Reading for Fun

I know you guys don't have much time for reading for fun, but maybe some of you have recommendations for something to read that does not require much thought. A story that you can just get lost in. My favorites are Harry Potter, The Georgia Nicolson Series, and The Princess Diaries.

Jane Eyre

Jane is constantly held down by the men in her life. Choose either John Reed, Brocklehurst, Rochester, or St. John and analyze how they kept her back and made her feel inferior.

Dystopia

We have read a lot of Dystopian novels. What I want you to do is to write a blog post describing your idea of a Utopian Society. We will then comment on what is wrong with each others' Utopias to prove that there is no such thing as a Utopian Society.

Jesus

We have read several books with Christ-like figures. Compare these characters in a blog post and describe their Christ-like tendencies.

The Great Gatsby

Colors are everywhere in this book, and although I have told you not to use it on the test, it is still important to recognize how Fitzgerald uses colors to display themes.

Catcher in the Rye

How do you feel about Holden Caulfield? Is he an inspirational character or just whiny? Why?

Frankenstein II

Shelley alludes to Prometheus and Paradise Lost in the work. How does this add insight?

Franknstein I

In what ways are Victor and his monster foils? In what ways are they alike? How do their likenesses and differences inform any themes to which you think they are applicable?

Be brief

Brevity is the soul of wit, dear pupils. Remember this when writing your papers. I do not want to read the same ideas over and over again for pages. I would rather your paper be brief and insightful than long and monotonous.

However, do not model your brevity after the speaker of this quote, Polonius from Shakespeare's Hamlet. He states "Brevity is the soul of wit" and then continues to ramble on line after line.

Symbols, Symbols, Symbols!

Symbolism can be found in every book and will likely show up on the AP test. So, think of some books with blatant and hidden symbolism.

A couple of go to books are The Scarlet Letter and 1984. I want you to come up with some books that are not so loaded with symbolism.

Winter Blues

I know we all have the winter doldrums, but remember that spring is right around the corner, so keep up with your schoolwork and take some time to enjoy the winter. While doing so, read this selection from Thoreau's Walden. It gives insight into the workings of humankind as well as beautiful descriptions of the outdoors. If you want to continue reading you can buy the book or find it here.

Ignorance is Slavery

Think back to when you first read 1984 by George Orwell. Was it believable, or did it seem far fetched to you? Does it really seem that far off, or is 1984 on the horizon? After reading the links, do you think that an Orwellian Society could be our future?

Lord of the Flies

Today's topic is Lord of the Flies by William Golding. We just finished reading this in class and you are working on a paper analyzing this text using outside sources. What I want you to do on your blog is write whether or not you believe that this book is a realistic depiction of what would happen without adults in the world and how you would react in the situation. Use outside sources to back up your claim.

Stream Of Consciousness

                                 Hey gang,

Today's topic is Stream of Consciousness! What I want you to do for this post is to write a short stream of consciousness piece on your blog. Then write how you feel when reading something written this way, whether it be a short story, poem, or a whole book. Personally, I get really confused when reading stream of consciousness and I tend to lose focus. That may or may not be the case for you. You can love it or hate it, just tell me why. Here is an example of stream of consciousness.

Quotes!

Integrate your quotes, ladies and gentlemen!

If a quote is not integrated well into your paper, the paper will read choppy and fragmented. Instead, you will want to integrate your quote into your sentence so that it flows seamlessly as one thought (with a citation at the end of course!)

Also, in case you do not have a copy of the MLA Handbook, here is a link to a citation generator that is generally reliable. It will generate both in text and works cited citations.

Subjective Objectivity

Hello students!

I would like to remind you that the AP test is only a couple of months away, so keep up the hard work and I know you will all pass with flying colors! (What literary term did I use there?)

I was thinking the other day while shoveling the avalanche (lit term?) off my driveway about something said in class the other day. The AP test is very subjective. And students, you are right, it is very subjective. But it is trying to teach you to be objective about a work of literature. So, it is subjective in its teaching you to be objective and then measures your objectivity subjectively.

In your blog name all four literary terms I have used in this post and pay special attention to the title and the paragraph explaining the title. There are several words one could use to describe this practice; but the one I most want you to identify is also the title of a book.

Once you have identified the book, write several themes that the book could portray.

Harry Potter vs. Slaughterhouse Five

Why is it, students, that I can teach you a book with as much questionable content as Slaughterhouse Five but I get all sorts of flack for trying to teach Harry Potter?

I want you all to answer this question on your blog in at least 100 words. Please avoid answers pertaining to the AP test and stick more to social issues.

MacBeth Practice Question

Hello students!

We have been reading MacBeth in class and it is a great play to use on the AP test. Please complete these practice questions and turn them in on Friday. We will  review the answers in class that day and I will answer any questions you may have about why the answer is the correct choice.

Introduction

Hello Advanced Placement English,

This blog will be an important tool in your success on the AP test. Check the blog at least weekly to read the most recent posts and respond on your own blog if assigned. I will telly you in class if there is a new blog post and when your response will be due (if required). When reading this blog, you can expect posts about books, authors, test questions, or trivia. Each post will have links to outside sources that you should read as well.