Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

What is the purpose of antimetabole in literature?

1. To create a rhyme scheme

2. To emphasize contrasting ideas

3. To repeat words in reverse order for emphasis

4. To establish a character's emotional state

The correct answer is: To repeat words in reverse order for emphasis

Antimetabole is a rhetorical device that involves repeating words or phrases in reverse order to create emphasis and highlight a particular point. This technique often plays a crucial role in enhancing the resonance of a statement, making it more memorable and impactful. By structuring the repetition in this manner, authors can draw attention to the relationship between the ideas presented, thereby deepening the reader's understanding. For example, the famous phrase "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country" from John F. Kennedy's inaugural address illustrates how antimetabole can effectively convey a message by inverting the order of the words. In this instance, the reversal not only creates a rhythmic quality but also underscores the shift in perspective regarding civic responsibility and personal involvement. The other options, while they touch on different literary devices and purposes, do not capture the specificity of antimetabole. While rhyme schemes involve the repeating sounds of words, they do not necessarily relate to word order. Emphasizing contrasting ideas refers more to juxtaposition or antithesis rather than the specific reversal of phrases. Establishing a character's emotional state typically involves internal monologue or descriptive language, rather than the structural technique seen in antimetabole