HONORS WORLD LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION
SUMMER READING LIST
DUE DATE: August 17, 2015
The purpose of summer reading is to sustain the powers of the imagination and to explore worlds of
characters, settings, plots, archetypes and ideas we can only visit through literature.. These books are available
from your local library or bookstore.
Although video versions are enjoyable, they may differ greatly from the written word; rely on the works
themselves. You are required to read both books from the list below. Be advised some books may contain
somewhat explicit language, sexual references, or mature subject matter. If you have any questions, please
contact the English Department Chair, Marybeth Dial on the Sprayberry website or at
marybeth.dial@cobbk12.org.
Assigned texts are integral to our World Lit curriculum. We will have class discussions and additional
assignments associated with these books when you return to school.
Directions: Complete the attached assignment for the following assigned text(s).
Read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (L910).
Rationale: Some of the major topics that are explored in this text are independence, undertaking a journey,
and self-realization. These are topics that will be explored further as we examine foundations texts from
throughout the world and The Life of PI by Yann Martel. Students will be able to make real world
connections as it pertains to their everyday lives (text-to-self & text-to-world), for these are common issues
that are universal. We will be discussing in class the archetypal hero and his journey. Reading this novel
will prepare you, and give you a strong foundation for these discussions.
AND
Read The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay (L940).
Rationale: The Power of One is a novel that deals with issues that many adolescents are exposed to,
including feelings of being an outsider, bullying, and mental illness within a family. Peekay is a young boy
whose mother has a mental breakdown and is eventually sent to a boarding school where his is bullied with
little to no reprieve. He must dig deep inside to find the strength and courage to embark on an archetypal
quest through the sport of boxing that will prove to save him. We will be discussing in class the archetypal
hero and his journey. Reading this novel will prepare you, and give you a strong foundation for these
discussions.
1. Before Reading: Refamiliarize yourself with the hero’s journey which you studied with The Odyssey.
You can also view the following link as a review. This is an archetypal journey that we will reference
throughout the course.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hhk4N9A0oCA
2. During Reading: Annotate the text as your read. Remember: Annotation is more than highlighting.
When you annotate you need to write on the page or on a post-it note the following information:
- New Characters
- Setting
- Summary
- Suprises/Plot “Twists”
3. After Reading: Complete the accompanying assignments for the first two weeks of school.
The Alchemist
Essay Prompt and Rubric
Prompt:
Recall the 4 obstacles that Paulo Coelho discusses in the introduction to the novel and prove how Santiago
overcomes each of them to confront and fulfill his personal legend. Discuss how he changes and grows on his
journey as he confronts and overcomes these obstacles.
This is a four-paragraph essay; the 4 obstacles may serve as the concrete details for your 2 body paragraphs.
Grading Rubric:
*4 paragraphs (introduction, 2 body, conclusion)
*Literary analysis format:
 Introduction paragraph includes a hook and/or general thoughts relating to topic, title and author of
novel, thoughtful thesis statement containing each of the four obstacles you will be discussing in your
body paragraphs.
 Each of the body paragraphs are 8-11 sentences in length with thoughtful concrete detail and
commentary (including quotes and page numbers).
 Conclusion paragraph wraps up the essay giving it a finished feeling and convincing the reader that your
argument is valid.
 Essay is written from the third person point-of-view and contains no “you”, “I”, “me”, etc.
 Essay is written in present tense and does not switch from past to present (and vice versa).
 Appropriate use of TLQ (Transition, Lead-in, Quote) - i.e.: (T) For example, (L) Santiago remembers
the kings words, (Q)“I am the King of Salem” (Coelho 21). *Do not start a sentence with a quote.
 Grammar and spelling is accurate.
 Essay is insightful and does not contain plot summary.
*MLA format:
 Heading, page numbers, margins (1”), original title with correct punctuation, indentation of paragraphs,
double spacing
 Page numbers are cited correctly within the text.
The Power of One Short Answer Discussion Questions
Directions: For each question, write a well-written analytical paragraph answering the questions below. Each
paragraph MUST contain
- A Topic Sentence
-AT LEAST 2 pieces of evidence per paragraph.
- Analysis for each piece of evidence that DOES NOT summarize but DOES tell me why the evidence
proves your topic sentence's statement.
- A clincher or concluding sentence.
1. Select three characters from The Power of One and discuss how they interact with Peekay using internal
and external conflicts, motivations, relationships, and influences. Discuss how these interactions with
Peekay affect the plot.
2. How does the author, Bryce Courtenay, express one of the themes in the book? (Give specific
techniques, examples or incidents that the author uses to express the theme. Don’t forget “why” the
author wants to express the theme.)
The Power of One:
 The way to survive is to blend in—camouflage.
 First with your head, then with your heart.
 Little beats big if…(you are smart).
 (other themes that you can think of)
3. How does Peekay’s coming of age story pare to other book(s) with characters who make similar
journeys: Odysseus, Harry Potter, Katniss Everdeen, (other coming of age stories that you can think of).
[The technical name for a coming of age story is a Bildungsroman].
4. How does the author, Bryce Courtenay, use narration, dialogue, and any other techniques to reveal a
character's traits? Make sure you point out that The Power of One uses first person narration, and
why/how that may be effective (or not) in revealing Peekay’s character traits.
5. Does The Power of One have a particular writing style, word choice, tone, mood? How (effectively)
does the author, Bryce Courtenay, illustrate the tone, mood, and theme using diction (word choice),
figurative language, and other writing techniques?
6. Although epic conventions are specific to the genre of the epic poem, many of the conventions are seen
in other works of literature. In The Power of One how has the author, Bryce Courtenay, used “the hero
meets a mentor?” Why is this epic convention effective (or not) in telling this story?
7. How does the author, Bryce Courtenay, use symbolism to reinforce the points he is trying to make about
his themes and/or his characters? [For example, do Doc’s cacti symbolize Peekay—hard and prickly on
the outside, resistant to letting people into the soft center inside?]