Lesson 3.1
Welcome to AP Lit Unit 1, Lesson 3! This lesson's objective is...
Explain the function of contrasts within a text
A deeper understanding of plot and structure in texts includes examining how the ordering of events in narratives affect readers' interpretations of texts. Additionally, exploring the relationships of particular events or a series of events to other literary elements, such as conflict, provides opportunities to examine how these plot relationships contribute to meaning. Furthermore, students develop a more sophisticated understanding of structure as they analyze part-to-part and part-to-whole relationships in texts, which may involve contrasts, and develop interpretations considering these structural relationships.
Text of Study...
In this lesson, we will continue to analyze Ambrose Bierce's "Chickamauga"
3.1 Instructional Video...
Before you look for contrasts of your own, please watch and take notes on paper for the following video: https://apclassroom.collegeboard.org/d/5740oz7su9?sui=13,2
This video has been assigned to you on your College Board account as well.
3.1 Assignment #1...
Bierce's "Chickamauga" is filled with meaningful contrasts, such as innocence and war, sunny afternoon and ghostly twilight, etc. As you read "Chickamauga," note in a double-entry journal (found on Google Classroom) the contrasts you encounter. Note the contrasts on the left side, and on the right side of the journal, ask inferential questions about how those contrasts emphasize ideas, traits, or values and contribute to meaning. We will use the double-entry journal as a means of brainstorming for the 3.1 essay task.
3.1 Assignment #2...
On the AP Literature exam, you will be asked to craft a free-response analysis to a piece of prose fiction. We are going to practice this skill in lesson 3.1. On the AP exam, you will be provided with a passage of prose fiction of approximately 500 - 700 words. This question assesses your ability to do the following:
Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents an interpretation and may establish a line of reasoning.
Select and use evidence to develop and support the line of reasoning.
Explain the relationship between the evidence and the thesis.
Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating the argument.
Essay #1 Prompt: Prose Fiction Analysis
This lesson focuses on the text titled "Chickamauga," by Ambrose Bierce, 1889. In this story, a child is forced to confront the harsh realities of war when he witnesses his mother's death and the destruction of his home. Read the text carefully. Then, in a well-written essay, analyze how Bierce uses literary elements and techniques to develop the theme of appearance versus reality.
Specific Essay #1 Tasks:
Write a thesis statement for your essay that clearly presents a defensible interpretation of the text, while also responding to the prompt. Have a peer review your thesis and provide you with feedback. Then, turn in your thesis statement to Google Classroom by Thursday, October 22nd.
Using your thesis statement, outline your essay. Then, write a first draft and turn it into Google Classroom by Tuesday, October 27th. We will peer review/grade these in class the week of October 26th using the AP Lit rubric (found on Google Classroom).
Your final draft of your essay is due by Thursday, November 5th to Google Classroom.