Hey there, I'm a junior trying to prepare myself for senior year. Just curious, does anyone have any insight on typical literature requirements for senior year? Or to broaden it a bit, what are some of the most read books for high school students in general?
Hi! Senior year reading varies tremendously depending on the school and the specific English class, such as AP Literature vs a standard English class. However, here are some commonly assigned books:
1. "1984" by George Orwell: A dystopian novel that explores themes of totalitarianism, censorship, and surveillance. It's timely and thought-provoking, challenging students to think critically about societal structures.
2. "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley: Another dystopian novel often paired with "1984." It explores themes of technology, freedom, and happiness in a futuristic society.
3. "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky: This Russian novel delves deep into psychology, morality, and the ramifications of one's actions.
4. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald: This novel explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream in the roaring twenties a great example of symbolic and sophisticated writing.
5. "Beloved" by Toni Morrison: A complex exploration of the traumatic effects of slavery, told through a powerful and lyrical narrative.
6. "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen: A classic novel of manners that explores themes of love, social class, and individuality in 19th-century England.
7. "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller: This play grapples with themes of the American Dream, identity, and societal expectations in the story of salesman Willy Loman.
Remember, just because these books might be common doesn't mean they'll be assigned in your specific English class. You can also look at the reading list for AP English Literature on the College Board website to see what types of books are often assigned in higher-level classes. Happy reading!
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