ENG III CHOICES

"The Red Badge of Courage"

"The Red Badge of Courage" is a novel by Stephen Crane that follows the story of a young soldier named Henry Fleming during the American Civil War. Henry, filled with romantic notions of war, enlists in the Union Army. Throughout the novel, Henry experiences fear, doubt, and ultimately growth as he faces the realities of battle. Initially, he flees from his first encounter with the enemy but later redeems himself by returning to the battlefield and fighting courageously. The novel explores themes of courage, fear, heroism, and the brutal realities of war.

*REQUIRED TEXT

How the García Girls Lost Their Accents by Julia Alvarez

Is a novel that follows the lives of four sisters from the Dominican Republic who move to the United States. The book explores themes of cultural identity, family dynamics, and the challenges of assimilation into a new culture. Throughout the novel, the sisters navigate issues of language, tradition, and belonging as they adapt to their new lives in America. 

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne 

The novel is set in 17th-century Puritan New England. The story follows Hester Prynne, who is publicly shamed and ostracized for committing adultery and bearing a child out of wedlock. Throughout the novel, themes of sin, guilt, redemption, and the consequences of societal judgment are explored. The novel delves into the complexities of human nature and the impact of secrets and social norms on individuals within a strict religious community. 

Their Eyes Were Watching God il by Zora Neale Hurston 

The novel follows the journey of Janie Crawford, an African American woman in the early 20th century. The story explores Janie's quest for self-discovery and independence as she navigates through three marriages and different societal expectations. Through Janie's experiences, the novel delves into themes of love, identity, gender roles, and the search for personal fulfillment and empowerment in a patriarchal society. Hurston's lyrical prose and vivid storytelling capture Janie's resilience and strength as she strives to find her voice and define her own destiny. 

Fahrenheit 451  by Ray Bradbury 

This nove is set in a future society where books are banned and "firemen" burn any that are found. The story follows Guy Montag, a fireman who begins to question the oppressive censorship and conformity in his society. As Montag rebels against the status quo, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment, ultimately seeking to preserve knowledge and critical thinking against the oppressive forces that seek to control and manipulate society. The novel explores themes of censorship, the power of literature, the consequences of ignorance, and the importance of individuality and intellectual freedom in a totalitarian world. 

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut 

The novel follows the experiences of Billy Pilgrim, a World War II soldier who becomes "unstuck in time" and experiences his life events out of chronological order. The novel weaves together Billy's time travel, his experiences as a prisoner of war in Dresden during the Allied bombing, and his encounters with the alien Tralfamadorians. Through Billy's disjointed narrative, Vonnegut explores the destructiveness of war, the concept of free will, the nature of time, and the effects of trauma on individuals. The novel presents a unique blend of dark humor, science fiction elements, and poignant reflections on the human condition, making it a powerful anti-war novel and a commentary on the absurdity of human violence. 

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

 This play dramatizes the conspiracy against the Roman dictator Julius Caesar, his assassination, and the aftermath of his death. The play explores themes of power, loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of political ambition. It follows the characters of Brutus, Cassius, and Mark Antony as they navigate the complexities of honor, friendship, and the pursuit of power in ancient Rome. The famous speeches, such as Mark Antony's "Friends, Romans, countrymen" speech, and the dramatic events leading to the downfall of Caesar and the ensuing civil war, make this play a timeless exploration of political intrigue and the human cost of leadership.