ENGLISh-ap Literature 

AP LITERATURE SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT 

Part I: Choose ONE of the following novels to read (one that you have not read yet).

• Native Son by Richard Wright 

• Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya

• The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

• Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce

• Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Part II: Choose ONE of the assignments below to complete after reading.

Option 1:

Make a list of at least five important interpretive discussion questions or discussion topics about the book and answer each question in a paragraph of at least 1/2 page each (the paragraph itself should be double-spaced, typed). Examples of interpretive questions include (and this is only a tiny sample…):

• Why does someone in the book…?

• How does this event (or person, etc.) change the course of the book (or change the author’s life? Or change the world?)?

• Explain a quotation. (Choose a thoughtful statement/idea from the text to discuss. Perhaps it is something you don’t understand and want to try to untangle, or perhaps it’s a quotation that was thought-provoking for you…)

Caution: Do not include any literal questions. Literal questions generally begin with “who, what, when, or where.” The questions you select or the topics you address will most likely begin with the words “why, how, explain, describe, compare, contrast, analyze, discuss, etc.”

Please note that the questions which you ask are just as important as how you respond to the question or topic. Questions should reflect your active reading and understanding of the entire literary work as well as the overall themes of the book. Also, because you are asking and answering interpretive questions, there might be several possible correct answers or no specific answer. Your interpretations are fine as long as you are able to support your answers with specific examples from the book.

Option 2:

Write a two page critique of the book. Do not write more than two pages. Address some or all of the following, giving specific examples from the text (quotes, anecdotes) to support your statements. The assignment should be two pages, double-spaced.

• What did you like and why?

• What did you dislike and why?

• Did the book change you or change your way of thinking? Explain.

• Critique the author’s writing style.

The AP Literature and Composition Summer Reading Assignment is designated to afford students the opportunity to invest in a worthy piece of literature, learn new and accessible means through which to engage that work of literature, and begin practicing/honing analytical skills in reading and writing that will be essential for this year’s course. The assignment must be completed and turned in on the first day of school. If you have questions, contact Mr. Hingelberg at jhingelberg@plumsteadchristian.org.