MYP ENG II CHOICES

"The Iliad" Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds

Gareth Hinds' graphic novel adaptation of "The Iliad" offers a visually striking and engaging interpretation of Homer's epic poem. Through Hinds' intricate illustrations and narrative style, readers are transported to the battlefield of Troy, where the clash between the Greeks and Trojans unfolds with vivid detail.

In this graphic novel, Hinds captures the essence of heroism, honor, and the complexities of war as depicted in Homer's original work. The characters, including Achilles, Hector, and Agamemnon, are brought to life through dynamic artwork and nuanced storytelling, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the world of ancient Greek mythology.

"The Iliad" graphic novel serves as a valuable educational tool for students exploring classical literature, offering a fresh perspective on the timeless themes of fate, glory, and the human experience in times of conflict. Hinds' adaptation provides an accessible entry point for readers to engage with the rich storytelling and moral dilemmas presented in Homer's epic.

Through this visually compelling retelling, Gareth Hinds invites readers to delve into the epic tale of "The Iliad," unraveling its layers of meaning and significance while experiencing the drama and intensity of the Trojan War in a new and captivating format.

*Required Text

Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton

"Cry, the Beloved Country" is a novel written by Alan Paton that tells the story of Stephen Kumalo, a black South African pastor, who journeys to Johannesburg in search of his son, Absalom. As he navigates the city's harsh realities, he discovers the impact of apartheid on his family and community. The novel explores themes of racial injustice, forgiveness, and the struggle for social change in South Africa. Through Kumalo's emotional journey, the novel highlights the complexities of race relations and the need for reconciliation in a divided society. 

Galatea by Madeline Miller

In ancient Greece, a skilled marble sculptor has been blessed by a goddess who has given his masterpiece — the most beautiful woman the town has ever seen — the gift of life. Now his wife, he expects Galatea to please him, to be obedience and humility personified. But she has desires of her own and yearns for independence.

In a desperate bid by her obsessive husband to keep her under control, Galatea is locked away under the constant supervision of doctors and nurses. But with a daughter to rescue, she is determined to break free, whatever the cost 

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Lord of the Flies is a novel by William Golding that follows a group of British boys stranded on a deserted island during a wartime evacuation. As they attempt to govern themselves, the boys descend into savagery and chaos, symbolizing the darker aspects of human nature. The novel explores themes of civilization versus savagery, the loss of innocence, and the inherent evil within individuals. Through the boys' descent into violence and anarchy, Lord of the Flies delves into the complexities of human behavior and the fragile nature of society.

 "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare is a whimsical comedy that intertwines the lives of four young lovers, a group of amateur actors, and fairies who inhabit a magical forest. The play revolves around the themes of love, magic, and the unpredictable nature of desire.

The story begins with the Duke of Athens, Theseus, preparing for his wedding to Hippolyta, the Queen of the Amazons. Meanwhile, Hermia, a young woman in love with Lysander, is forced to marry Demetrius by her father, Egeus. Hermia and Lysander decide to flee into the forest to escape this arranged marriage.

In the forest, Oberon, the King of the Fairies, and his mischievous servant Puck interfere with the romantic entanglements of the humans by using a love potion. The potion creates chaos as the characters fall in and out of love with one another. Meanwhile, a group of bumbling actors rehearses a play for the Duke's wedding, adding to the comedic elements of the story.

As the night unfolds, misunderstandings, transformations, and humorous situations ensue, leading to a resolution that includes reconciliations, weddings, and a play within the play to celebrate the joy of love.

Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a delightful exploration of love's complexities, the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, and the enchanting power of the imagination. The play's magical setting, playful characters, and comedic misunderstandings make it a timeless and beloved piece of literature that continues to captivate audiences with its charm and wit.

"All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr 

All the Light We Cannot See is a historical fiction novel that follows the parallel stories of two young people during World War II - Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German boy with a talent for building and repairing radios.

The story alternates between Marie-Laure's experience in Nazi-occupied France and Werner's in Germany. Marie-Laure lives in Paris with her father, who works at the Museum of Natural History. As the war approaches, they flee to the coastal town of Saint-Malo, carrying a valuable and dangerous diamond that belongs to the museum.

Meanwhile, Werner grows up in an orphanage in Germany, where his skills with radios earn him a spot at an elite Nazi school. He is later conscripted into the German army and sent to track radio signals, eventually being stationed in Saint-Malo.

The novel explores the ways the war disrupts the lives of ordinary people, as well as themes of morality, science, empathy, and the power of human connection. It culminates in the Allied bombing of Saint-Malo, where Marie-Laure and Werner's stories collide in the ruins of the coastal town.

Through the alternating perspectives, the novel provides a nuanced look at the horrors of war and the humanity that can still emerge even in the darkest of times. Doerr's lyrical prose and attention to sensory detail bring the characters and their experiences vividly to life

 Of Mice and Men  by John Steinbeck

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is a poignant novella that follows the lives of two migrant workers, George Milton and Lennie Small, during the Great Depression in California. The story explores themes of friendship, loneliness, dreams, and the harsh realities of the American Dream.

George is a small, quick-witted man who looks after Lennie, his large, mentally disabled companion. The two dream of owning their own piece of land and living off the fat of the land, a dream that sustains them through their challenging lives as itinerant workers.

As George and Lennie find work at a ranch, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, each struggling with their own desires and disappointments. The novella delves into the complexities of human relationships, highlighting the power dynamics, vulnerabilities, and sacrifices that shape the characters' lives.

The fragile balance of their dream is shattered when a tragic event occurs, leading to a heartbreaking conclusion that underscores the harsh realities of the world they inhabit.

Steinbeck's  Of Mice and Men  is a timeless exploration of the human condition, offering a glimpse into the hopes and struggles of individuals striving for a better life amidst the challenges of society. The novella's poignant narrative, vivid characters, and evocative prose continue to resonate with readers, inviting reflection on the enduring themes of companionship, isolation, and the pursuit of a better future.