Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

How is a conceit typically defined in literature?

1. An unexpected change in narrative tone

2. A fanciful expression or extended metaphor

3. A common theme interpreted in a conventional way

4. A type of narrative structure

The correct answer is: A fanciful expression or extended metaphor

A conceit is typically defined as a fanciful expression or an extended metaphor, which is exactly why the second option is the correct choice. In literature, a conceit involves an elaborate and often surprising comparison between two vastly different things that illuminates a particular idea or theme. This device is commonly used to draw connections that may not be immediately apparent, allowing the writer to create a vivid and thought-provoking image or idea in the reader's mind. For instance, in metaphysical poetry, poets like John Donne often employed conceits to explore complex ideas about love, existence, or spirituality through intricate and unexpected comparisons. This enhances the depth of the text, prompting readers to think more critically about the relationships being drawn between dissimilar concepts. The other choices do not capture the essence of a conceit. An unexpected change in narrative tone pertains more to shifts in mood or voice rather than the specific use of metaphorical language. A common theme interpreted in a conventional way suggests a straightforward or traditional exploration of ideas, which lacks the complexity and inventiveness characteristic of a conceit. Lastly, a type of narrative structure may imply how a story is organized but does not relate to the figurative language and imaginative comparisons that define a conceit.