Summer Assignment: Pre-AP 10

Transcription

1 Summer Assignment: Pre-AP 10 The summer reading assignment is over the novel A Separate Peace by John Knowles. The packet should be completed thoroughly and individually. It will be turned in the first day of class, and it does count towards your grade. During the first week of school you should expect to write an in-class essay over the novel and take a rigorous multiple choice exam. You may wish to purchase the book or utilize the link below (full text version online). Book link online: The assignment is divided into four parts: Annotating, Background, Characterization, and Thematic Statement. Completion will help prepare you for the in-class writing exam the first week of school. ANNOTATING In addition to the assignments presented in the packet you should consider annotating the text. Annotations will be useful. You will be allowed to refer to your annotations during the in class essay the first week of school. If you are using the online version of the book, instead of purchasing your own, consider organizing your annotations by chapter or printing the PDF. DURING READING Mark in the text: Characters (who) When (setting) Where (setting) Vocabulary ~~~~~ > Important information Write in the margins: Summarize Make predictions Formulate opinions Make connections Ask questions Analyze the author s craft Write reflections/reactions/comments Look for patterns/repetitions AFTER READING Reread annotations draw conclusions Reread introduction and conclusion try to figure out something new Examine patterns/repetitions determine possible meanings Determine what the title might mean

2 Many consider A Separate Peace to be a bildungsroman. A bildungsroman, also sometimes called a novel of formation is a specific type of coming-of-age novel that presents the psychological, moral, and social maturation of the protagonist. As you read look for and annotate for the following elements of a bildungsroman: The protagonist embarks on a journey whether literal or metaphoric which prompts his or her growth from child to adult. The protagonist must have a reason to embark upon this journey a loss or feeling of discontent. The process of maturation is long and difficult. The protagonist experiences repeated clashes between his or her needs and desires and the stringent values of an unbending social order. Eventually, the protagonist matures socially, emotionally, and psychologically; he or she is assimilated into the society. The novel ends with the protagonist s new assessment of him or herself and his or her new place in that society. ***In addition you should consider annotating for: figurative language, tone and mood, setting, major events, significant quotes, theme(s), memorable examples of diction, and vocabulary. ***If you have questions about annotating use the link below to gain a better understanding: bwfpbnxnedo3zjnlytvkowvlzmrmyjky

3 BACKGROUND Historical Context: The novel takes place from during the middle of America s involvement in World War II. The time of the narrator s recounting of his time at Devon, is in the middle of the Cold War. You will conduct research, find quotes from the novel, and provide analysis. First, conduct research over the topics listed below, and then write a five to eight sentence paragraph summarizing your findings. Second, find a quote from the novel that relates to each topic. Be sure to cite the quote using the author s last name and page number. Finally, you will provide a brief analysis explaining how the quote connects to the researched topic. Environment in America during World War II: Researched Information: Source (Name and URL): Quote: Analysis:

4 The Draft: Researched Information: Source (Name and URL): Quote: Analysis:

5 All Boys Prep Schools during this time period: Researched Information: Source (Name and URL): Quote: Analysis:

6 CHARACTERIZATION CHARACTER Complete the chart for each of the characters listed below. Characterization Record and cite information about each character. Include things like age, background, appearance, character traits and motivation. Archetype Determine what archetype each character represents and provide a brief explanation. Conflict and Change Take notes about the conflict(s) the character faces and any changes we see in the character. Gene Finny/ Phineas Leper/ Elwin Brinker

7 THEMEATIC STATEMENT Rules for stating a theme: 1. Theme must be expressed in a statement with a subject and a predicate. That is, it must be a sentence, also called a thematic statement. It is not enough just to say that the theme is "love," or "hate," or "brotherhood." What does the author say about love, about hate, about brotherhood? 2. The statement of theme must not mention characters' names. It is a generalization about people or about life or about nature or about society. Theme is an insight into life. 3. The theme must be based on evidence in the story, not on your personal experience. 4. Avoid absolutes such as "always" and "never" in your thematic statements. You may, however, use words like "sometimes," or "may, " or "often " 5. Do not use clichés or familiar sayings. (For example: "You can't judge a book by its cover." or "Love conquers all.") 6. There is more than one way to state the theme of the story. Try to make your statement as complex and as accurate as possible. Directions: Write a thematic statement for three of the eight subjects listed below. With each statement include a quote from the text that supports the thematic statement you wrote. Be sure to provide the page numbers for the quotes you find. Briefly explain how the quote you chose supports the thematic statement you wrote. Maturation Conflict(s): Man v. Self, Man v. Man, Man v. Society Friendship and Interpersonal Relationships Identity Competition Reconciliation and Forgiveness War Create your own subject 1. Thematic Statement: Subject: Quote (Include page number): Analysis and Explanation:

8 2. Thematic Statement: Subject: Quote (Include page number): Analysis and Explanation: 3. Thematic Statement: Subject: Quote (Include page number): Analysis and Explanation: