Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

What is a pun?

1. A serious exploration of a central theme.

2. A play on words that exploits similar sounds with diverse meanings.

3. A type of meter used in classical poetry.

4. A repeat of a verse for emphasis.

The correct answer is: A play on words that exploits similar sounds with diverse meanings.

A pun is defined as a play on words that exploits similar sounds while highlighting different meanings. This form of wordplay often provides humor or a clever twist in language. Puns typically rely on words that sound alike or are homophones, which can create double meanings, leading to an entertaining or thought-provoking effect. They are frequently utilized in literature, jokes, and everyday speech to add a layer of wit or poignancy. In contrast, the other options mention aspects of literature or language but do not accurately describe a pun. A serious exploration of a theme refers to a narrative or analytical approach rather than a wordplay technique. Meter in poetry relates to the structured rhythm and pattern of sound, not wordplay itself. Lastly, repeating a verse for emphasis serves a different rhetorical purpose and does not involve the clever manipulation of words based on sound.