Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

What best describes a lyric poem?

1. A detailed narrative of events

2. A melodic form expressing a single speaker's feelings

3. A poem primarily focused on historical events

4. A technical discourse on poetic techniques

The correct answer is: A melodic form expressing a single speaker's feelings

A lyric poem is characterized by its melodic quality and its focus on expressing the emotions and thoughts of a single speaker. Unlike narrative poems which recount a story or events, a lyric poem delves into personal feelings, reflections, and moods, often employing a musical rhythm and structure. This emphasis on individual emotion is what distinguishes lyric poetry from other forms like epic or narrative poetry, which involve more complex plots and multiple characters. In contrast, options that involve detailed narratives or focus on historical events do not capture the essence of lyric poetry, as they require a broader storytelling scope rather than an exploration of personal sentiment. Furthermore, a technical discourse on poetic techniques would stray from the intrinsic focus on emotion that defines lyric poetry; it would concern itself more with the mechanics of poetry rather than its expressive capabilities. Thus, the correct answer highlights the unique nature of lyric poetry as an art form devoted to the personal expression of feelings.