Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

Which concept contrasts with classicism in literature?

1. Romanticism, which emphasizes imagination and emotion

2. Minimalism, which features restrictions on length

3. Postmodernism, which focuses on fragmentation

4. Symbolism, which relies heavily on metaphor

The correct answer is: Romanticism, which emphasizes imagination and emotion

The concept that contrasts with classicism in literature is Romanticism, which places a significant emphasis on imagination, emotion, and the individual's experience. Classicism is characterized by its adherence to fixed forms, rationality, and the ideals of order, harmony, and restraint, often drawing inspiration from classical antiquity. In contrast, Romanticism celebrates the spontaneity of human thought and feeling, highlighting the beauty of nature and the exploration of personal emotions and the sublime. Romantic writers often rejected the rigid structures and decorum associated with classical literature, favoring instead a more free-flowing, expressive style that captures the essence of human experience. This focus on individuality and emotional depth serves as a direct counterpoint to the principles of classicism, making Romanticism the most appropriate answer in this context. Other concepts like minimalism, postmodernism, and symbolism, while they each showcase various innovative literary approaches, do not represent the same fundamental opposition to classicism as Romanticism does.