AP ENGLISH LITERATURE SUMMER ASSIGNMENT

Welcome to AP Literature and Composition. Completion of the summer assignment given below is required for participation in the course during the 2010 - 2011 school year. The novels are widely available and may be checked out from your local library or purchased on your own. Students will be required to read two of the following novels and prepare two short analysis papers. There are four novels; you must choose two (any two) of the following four novels. In addition, students should be ready to discuss, write about and/or take an objective exam during the first week of school on the two books you have read.

THE HANDMAID'S TALE

CATCH-22

BRAVE NEW WORLD

1984

WRITTEN ANALYSIS ASSIGNMENT: After reading each novel, complete a short analysis paper. Please note that an analysis must be completed for the two novels you have read. These papers should reflect your own, original thought. The analysis papers are due on the first day of school.

ANALYSIS INSTRUCTION: Choose a two to five page excerpt from the novel that illustrates a key literary element that is essential to an understanding of the text as a whole. This literary element might be the speaker or author's voice, an instance of character development, the novel's symbolism, dialogue, diction, imager or some other literary focus that plays a significant role in developing the novel's theme or message. Photocopy or type the excerpt you have chosen and include it with your analysis.

Write a two-page, typed, double-spaced essay identifying and analyzing the literary element you have chosen, and how it supports the novel's theme. Use short quotations or examples from the excerpt to support your argument.