British Literature
Mrs. Bernardo
Summer Reading
Beaumont School, 2015-2016
Welcome to your senior year and British Literature!
This year we will explore the foundations of our cultural and literary heritage through the study of
British Literature, from its very beginnings in the Anglo-Saxon period through the modern day. To help
us begin our study, you are asked to read the following works:
The Gurnsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Schaffer and Annie Barrows
The letters comprising this novel begin in 1946, when single, 30-something author Juliet Ashton writes to her
publisher to say she is tired of covering the sunny side of war and its aftermath. When Guernsey farmer Dawsey
Adams finds Juliet's name in a used book and invites articulate—and not-so-articulate—neighbors to write Juliet
with their stories, the book's epistolary circle widens, putting Juliet back in the path of war stories. Juliet finds in
the letters not just inspiration for her next work, but also for her life—as will readers.
(Source: Publishers Weekly Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Spirited and impulsive, Marianne Dashwood is the complete opposite to her controlled and sensible sister, Elinor.
When it comes to matters of the heart, Marianne is passionate and romantic and soon falls for the charming, but
unreliable Mr Willoughby. Elinor, in contrast, copes stoically with the news that her love, Edward Ferrars is
promised to another. It is through their shared experiences of love that both sisters come to learn that the key to a
successful match comes from finding the perfect mixture of rationality and feeling. (Source: Amazon.com)
In addition to the reading, watch Sense and Sensibility (1995, directed by Ang Lee)
Assignment:
As you read the works over the summer, you should take notes to prepare for detailed discussion in the
first few days of class. You can expect that a paper about the works will be assigned. Use of study aides
(Spark Notes, Schmoop, Book Rags, Cliff’s Notes, etc.) cannot replace careful reading of the works.
Study guides can be inaccurate or focus on ideas different from those we will discuss. In addition to
your personal notes, you must complete the following assignments to prepare for class discussion and
the eventual written assignment/assessment:
The Gurnsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society:
As you read the novel, you will note that several members of the society discuss specific books
or authors that have touched them in some way. Select three characters and do some research
on the author he/she mentions; please go beyond a quick Google search or reading of the
Wikipedia entry on the author. Create a typed chart to record the information you have found
and to explain the connection to the characters. The chart may use bullet points; complete
sentences are not necessary. A copy of the chart must be submitted on Wednesday, August 26,
2015. Be prepared to discuss why or why not the connection between the character and the
writer is appropriate.
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British Literature
Mrs. Bernardo
Summer Reading
Beaumont School, 2015-2016
Sense and Sensibility
Create a chart in which you identify three points of comparison between novel and the film
adaptation. For each point of comparison, include a quotation from the novel and a description
of how this scene/character/event is depicted in the film. Also include a comment on which
version you feel is better suited to a contemporary audience. A copy of this chart must be
submitted on Wednesday, August 26, 2015.
Assessment: These written assignments will be assessed using the following rubric:
_____/ 5 MLA formatting for both documents
_____ / 15 Chart for The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
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Clarity & readability
Shows the connection between three characters and three authors
Demonstrates thoughtful reading of the novel; makes connection between the author and character clear;
includes at least one quote from the novel for each character
Evinces thoughtful research on the author; includes interesting details that support association with
character; goes beyond the superficial in research
Free from spelling and other typographical errors
_____/ 15 Comparison Chart for Sense and Sensibility
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Clarity & readability
Demonstrates thoughtful reading of the novel; carefully describes how the contrast is evident using specific
text support
Free from spelling and other typographical errors
Identifies three specific points of comparison and uses specific text support (quotes) to develop each idea
Clearly indicates a position on the better version of the story for a 21st Century audience
Contains few or no errors in grammar, usage, punctuation, or spelling; evidence of careful revision and
proofreading
_____/ 35 Total Points Earned for Summer Reading Assignments
Your summer reading assignments are due on Wednesday, August 26, 2015 A deduction of 5% will be
taken for each day the submission is late, including weekends. No grade will be recorded until
electronic submission to Turn It In has been made. This assignment will be included in your grades for
the first quarter of British Literature.
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