Hi, I'm a junior in high school and planning to take AP Lit next year. Can you guys recommend some novels that are commonly used in AP Lit classes? I want to explore more literature and have an edge for next year's course. Thanks!
Hi there! It's great that you're looking to get a head start on your AP Lit class and explore more literature. Here are some novels that are commonly studied in AP Lit courses and tend to appear on the exam:
1. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
4. 1984 by George Orwell
5. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
6. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
7. Beloved by Toni Morrison
8. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
9. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
10. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
While these novels are just a starting point, keep in mind that the AP Lit course and exam focus on analyzing literature, so it's essential to develop your critical reading and writing skills. Consider taking notes on themes, motifs, and other literary devices as you read through these works. Also, think about how authors use these elements to convey meaning and develop an argument.
Remember, even though these books are commonly studied in AP Lit classes, the curriculum may vary depending on the teacher and the school. It's also possible that you'll encounter different novels on the actual AP Lit exam. The key is to constantly improve your literary analysis skills and be prepared to tackle any work that comes your way. Happy reading!
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