more than mere folly. (device + theme—in the context of the literature discussed)

7. Arriving at THEME
Use the Them-er-ator (3 easy steps to arrive at theme):
1. What is the poem/story/novel/play about (consider characters and action to derive the main issues or subjects).
2. What seems to be the author's view of the subject in terms of people/life/the world?
3. Combine the answers to formulate a full statement of theme.

8. Now let us practice our hand at composing Thematic Thesis Statements
“The Convergence of the Twain”
“Richard Cory”
“A Study of Reading Habits”
“Do Not Go Gentle Into That Goodnight”
“Ozymandias”

9. Literary Devices and Elements
Meaning and tone are derived (in literature) from Diction, Imagery, selected Details, Language, and Syntax (DIDLS). Other techniques, devices, and elements (i.e. “The Big Five”) also inform readers of meaning and tone.
This relates to the prompt, where X (device) is used by the author to show/create Y.

10. AGE*QUOD*AGIS
And this activity, seeing how techniques and devices and elements work to create and shape meaning in literature, is the really good stuff. The study of literature is the best place to experience the exquisite beauty, power, and emotion of our words. So, in the tradition of “AGE * QUOD * AGIS,” stretch yourself and commit to doing your best always with this!

11. Sample “Miss Brill” Statement
In the short story “Miss Brill,” Katherine Mansfield detachedly reveals her eponymous protagonist, suggesting Miss Brill’s delusional self image results from prolonged isolation.