Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

Which term is defined as a type of device that produces figurative meanings?

1. Understanding

2. Figurative language

3. Imagery

4. Inference

The correct answer is: Figurative language

Figurative language is a broad category that encompasses various literary devices used to create meanings that go beyond the literal interpretation of words. It includes metaphors, similes, personification, hyperbole, and more, all of which allow writers to express complex ideas, evoke emotions, and paint vivid images in the reader's mind. By employing figurative language, authors can add depth and layers to their writing, enabling readers to engage with and interpret the text on a more imaginative level. Understanding this term is crucial in literary analysis, as it helps readers appreciate the nuances of a work and recognize how language can shape meaning and convey tone. Other options, while related to interpreting literature, do not encompass the same breadth of literary devices that create figurative meanings.