Quarter 2 Reading Assignment

Literary Devices & Theme
Assignment Directions & Guidelines

In order to encourage the reading of classical/culturally significant literature (and to practice critical analysis), we are assigning a “Quarter 2 Reading Assignment” to all Freshman English Honors students. Your options for reading include:

  • 1984 by George Orwell
  • Anthem by Ayn Rand
  • Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
  • Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (PHS does not own a copy of this book)
  • A Separate Peace by John Knowles
  • Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Students will complete the following

  • Obtain a copy of the novel. Due:November 8/9 (Block)
  • Read, annotate and create a close read chart of the novel. Due: January 10/11 (Block)
  • Complete a test specific to the novel: January 10/11 (Block)
  • Complete a group project on the novel (after break- we will form groups after we take the test)

*Students may check out a book from me or from the library; they may also purchase the book.

Analyzing the Text

An analysis is a separation of a whole into parts for individual study. A Literary Analysis is a piece of writing that breaks a piece of literature down into smaller parts in order to analyze it. We analyze literature so that we can come to a deeper understanding of the meaning behind the text.

This assignment will ask you to analyze literature in the following ways:

Step 1: Annotating-while you read

When we annotate a text, we mark information on the page it in order to come to a deeper understanding of the meaning behind it.

  • Instructions for annotating:
  • Use the provided bookmark to number the annotation, label that annotation with the symbol and analyze that portion of the text
  • Consider thematic topics. Label each with a * and what it is (example: Poverty)
  • Follow the required number of annotations based on your assigned book

Required number of annotations (these are minimums-you can always do more):

  • Books with 100 – 200 pages: should have a minimum of two annotations per page.
  • Books with 200 – 300 pages: should have a minimum of one annotation per page.
  • Books with 300 + pages: should have a minimum of one annotation for every two pages.

If you purchase your own copy, you can write annotations directly on the pages.

If you borrow your copy, you can stick post-it notes on the pages

Remember: YOU MUST NUMBER YOUR ANNOTATIONS!

Step 2: Critical Reading-after you read/annotate

Critical Reading (also referred to as close reading) is a method of reading a poem or a piece of literature and breaking it down word by word and line by line. In other words, after you read the text for the first time, you reread it closely in order to critically analyze, interpret, and understand it at a deeper level. The author includes specific literary devices in parts of the text that helps influence the story as a whole. Since you already annotated the text, this is the point where you would use your annotations to develop conclusions about the entire text.

  • Instructions for Critical Reading
  • You will find at least 10 examples of literary terms (from the master list from the beginning of the year) that contribute to a theme of the book.
  • On a separate piece of paper, type up a chart that explains the following:
  • The What: Term and definition that inspires the theme (number each one)
  • The Where:Quote that proves this theme-and citation (Author last name page).
  • The How:Importance of this literary term to a theme of the entire book
  • Title is the theme you focus on

It must be typed and submitted to turnitin.com by 11:59pm the same day as your annotations

Example from To Kill a Mockingbird:

Title (statement of theme): The presence of poverty impacts every generation.

What:
Term and definition / Where:Quote (with citation) / How:
Importance to a chosen theme text
(not just the sentence you found it in)
1. Allusion: An indirect of passing reference to some event, person, place or artistic work. / “Maycomb county had recently been told that it had nothing to fear but fear itself” (Lee 2). / The phrase “Nothing to fear but fear itself” comes from the inaugural address of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in early 1933. Therefore, the reader is able to conclude that the beginning of this novel is set in the summer of 1933-during The Great Depression-which is referenced multiple times throughout the story. Atticus later explains to Scout that the Cunningham family was greatly impacted by the Great Depression because they were farmers. Examples include when Walter Jr. is invited over and is impressed with the roast he is served, and Mr. Cunningham- who must pay Atticus for his legal work with food instead of money.