"I like this place and willingly could waste my time in it." - William Shakespeare

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Homework for Wednesday 8/31

Read to Chapter 11 in Wuthering Heights.

Consider how Lockwood's second dream (pg.20-21) connects with elements of literary naturalism and foreshadows events later in the novel.

Prepare for the Summer Reading Assessment which will occur on Tuesday, 9/6.


Naturalism in Wuthering Heights




Monday, August 29, 2016

Homework for Tuesday 8/30

Read to chapter nine in Wuthering Heights.

Write down definitions for "Literary Realism" and "Literary Naturalism"

Friday, August 26, 2016

Homework for Monday 8/29

Read to page 32 in Wuthering Heights.

Write down a definition for the term "Gothic Literature."

Read the excerpt of the poem The Mores by John Clare - note the descriptions of the environment:


Far spread the moorey ground a level scene
Bespread with rush and one eternal green
That never felt the rage of blundering plough
Though centurys wreathed spring's blossoms on its brow
Still meeting plains that stretched them far away
In uncheckt shadows of green brown, and grey
Unbounded freedom ruled the wandering scene
Nor fence of ownership crept in between
To hide the prospect of the following eye
Its only bondage was the circling sky
One mighty flat undwarfed by bush and tree
Spread its faint shadow of immensity
And lost itself, which seemed to eke its bounds
In the blue mist the horizon's edge surrounds
Now this sweet vision of my boyish hours
Free as spring clouds and wild as summer flowers
Is faded all - a hope that blossomed free,
And hath been once, no more shall ever be …

-         1831 

Sunday, August 21, 2016

AP Summer Reading Assignment

Welcome to AP English Literature and Composition! If you are a lover of literature and writing, you will find the next twelve months a rewarding and enriching experience; we hope you discover a few new favorite authors along the way. Many of the works we will read next year were written by poets, novelists, and playwrights who studied the classics before their time. And many of these authors allude to these timeless tales and images in their own works: A wooden horse presented to the apparent victors; the temptation of a manipulative serpent; the declaration of love between two young lovers atop a balcony. This use of allusion in literature enhances the significance and power of the essential texts studied at the AP and college level.

Due to the advanced and fast-paced nature of the course, students are expected to begin the year with a prior knowledge of some of these essential literary texts. During your summer break, you will be required to read and familiarize yourself with the following selections from the McDougal and Littell World Literature textbook:

Literature of the Ancient World
Selections from The Epic of Gilgamesh: Pages 32-46
Selections from The Hebrew Bible: Pages 63-73

The Classical Age of Greece and Rome
Selections from The Iliad: Pages 178-222
Selections from The Aeneid: Pages 356-379
Selections from The Metamorphoses: Pages 398-402

Europe in Transition: Literature of the Middle Ages
Selections from The Song of Roland: Pages 696-706
Selections from The Inferno: Pages 732-756


Detailed note taking is strongly encouraged while reading as we will refer back to these texts throughout the school year. Students should expect an assessment on the summer assignment during the second week of class. The Assessment will be open notes, but not open book!