Honors Literature Specifics
For Literature I Honors, a student must generate a quality paper of three to four pages each quarter. For the novels, plays, and ancient works, the student will hypothesize the theme of the work, and then provide evidence for their hypothesis. For the poetry, the student will uncover the underlying themes that unite the pieces and the recurring elements (such as common metaphors, allusions, devices such as repetition or rhyme, etc.), writing a paper that discusses the general style of the poet.
Each paper will begin with a quote that the student thinks the author/playwright/poet would affirm. For example:
“All men lead lives of quiet desperation,” Henry David Thoreau once wrote. Oedipa Maas, the lead character of Thomas Pynchon’s The Crying of Lot 49, would wholeheartedly agree with this quotation. Shall I project a world? she muses in the margins of her journal as she unravels a mystery left to her by a (possibly!) deceased friend. As she uncovers conspiracies in the city of San Narciso, the reader discovers the novel’s theme: the search for truth is often difficult.
The list is limited so that I could steer students toward works referenced by AP tests, and so students will inevitably discuss the works that they read with each other (barring, of course, collaboration on papers). I also am desperate for students to discuss their selections and papers with me as each quarter unfolds. As such, the student will not only turn in their paper, but schedule time to meet with me to discuss their submitted paper (before or after school, at lunch, at study hall). This will enable to me, a fellow digital native (having, like these students, grown up with the ever-present Internet), to make sure they have truly read the works and not been tempted by “e”-asy ways out (wotta pun!).
However, long before they turn in the paper I would encourage them to discuss their thoughts with me. The paper is due the first day of the last week of each quarter, and the scheduled meetings (likely ten minute affairs) must occur that week. At any point before, I can discuss drafts and give them counsel on the next selection they will pick.
Each student must pick one ancient work, two novels, and one set of poems. However, you don’t have to follow that order. One student may want to start the year with poems; another may want to read an ancient work.
Most of the ancient works are readily available online, but I or the school library should be able to loan out a copy or two of most everything on this list. Additionally, I would like to be the one to give the students copies of the poetry set they choose (it is easier for me to photocopy the works than for an interested student than have you buy the book). The one exception is the Bob Dylan album. I only own one copy, so only one student at a time can borrow it.
Ancient works
Attanu-Purlianni, Aqhat; The Healers; Kirta
The student must read all three of these near-complete works set in the same mythological world as Kingship for Baal, which is a required selection in our class. These Canaanite stories of wise counselors, favored warriors, and crafty gods were part of the religious landscape present at the time the Israelites first entered Canaan, and will certainly interest any student with a love for the narratives of the Old Testament.
Euripides, The Trojan Women; Medea
The student may select either of these plays from the master of tragedy, the first concerning the defeated Trojan women, and the latter the foreign sorceress betrayed by the Greek hero Jason. Euripidies was noted for his strong female protagonists, and these works are ideal for lovers of mythology.
Lucian, True History; Charon; Tyrannicide
The student must read all three, due to their relatively short length. The first is Lucian’s playful mockery of Homer, and is considered proto-sci-fi by many literary scholars. The second features the Underworld ferryman Charon and the god Hermes discussing the fate of mankind (dark and comical). The third features a curious logical argument made by the agent of a violent rebellion. Perfect for the budding young cynic!
Ovid, Metamorphoses, Book III
A selection from Ovid’s classic series about transformation, featuring well-known stories such as those of Echo and Bacchus. Perfect for a student who loves Greek mythology and/or poetry.
Sophocles, Oedipus Rex
The play that presents the story of Oedipus, presenting the background for the play Antigone that we read as a class.
Virgil, Aeneid VII-XII
A student who waits until the second semester to read their ancient work can simply finish the Aeneid once we complete the first six books, exploring Aeneas’ battle with foes on Italy and the growth of his son Anchises in a young warrior. I will award a worthy bonus since this would be the longest selection.
Novels
Achebe, Chinua
Things Fall Apart
A respected man in Nigeria deals with death and duty as his tribe performs their traditions and struggles with the encroaching European presence. This book is regarded as a modern classic, an English novel written by a Nigerian with a firsthand understanding of how the continent shifted in the 20th century. A word of warning: this is a bleak novel at many points.
Austen, Jane
Austen once commented “I am going to take a heroine whom no-one but myself will much like.” But of course, she was being coy, because Emma Woodhouse is memorable and clever. Emma is a comic novel about a headstrong young woman who decides she can be an expert matchmaker. Her efforts to connect hearts in her high society circle reveal a tangle of affections and secrets that seemingly no one can unravel. And with all that matchmaking, what happens if Emma gives away someone perfect for her?
Bradbury, Ray
The Martian Chronicles
The Martian Chronicles is novel consisting of a series of loosely-connected short stories about the exploration and colonization of Mars, and in a greater sense the nature of humanity. Stories range from whimsical to grim, showing Bradbury’s range as one of the 20th century’s best short story writers.
Brontë, Emily
“Wuthering” is a Yorkshire term for violent, strong weather, which fits well this enduring tale of forbidden affection between a young lady and the foster brother. Ghosts, travels, romance, morality, and proper English society, all in one fell swoop!
Defoe, Daniel
Defoe gives us the familiar tale of an English castaway struggling to survive, to relate with the natives, and to document his experiences. Often adapted and referenced, this work with its clever framing device (Crusoe claims to be real, so isn’t he?) is essential reading if one wants to understand where Lost in Space, Gilligan’s Island, and Lost really obtained their source material. One of the enduring works of post-medieval English literature.
Le Guin, Ursula K.
