Class of 2014 AP English Literature and Composition 2013 Summer Reading Assignment I. DRAMA Oedipus Rex by Sophocles We are not requiring any particular edition of the play; however, we would highly recommend a version which includes supplemental materials/explanations of Greek drama and Greek mythology. Purchase, read, and annotate the play prior to the first day of class. It would be wise to focus your annotation on instances of dramatic irony, images of vision and blindness, and tension between fate and free will. On the second day of class, bring your annotated copy of the play and the literary analysis assignment detailed below. LITERARY ANALYSIS OF DRAMA In a typed, one-page essay, offer your assessment of Oedipus at the end of the play. Was he foolish? Heroic? Fated? Support with textual evidence as appropriate and follow MLA format. II. READING FOR PLEASURE Read a book—fiction or non-fiction—strictly for pleasure. Strong readers and writers have a wealth of textual experiences and a vast amount of background knowledge from which to draw. The most important aspect of this assignment is that you select a work you will enjoy reading. During the first week of class, you will conduct a book talk over your selected work in which you will “sell” the experience of reading your book to your peers, so pick something good! Some suggestions for selecting your “reading for pleasure” book include, but are not limited to: Classic works of literature from an era, author, or genre you know and enjoy Contemporary literature from the New York Times Bestseller List Works of “Representative Authors” from College Board Non-fiction works about a time period or person of interest to you Class of 2014 III. LITERARY CRITICISM How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster ISBN 978-0-06-000942-7 Purchase and read the book prior to the first day of class. As you read, take Cornell notes (these may be hand-written and examples can be found online) over Foster’s major points and apply your knowledge to a movie or literary work with which you are already familiar (in the summary section of your Cornell notes would be appropriate). Your Cornell notes will be organized into the three sub-categories as follows: Setting—Chapters 10, 12, 19, 20 o “It’s More Than Just Rain or Snow” o “Is That a Symbol?” o “Geography Matters” o “So Does Season” Character—Chapters 14, 21, 22, 23 o “Yes, She’s a Christ Figure, Too” o “Marked for Greatness” o “He’s Blind for a Reason, You Know” o “It’s Never Just Heart Disease . . .” Plot—Chapters 1, 2, 11, 18 o “Every Trip Is a Quest” o “Nice to Eat with You” o “ . . . More Than It’s Gonna Hurt You: Concerning Violence” o “If She Comes Up, It’s Baptism” We are looking forward to teaching the class of 2014! Enjoy your summer and happy reading