Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

What is the primary characteristic of an aubade?

1. A dramatic narrative poem from the evening

2. A poem celebrating the dawn or morning

3. A sorrowful song about love lost

4. A poem dedicated to an epic hero

The correct answer is: A poem celebrating the dawn or morning

The primary characteristic of an aubade is that it is a poem celebrating the dawn or morning. Traditionally, aubades focus on the beauty of the early morning and often depict the tender moments between lovers as night turns to day. This genre frequently explores themes of love and separation, as it may involve the departure of one lover at dawn after a night spent together. The imagery of sunrise and the transition from night to day is central to aubades, making the celebration of the morning a defining feature. This context of awakening and renewal adds layers of emotion to the relationships depicted in such poems, emphasizing both the beauty of a new day and the bittersweet nature of parting.