Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

Which approach does classicism contrast with?

1. Rationalism, which only values reason

2. Romanticism, focusing on individual feelings

3. Realism, emphasizing factual portrayal

4. Alliterative verse, focusing on sound patterns

The correct answer is: Romanticism, focusing on individual feelings

Classicism primarily contrasts with Romanticism, which emphasizes individual feelings, emotions, and the subjective experience of the individual. Classicism, rooted in the values of ancient Greek and Roman literature, prioritizes order, logic, harmony, and adherence to established forms and conventions. It tends to celebrate universal truths and rationality over personal emotion and the tumultuous nature of human experience that Romanticism often highlights. While Rationalism, Realism, and Alliterative verse each have their own distinct features, they do not serve as the fundamental counterpoint to classicism in the same way that Romanticism does. Rationalism emphasizes reason but is not an opposing literary movement; rather, it can coexist with classicism. Realism focuses on depicting everyday life accurately but does not directly challenge the structural and thematic elements characteristic of classical works. Alliterative verse is a poetic form and does not represent a contrasting literary philosophy. Thus, Romanticism stands out most clearly as the contrasting approach to classicism.