Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

A brief literary sketch that captures a moment or idea is known as a vignette. Vignettes are generally concise and focused pieces that convey a snapshot of a scene, character, or idea without the formal structure of a full narrative. They often rely on strong imagery and emotional resonance to leave an impression.

The purpose of a vignette is to convey a thematic or emotional experience rather than to advance a plot, making it distinct from options like essays, which tend to explore arguments and ideas in a more structured manner, or short stories and novels, which involve more complex narratives with developed plots and characters. The essence of a vignette lies in its brevity and the preservation of a single moment or concept, allowing it to evoke strong feelings or insights within a limited scope.