AP Lit: First Semester Independent Novel
Your task: Demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of a classic novel’s plot, major themes, and literary features.
The AP Literature and Composition exam’s “masterwork” Question 3 is a notorious troublemaker. It requires test-takers to discuss the plot of a work of literary merit and to highlight a specific thematic element indicated in the prompt. Of course it doesn’t stop there. Typically a Question 3 will be multi-faceted – think back to the “sacrifice” prompt from the very beginning of the year:
It is often been said that what we value can be determined only by what we sacrifice. Consider how this statement applies to a character from a novel or play. Select a character that has deliberately sacrificed, surrendered, or forfeited something in a way that highlights that character’s values. Then write a well-organized essay in which you analyze how the particular sacrifice illuminates the character’s values and provides a deeper understanding of the meaning of the work as whole.
You can see how this gets tricky.
You must provide adequate information about the story, highlighting several instances of the assigned idea or theme and its importance in the novel, plus do all of this as clearly and elegantly as possible, AND you must be able to rely on your knowledge of the novels, the great, canonized works you’ve read to accomplish this.
So: Slaughterhouse meets the test of grit and war and morality, and Their Eyes reliably covers race, love, gender, and sacrifice.
What themes and ideas does your novel cover? What aspects of your independent read can you easily recall and retell? How do the prominent themes make meaning and create a lasting impression on the audience? How does the novel illuminate the human experience?
These are all good questions to consider.
Your job is to finish reading your novel if you haven’t already, and then prove you’ve read it and “get it.” Here’s what you’ll do…
1. Fill out a set of Novel Notes, and then…
Turn over for task:
THE BOOK REPORT
No, no, not that kind of book report.
THE MILLIONS: THE BOOK REPORT
What it is: A 3-ish minute book talk that is filmed and shared (Don’t worry…you get to decide with whom it is shared…it could be with just me, your teacher, or it could be with The Internet. It’s completely and entirely up to you.)
What it includes:
· Title and author
· A brief overview & synopsis
· A “thumbs up”/”thumbs down” rating
· An overview of themes, style, and prominent literary contributions
Why The Millions: The Book Report?
Recalling facts and information, retelling major moments of the story, and analyzing prominent literary—this on-the-fly, reporter meets critic conversation about a novel is the exact skill you need for the Q3.
How you’ll accomplish this:
Grab your favorite device and start filming.
There’s no need to film several takes. Part of the fun of this assignment is that it’s authentic and conversational.
You may want to:
· Sketch out a few notes before you begin filming so you know the direction you’re headed and you’ve ensured you cover what’s required.
· Do your thinking first. Spend time reflecting on the novel before you start talking about it.
· Talk to somebody else about your novel before you film.
A few more notes…
· We should not hear echoes of Sparknotes, Shmoop, Crash Course, Thug Notes, or Sassy Gay Best Friend.
§ In other words, take care to read and work with integrity.
**Although I strongly encourage you to find a way to participate in this assignment to the best of your abilities, I realize that some of you will feel uncomfortable filming yourselves or you won’t have access to the appropriate technology. If you genuinely fall into this category, you may propose an alternate assignment and submit it to me for approval before December 16.