Things Fall Apart Folk Tales

Before posting here, re-read two of the folk tales from the novel, such as the Earth/Sky quarrel in Chapter 7 and the feast with Tortoise in Chapter 11. You may read a different one or two if you wish. Then, with a partner, post your thoughts about the purposes of Achebe’s inclusion of such tales in the novel. Make sure you refer to text. For length, fill the box and then some.

THE GREAT GATSBY – Posting Spot

Great GatsbyYou’ve made it to the final novel for summer reading. Congratulations! If you’ve made it this far, I have no doubt that you are committed to the class and are ready for a successful school year.

The Great Gatsby has been called one of the greatest American novels. See if you can understand why as you read. And remember the idea of this posting spot is that it should be a conversation about the novel, so when you post, respond to what others have said and add something new to the conversation. Make sure that when you comment, you at least fill the box, and remember that you must post four times. Proofread carefully because I will not approve poorly edited comments, and you will not receive credit for them. Postings for this book are due September 2. Difficulty in posting is not an excuse for comments being late.

BRAVE NEW WORLD – Posting Spot

BraveIf you read The Handmaid’s Tale during the last round of books, you’ll see some similarities with this novel. Both are dystopian novels, those set in an alternate future society. See what you think about Huxley’s version of a horrific world.

Remember the idea of this posting spot is that it should be a conversation about the novel, so when you post, respond to what others have said and add something new to the conversation. Make sure that when you comment, you at least fill the box, and remember that you must post four times. Proofread carefully because I will not approve poorly edited comments, and you will not receive credit for them. Postings for this book are due August 12. Difficulty in posting is not an excuse for comments being late.

FRANKENSTEIN – Posting Spot

FrankensteinEveryone has seen images of Frankenstein’s monster, and you might even be familiar with some of the movie versions. Now be familiar with the original.

Remember the idea of this posting spot is that it should be a conversation about the novel, so when you post, respond to what others have said and add something new to the conversation. Make sure that when you comment, you at least fill the box, and remember that you must post four times. Proofread carefully because I will not approve poorly edited comments, and you will not receive credit for them. Postings for this book are due August 12. Difficulty in posting is not an excuse for comments being late.

TESS OF THE D’URBERVILLES – Posting Spot

TessThe length of this novel might scare you, but I loved it when I read it several years ago. I hope you enjoy it, too.

Remember the idea of this posting spot is that it should be a conversation about the novel, so when you post, respond to what others have said and add something new to the conversation. Make sure that when you comment, you at least fill the box, and remember that you must post four times. Proofread carefully because I will not approve poorly edited comments, and you will not receive credit for them. Postings for this book are due August 12. Difficulty in posting is not an excuse for comments being late.

THE HANDMAID’S TALE – Posting Spot

handmaid'sTHE HANDMAID’S Tale is what is called a dystopian novel, one that imagines a nightmarish world. The most famous novel of this genre is probably George Orwell’s 1984. As you read Atwood’s work and write your comments here, try to think about what the appeal of this type of literature is for the reading audience. 

The idea is that this spot should be a conversation about the novel, so when you post, respond to what others have said and add something new to the conversation. Make sure that when you comment, you at least fill the box, and remember that you must post four times. Proofread carefully because I will not approve poorly edited comments, and you will not receive credit for them. Postings for this book are due July 15.

SONG OF SOLOMON – Posting Spot

songofsTONI MORRISON is considered one of the best current American writers, and this novel is one that is often taught at the high school honors level. As you read it and write your comments, see if you can understand why it has received the praise it has.

The idea is that this spot should be a conversation about the novel, so when you post, respond to what others have said and add something new to the conversation. Make sure that when you comment, you at least fill the box, and remember that you must post four times. Proofread carefully because I will not approve poorly edited comments, and you will not receive credit for them. Postings for this book are due July 15.

CEREMONY – Posting Spot

CeremonyTHE REVIEWS of this novel are overwhelmingly positive, and it is one of the most respected pieces of Native American literature in recent years. As you read and now write here, see if you can understand why it has received all the praise it has. 

The idea is that this spot should be a conversation about the novel, so when you post, respond to what others have said and add something new to the conversation. Make sure that when you comment, you at least fill the box, and remember that you must post four times. Proofread carefully because I will not approve poorly edited comments, and you will not receive credit for them. Postings for this book are due July 15.

AP Summer Reading Handout

Hi Everyone,

I’m attaching the handout for the AP English Literature summer reading. Please be aware that fall schedules are not finished, and there is a chance that some of you will not end up in the class. However, it is best to do the reading and be prepared. Enjoy the Summer Reading 11-12 !

“The Yellow Wallpaper” Link to Text

Here is a link to “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman in case you have an old copy of the textbook.

http://www.library.csi.cuny.edu/dept/history/lavender/yellowwallpaper.pdf

Please have the story read by Friday so we can have a good class discussion.