Hey! I will be taking AP English Literature next year and I'm hoping to get ahead on my reading. Could anyone suggest which English books are the most popular or commonly studied in high school?
There's a pretty standard reading list in many high schools for AP English Literature. Here are some of the classics:
1. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee - A novel set in the 1930's South, it explores themes of racial injustice and moral growth.
2. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald - This novel discusses the American Dream's downfall in the Jazz Age.
3. "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen - A romantic novel that critically examines society’s views on marriage and class in the 19th-century England.
4. "1984" by George Orwell - A dystopian novel that reflects on the dangers of totalitarian rule.
5. "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding - A novel about a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island, it explores themes of civilization vs savagery.
6. "Hamlet" or "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare - Shakespeare is usually a staple in these classes, and these two plays are commonly studied for their deep exploration of human nature.
7. "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger - A coming-of-age novel that explores themes of alienation, loss, and personal identity.
8. "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte - Another classic novel which tackles ideas of class, religion, and feminism in Victorian England.
Remember, the specific texts you'll study can vary depending on your instructor, so it might be a good idea to ask them directly for a reading list, if it's available. Happy reading!
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