Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

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Prepare for the AP English Literature exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your test!

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Which term emphasizes contradictory elements in a single phrase?

Parable
Paradox
Palindrome
Oxymoron

The correct answer is: Oxymoron

An oxymoron effectively emphasizes contradictory elements when used in a single phrase. This literary device combines two opposing ideas to create a unique expression that often reveals a deeper truth or insight. For instance, phrases like "bittersweet" or "deafening silence" illustrate this contrast, provoking thought and allowing for rich interpretation within a text. In contrast, other options like a parable, which is a simple story used to illustrate a moral lesson, or a palindrome, which refers to a word, phrase, or sequence that reads the same backward as forward, do not convey contradictory elements in a single phrase. These terms serve different functions in literature and do not capture the essence of merging opposing ideas that an oxymoron does.