Blog #14: Final Three-Paragraph Reflection

I have completed a full semester of AP Literature & Composition, and the experience was different, but enriching. Instead of constantly writing argumentative and analysis essays to practice for an AP exam's essay section, like in AP Language & Composition class, we did projects instead. We incorporated complex analysis of prose when we filmed our Greek tragedy projects, and we synthesized various sources in order to ultimately participate in a Socratic Discussion about Shakespeare's Hamlet. These experiences have not only helped me improve as an analysis writer, but have also allowed me to think more creatively when answering essay prompts.

Initially, I walked into this classroom thinking that I would already have all the resources I need to succeed in analyzing literature. However, I soon figured out that AP Literature necessitates a deeper understanding of given prompts. This class has taught me necessary skills in recognizing the underlying complexities of certain pieces, complexities that all authors of literary merit undoubtedly use. When annotating a prompt, I now easily recognize not only the literary devices that an author or poet uses, but also how the speaker incorporates the devices to give both explicit and complex implicit meanings in the text. I am also now skilled in finding binary opposites in prose and poetry passages and incorporating them into my thesis statements. Every good AP Literature essay needs to discuss the elaborate binaries present in authors' works. I have learned the importance of recognizing different forms of poetry - such as the English Sonnet and Villanelle - and also the shifts in focus and tone in these pieces. To me, finding tone shifts in passages is another good way of formulating my analysis argument, giving a clear trail of logic.

Having applied myself in this class this semester, I feel like I have learned to better appreciate and analyze the works of pronounced literary figures. Because of the skills I have acquired, I feel that I can better write a successful analysis essay analyzing the complexities of pieces. Of course, I must still learn how to better structure my essay so as not to follow the conventional five-paragraph essay. However, my newly earned skill of recognizing tone shifts can help me reach my objective of writing a better overall analysis.