SR Study Advice

The summer reading test is fairly basic and the questions are concrete — Who is this person? What did they do? What are they known for?

Remember, the story is important. Don't just look up a description of the character.  Find out what happened to them and what other characters were involved. Consider the overall theme of their story. 

Analysis isn't necessary at this point — we will do that, together, in class.

The fastest way to get the information is to just read the portion of the text concerning the listed character/place/object. Google the name if you can't find it in an index. Then, read the story and take brief notes. Don't be afraid to use an online encyclopedia as a starting place, but remember, the best and often fastest/shortest way to get the info is to read the original text (e.g. the Bible and Edith Hamilton's mythology).

Sample Notes

Bible example:  

Solomon — the babies (Story of Solomon begins 1 Kings 2 in the old testament)

• Solomon - David dies and passes kingdom to Solomon. David advises Solomon to be a wise and just king. 

• Solomon establishes his kingdom by killing his enemies including his older brother Adonijah who, through Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, asked for a wife.

• Solomon sees God in a dream. God says, ask for anything. Instead of money or a long life, Solomon asks for "a discerning heart," or wisdom. God is proud of Solomon, so he gives him his request plus wealth and, if Solomon stays true, a long life.

• Solomon shows his wisdom when two prostitutes come to him arguing over a baby. Solomon says, if you both want the baby, cut it in half. The REAL mother steps forward and says NO! Then, Solomon gives her the baby knowing that a real mother would rather give her child away than see it killed.

Mythology example: 

Hera

• Goddess of marriage/childbirth. Married to Zeus (her brother)  

• Symbol is the peacock

• Jealous and vindictive