FAQ
Q: What is Literary Merit?
A: Literary merit is a quality of written work, generally applied to the fiction genre. This is a piece that is considered a work of art and can be discussed on various levels. The work goes beyond just an entertaining piece of literature. These books are often part of the English canon, or works that will soon be a part of the canon. Nevertheless, it is impossible to define the exact formula that a work must follow to be considered of literary merit. While it is subjective, a book of literary merit contributes significantly to the literary work of a culture and is appreciated for its aesthetic values.
Q: Why are these books selected?
A: These books are selected because they have appeared on the free response questions of the AP English Literature and Composition test. The College Board has deemed these books as works that would augment the AP curriculum.
Q: Which is better to read – a classic novel or a contemporary novel?
A: There is not a definite answer to this question. Every book on the list is valuable and considered a book of literary merit. However in preparing for the AP test, it would be more beneficial to read a classic because the AP test contains more works from the pre-1900’s time period.
Q: What books are more likely to help me on the AP test?
A: There are books that have appeared on the AP more than others. The top five books that have appeared on the test are: Invisible Man, appeared 19 times; Wuthering Heights, appeared 17 times; Great Expectations, appeared 14 times; Moby Dick, appeared 14 times; and Jane Eyre, appeared 13 times.
Q: What books would you suggest?
A: Of course, I have my favorites. From the collections, I would suggest my favorites in no particular order: Their Eyes Were Watching God, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Tess of the D'Urbervilles, The Great Gatsby, The Stranger, and King Lear.
Q: I am having problems searching for titles. Is there another way to find a book?
A: Yes, you can either browse the author list or browse the title list. If you still have problems, please see the Help page.
Q: Who created this web site?
A: Ryan Parker, with the input of Ms. Parker, created this web site. Ms. Parker's HUHS site is located here.
Q: Why was your web site created?
A: This site was created as a term project for the Digital Libraries class (Fall 2007) offered as part of the Master of Library and Information Science program at the School of Information Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. It will also assist Ms. Parker with her AP Literature class.