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
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