What are the most assigned authors in high school?

As an avid reader and aspiring writer, I'm genuinely curious about which authors are most frequently assigned in high schools nowadays. Can anyone provide some insights on this and maybe share what kind of impact those assignments had on their understanding and appreciation of literature?

This is an interesting question! While specific literary curriculums will vary between schools and education systems, there are a few standout authors that are staples in most high school English classes.

At the top of the list, you'll often find William Shakespeare, who is central to the study of English literature. His plays such as "Romeo and Juliet," "Macbeth," and "Hamlet" are classics when it comes to understanding plot structure, character development, and the poetic use of language.

American authors like Harper Lee ("To Kill a Mockingbird"), J.D. Salinger ("The Catcher in the Rye") and F. Scott Fitzgerald ("The Great Gatsby") are also commonly seen in high school reading assignments. These books often provide a rich background for discussions on social issues, character analysis and understanding of different historical contexts.

Other world-renowned authors high school students might encounter include George Orwell ("1984", "Animal Farm"), John Steinbeck ("Of Mice and Men", "The Grapes of Wrath"), and Jane Austen ("Pride and Prejudice").

The impact of these assignments on students' understanding and appreciation of literature are multifold. Not only do they expose students to different writing styles, themes, and narrative structures, but they also foster critical thinking skills. Students learn to engage with the literature, to understand character motivations, and are challenged to explore, analyze and interpret the societal or human condition themes presented by the authors. This ultimately helps build a deeper understanding and appreciation of literature as a medium of expression and reflection of society.