To: English IV I.B. HL (A.P. Literature for those interested in
taking the exam) 2015--2016
From: Ms. Blevins
Re: Let’s discuss “Your Delightful Summer Reading”
Welcome to ENGLISH IV I.B. HL/A.P. Literature! I am absolutely GIDDY to
reunite on August 10 with my English II honors beloveds AND work with students new to
me! I have even noted your return on my cell phone.
Now to your reading assignments--During the summer, please closely read Maya
Angelou’s first autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and Joseph Heller’s
novel, Catch-22. BOTH books are available at our school; you must get both before school
ends. IF you want to write in them, they are also available in book stores, Amazon.com,
and websites that sell second-hand books. Be prepared to respond to these works in
writing, discussions, and in projects during the first two weeks of school. During the
second and third days of class, you will write about the issues that demanded your focus of
Maya. During the following week (August 21 through the following week beginning with
August 24), we will address Catch-22. Those of you who prefer to read Spark Notes or
watch the movie version of Heller’s novel (I think only a T.V. movie based upon Angelou’s
book exists) will have a difficult time writing a decent response to any of my questions.
Only one eighth of my seniors last year did not read all of Catch-22---their poor choices did
not herald in a great year. Their grades were extremely low all first quarter. So, please
take the time to read both books.
Though you may initially find these two books daunting in scope and complexity,
you will recognize the unequivocal value and the rich breadth that they provide. We are
studying them for several reasons: For those who are also planning on taking the A.P.
Literature exam (it will be either May 6 or May 9, 2016) -in addition to the I.B. English
exams (approximately May 2-6, 2016)-, 1.), these two pieces have frequently appeared on
AP Literature Question Three, and 2.) their language will offer an extraordinary
opportunity to closely study and prepare for the A.P. as well as for our I.B. commentary
Paper One. Catch-22 is masterful for the ways in which Heller gives iconoclastic views of
insanity and heroism and an acerbic perspective on war and bureaucrats. Angelou’s
powerful autobiography provides a trajectory that covers her formative years in which she
experiences racism, sexism, violence, humility, and, ultimately, redemption, strength, and
empowerment. Finally, the writing you do the first weeks of school will give me insight as
to your ability to make significant comments on something you have recently read. I
already know that most of you know how to ANNOTATE BRILLIANTLY!!!!
 It should go without saying that you will look up the vocabulary words that you
don’t know (I will expect at least 20+ for Catch-22--I will give you a test based
upon what words I THINK you should have defined--clue: many of Heller’s words
are negative about war and the bureaucracy--and 15+ for Caged Bird). I will ask to
see the two vocabulary lists of words (definitions and resource) that you kept.
English IV IB teachers just love vocabulary words in context. They (the words, not
the teachers) sometimes appear on quizzes throughout the year (that’s more than a
loving hint).
 For I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS, you should take
meticulous notes on each of the FIVE following issues/questions. You will
need to take at least five pages of notes—1 side is 1 page; 2 sides are 2
pages; thus, FIVE SIDES). You need to take notes that eloquently and
extensively answer the posed questions, discuss the following five theme
subjects, and examine how these theme subjects they are portrayed in her
autobiography.
Your notes should include quotes (who is talking, to whom), specific
examples in the autobiography, and comments that show you understand the
significance of the question etc. The best approach is to read the questions
and look for the answers as you read. If you have a book from the library,
place post-its on passages that will help you answer the questions as you go
along. If you have your own book, you may underline, highlight, or comment
on her memoir. So, read CONSCIENTIOUSLY!!!! Naturally, I expect you to do
an outstanding job.
Each page of notes will be worth 20 points; thus, your Angelou notes
alone will be worth 100+ points. If you TYPE your notes, you will earn 10
points of easy extra credit. Seriously!
Bring your (typed) notes to class the first day of school.
QUESTIONS/ISSUES for MAYA ANGELOU:
1. *How do Maya’s vital relationships in her life inspire and transform
her?---Among the many are her grandmother, Bailey, her mother, her
father, Mrs. Flowers, Mr. Freeman, etc.
2. *Trace how Maya’s self discovery, her evolving identity, and her
admirable ability to overcome her terrors and her difficulties assist her
in finding her own courage and strength.
3. *What serves as the foundation for Maya’s spiritual and religious
journey? What are the various spiritual and religious paths and
influences she experiences?
4. *Analyze the prejudices Maya endures as both female and AfricanAmerican—How is her book a triumph for the African-American race? A
triumph for young girls and women? A triumph for any human being
who has suffered indignities?
5. *I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings: You must locate and explore
passages in the autobiography that illustrate the title’s deep and
powerful metaphorical significance
As you read each chapter, do not forget to keep in mind not only these
aforementioned questions and theme subjects, but the thoughtful questions
you also used in your discussions with Mr. Brem:
Who is the Speaker? What is the Occasion? What are the themes and
main ideas of this chapter? AND, how did Maya Angelou establish these
themes? Diction, characterization, conflicts, setting, tones, imagery,
symbolism, structure, etc.
For CATCH-22:
We will not address Heller’s work until the following
week—August 21+. I assume that you will CAREFULLY and CLOSELY READ
(INTERACTing in your novel with post-its or with your own highlighters and pens)
about the significant characters, symbols, conflicts, themes, and motifs.
Be sure you trace the characters of Snowden and Yossarian:
SNOWDEN’S INFLUENCE on the protagonist and Yossarian as
an anti-hero. Pay CLOSE attention to what Heller is
SATIRIZING and saying about insanity, bureaucrats, war,
camaraderie between soldiers, God etc. When you are tested on this
book, you will be allowed to use it for only one of the questions, and, in a group,
you will trace one central idea and demonstrate to the class how that one idea is
presented throughout the piece.
You are NOT expected to take notes on Catch-22 outside of what you do
normally to enrich your reading: looking up vocabulary words (yes, as stated,
there will be a test on Heller’s sophisticated vocabulary!) and post-its and/or
interactive marginalia. You will earn 50+ points for reading this piece closely.
To reiterate: Please be prepared for group discussion, writings, and group
presentations on this book’s study no later than August 21/24.
You must bring and show me Heller’s piece on August 21.
I will NOT grade your close reading of Angelou.
HOW MANY BOOKS DO YOU NEED TO READ FOR ENGLISH I.B. HL
THIS SUMMER?
(See below for the answer.)
I look forward to seeing you in August!!!!
Sincerely,
Ms. Blevins
Answer: (Two, 2, Deux, Dos)