Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

An epigram is best described as a short poem that delivers a witty, clever, or pointed statement. This literary form is characterized by its brevity and sharpness, often conveying a deeper truth or observation about life, society, or human behavior in just a few lines. The effectiveness of an epigram lies in its concise nature, allowing it to make a striking impact while requiring the reader to engage with the underlying meaning.

While other choices reference different forms of writing, they do not accurately capture the distinct characteristics of an epigram. For instance, a complex narrative structure refers to longer and more intricate storytelling methods, while a lengthy emotional work suggests a focus on extensive thematic exploration, both of which are not aligned with the concise and impactful nature of an epigram. A form of exaggerated metaphor, though it could be clever, does not encompass the full essence of an epigram, which is more about brevity and wit than mere figurative language.