Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

Which literary device is characterized by the use of a repeated phrase for emphasis?

1. Anadiplosis

2. Alliteration

3. Ambiguity

4. Anaphora

The correct answer is: Anaphora

The correct answer is anaphora, which involves the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. This device is often used to create emphasis, build rhythm, and enhance the emotional impact of a passage. By anchoring the reader's attention on a specific phrase, anaphora can evoke a sense of urgency or draw deeper connections to the themes being explored. For example, in Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, the repetition of the phrase "I have a dream" serves to emphasize his vision for equality and justice, creating a powerful and memorable message. The other options serve different functions in literature: anadiplosis involves the repetition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the next, which is distinct from the emphasis created by starting multiple lines with the same phrase. Alliteration refers to the repetition of initial consonant sounds in closely positioned words, enhancing the musical quality of language rather than focusing solely on thematic emphasis. Ambiguity relates to words or phrases that can be understood in multiple ways, creating uncertainty rather than emphasizing a specific message.