Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

Which literary device involves a sequence of ideas that diminish in importance at the end of a sentence?

1. Antimetabole

2. Anticlimax

3. Aphorism

4. Asyndeton

The correct answer is: Anticlimax

The chosen answer, which identifies the literary device that involves a sequence of ideas diminishing in significance at the end of a sentence, is anticlmax. Anticlimax is used to create a contrast between the buildup of tension or significance and a deflation of that tension, leading to a less impactful conclusion. This device can evoke a sense of humor or sarcasm and serves to highlight the absurdity or triviality of a situation after an earlier buildup. In literature, an anticlimax might present a scenario where grand expectations lead to an unexpectedly mundane or trivial resolution. This mechanism allows authors to manipulate readers' expectations and can impact the emotional weight of a narrative. For example, a story might build up to a climactic situation, only to end with a surprising or humorous anticlimax, thereby enhancing the overall effect of the passage. The other choices represent distinct literary devices that do not match this description. Antimetabole involves the repetition of words in reverse order for emphasis, aphorism is a concise statement of a general truth or principle, and asyndeton is the omission of conjunctions between parts of a sentence to create a rapid, impactful effect. Each of these serves a different purpose in writing, distinct from the effect achieved