Lavinia
Lavinia is the princess of Latium, an Italian kingdom. The oracles say she must marry a foreigner, and all signs point to the handsome Trojan Aeneas who has come to the shores of Italy. Le Guin’s novel is based on the last six books of Virgil’s Aeneid, but is written for a high school audience and explores the story of a character vital to the Aeneid but never given so much as one speaking line in the epic. This would be perfectly paired with Books VII-XII of the Aeneid for a student so inclined.
Lewis, C.S.
The Great Divorce
Hell looks a great deal like East LA, if the homes were abandoned and there was a bus line ready to take the damned to the gates of Heaven for a daytrip. A curious look at the nature of sin and separation, fancifully presented as cityscapes peopled by the faithless and the faithful.
Lovecraft, H.P.
The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath
An experienced dreamer has a vision of a breathtaking city and embarks on a dangerous quest to gain just one more glimpse of a world that seems to hold all the meaning he’s been seeking in his life. Lovecraft died penniless, but his work set the stage for American science fiction and fantasy in the 20th century, and has become a recent subject of much academic praise as one of America’s great writers. This novella is brief but dense, a rewarding challenge for any students who loved Tolkien, Burroughs, or Lewis!
Nabokov, Vladimir
Bend Sinister
An aging philosopher in a nation recently taken by revolutionaries refuses to attach his good name to their cause, and frankly refuses to comment in any way on the grim reality around him. But is staying neutral even in option in politics? And what does the author himself have to do with the events unfolding in the philosopher’s world?
Rand, Ayn
Anthem
In a future unspecified, a young man is persecuted for seeking knowledge of a hated word that has been banned from his society for ages. His thirst for enlightenment sends him on a quest to uncover the treasures of the past, and to find a way to express his love for a young woman who shares his values. But what is that word? Without it, neither one can speak of their deepest longings.
Shakespeare, William
A wizard on a hidden island – what more do you want? Well, here you go: a shipwreck brings old enemies to his shoreline, and his daughter falls for one of the men that arrive. There’s always something deeper going on in Shakespeare, so perhaps the student should pay attention to the monstrous native Caliban and his relationship with his European master?
Stevenson, Robert Louis
Historical fiction set against the War of the Roses, featuring a young man who must become a knight, woo his lady, and avenge his father. Set in his path is a band of outlaws whose leader likes to leave a calling card – the black arrow of the title. Students who love history and adventure will appreciate this work.
Don’t watch the movie(s), don’t read the abridged versions! Taste and see that the original tale of treasure, pirates, and loyalty is as good as this crusty English teacher insists it is!
Wilde, Oscar
Immortality and immorality are promised by the possession of an odd painting. How do its gifts shape the bearer? Wilde’s classic tale of the nature of morality, love and age continues to provide the perfect metaphor for the sins we try to keep hidden.
Wells, H.G.
The Time Machine is an immensely influential tale of a man’s exploration of the far future, which is ultimately a warning about how society might evolve. The visions of the far future had little to no precedent in literature in the time of Wells, emphasizing his genius.
The defining “alien invasion” work of Western civilization, Wells’ War of the Worlds has been clumsily adapted by Hollywood, but the original text still remains the final word.
Poems
Angelou, Maya
Africa Communication I Come. And Be My Baby For Us, Who Dare Not Dare Lord, in My Heart
No Loser, No Weeper On Working White Liberals To a Husband Where We Belong, a Duet
Students who enjoy history and politics may be drawn to Ms. Angelou’s deep but accessible poems of life as a woman of African descent in 20th century America. However, I also included a number of her love poems to show her range.
Dickinson, Emily
Life
The first series from Dickinson’s first collection of poems, aching and tender in a way that has not been seen since. Perfect for the student who is a bit of a self-searching romantic.
Dylan, Bob
Slow Train Coming
The only musical selection on this list, Slow Train Coming was Dylan’s first album after converting to Christianity in the 1970’s, and includes the well-known single “Gotta Serve Somebody.” Don’t think this is the easiest set simply because it’s an album – the simplest song on the album (the upbeat “Man Gave Names to All the Animals”) contains a haunting ending. All the tracks are currently available for listening via YouTube.
Frost, Robert
Acquainted with the Night Fire and Ice Mending Wall Out, Out- The Trial by Existence
One of the great poets of American history, Frost’s metered verse is best known through classics such as “The Road Not Taken” and “Stopping by Woods in a Snowy Evening.” I have selected some other stirring pieces from his canon.
Lewis, C.S.
A Cliché Came out of Its Cage A Confession The Ecstasy The Landing Pan’s Purge
Before Lewis turned to fiction and theology, he was an aspiring poet who often drew on Classical works. Some of these poems are ambiguously pagan, possibly pre-conversion, and will interest students with a taste for Greek mythology and Biblical literature.
Lovecraft, H.P.
Fungi from Yuggoth
Students who dislike poetry but love fiction (especially fantasy or science fiction) may enjoy this moody series of sonnets in the vein of Edgar Allan Poe. This is perhaps the longest selection, but each piece is part of a series so drawing a generalization about Lovecraft’s style won’t be difficult. Think Seuss meets Poe, having first read his Homer.
I’m a bit confused. Do we have to read all of these selections this year? I’m eager to start, but I don’t want to be overwhelmed.
-Steven
As it is written:
Each student must pick one ancient work, two novels, and one set of poems. However, you don’t have to follow that order. One student may want to start the year with poems; another may want to read an ancient work.
Hello, Mr. Shoup!
Here it says that we must read a novel, set of poems, etc., and write a paper about them. I was curious, but did “A Princess of Mars” count, or was it strictly a summer assignment? I know that was it’s original intention, but things got a little jumbled up for some as to what was due when, and so you made it due at the end of the first quarter.
But it is still just a summer reading assignment, correct?
You got it!
Mr. Shoup,
You give such good descriptions for all of the books, it makes it hard to pick one.
You can read more than just the required ones! Read ‘em all!
I may just have to.