The King James Bible (excerpts—see below) AND The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White (it is not necessary to read the most recent version, which was edited by Strunk, although you may certainly use that edition if you wish).
[Free-choice book not required.]
Biblical Allusions
Rationale: The King James Bible is an integral part of the Western literary canon. Nearly all novels, plays, and poems read in Honors British Literature will contain multiple biblical allusions—authors rely on your knowledge of the Bible in order to further your understanding of their messages. In addition, the AP Literature test (which equates to the typical college freshman required literature course) expects students to recognize and understand common biblical allusions. Historically, I had been forced to teach allusions as they arise—an inefficient and cumbersome process that detracts from the deeper learning that should be taking place. Accordingly, the required summer reading will include studying the allusions listed below. I would prefer, but do not require, that you utilize the King James version of The Bible, as it is the most poetic. Please read the passages listed below with a literary, not religious, mindset, bearing in mind that you will be taking a multiple choice reading check quiz on your return to school in September. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the reading, please stop by my room (213).
The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White (it is not necessary to read the most recent version, which was edited by Strunk, although you may certainly use that edition if you wish).
[Free-choice book not required.]
Biblical Allusions
Rationale: The King James Bible is an integral part of the Western literary canon. Nearly all novels, plays, and poems read in Honors British Literature will contain multiple biblical allusions—authors rely on your knowledge of the Bible in order to further your understanding of their messages. In addition, the AP Literature test (which equates to the typical college freshman required literature course) expects students to recognize and understand common biblical allusions. Historically, I had been forced to teach allusions as they arise—an inefficient and cumbersome process that detracts from the deeper learning that should be taking place. Accordingly, the required summer reading will include studying the allusions listed below. I would prefer, but do not require, that you utilize the King James version of The Bible, as it is the most poetic. Please read the passages listed below with a literary, not religious, mindset, bearing in mind that you will be taking a multiple choice reading check quiz on your return to school in September. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the reading, please stop by my room (213).OLD TESTAMENT ALLUSIONS
NEW TESTAMENT ALLUSIONS