INCOMING JUNIOR CLASS AP ENGLISH ONLY
Three books are required:
• Beowulf as translated by Seamus Heaney
• Grendel (by John Gardner)
• Plus, you are required to read one additional novel from the incoming junior summer reading list and be prepared to take a test on the novel the first day of class in the fall. Extra credit may be earned for reading more than one text.
Directions: You will create a reading journal juxtaposing eight passages from the Anglo-Saxon epic poem Beowulf and the post-modern novel Grendel.
Read Beowulf first. Of the eight passages, at least three should compare and contrast scenes from the beginning, middle and end. Your responses need to move from the specific elements of each text to broader analysis of the central ideas developed by the consecutive passages. Each response should be a well-developed paragraph and provide insightful commentary.
Your textual selections should:
| • | Reveal tone |
| • | Point of view (including an explanation of events) |
| • | Social values, such as (but not limited to): views of religion, art, politics, morality and social conduct, gender roles, warfare, economics |
In addition to the above, you will also be required to include the following elements:
A character list Create a character list from each text. Define the character’s role, personality, and physical description. (Be sure to include the principal players from each narrative).
A vocabulary list Identify and define a total of 25-30 words from both texts (combined).
A literary terms list Define the following terms and find an example from each text and show how the use of the term adds meaning to the text:
| Litote | Epithet |
| Kenning | Allusion |
| Alliteration | Juxtaposition |
| Caesura | Appositive |
| Metaphor/simile | Symbol |
A ONE page reflection How do these texts remain relevant today? Connect at least two central problems presented by the narrative works to current social, religious, political, economic, aesthetic issues. How is the Anglo-Saxon heritage still reflected in our culture? How are political institutions formed? What are the requirements for justice and civil order? Are we still defined by the gender roles delineated in the Anglo-Saxon text? Does the novel by Gardner provide a valid criticism of humanity? How?
We strongly recommend that all students keep notes on their reading.
Notes help students retain information and can be reviewed prior to the first week of school.
Students can take notes on characters, plot, settings and themes.