LF2 - Lesson: Reading Resources and Expectations

An image of an old-time bookstore, with books stacked on shelves.Reading Resources and Expectations

For this Module, you will read two novels.

  • Mandatory (everyone must read):
    • Shakespeare’s Hamlet (1603)
  • Choice Novels (select one to read):
    • Sophocles Oedipus Rex  (Oedipus the King) (429 BCE)
    • Moliere’s The Misanthrope (1666)
    • Jean-Paul Sartre’s No Exit (1944)
    • August Wilson’s Fences (1985)

As you read these plays be sure to focus upon the central characters as this will be the first aspect that we will consider as we learn to write about archetypes in plays.

Resources

Three of the five plays listed above are available in the public domain, and so we've included a PDF copy of those three. For Jean-Paul Sartre’s No Exit and August Wilson’s Fences, you will need to obtain a copy either via your school or public library or buy a copy to read.

Below you can download a digital PDF for the following novels:

Front cover of a script of Shakespeare's Hamlet.William Shakespeare's Hamlet Links to an external site.
A portrait bust of the nominal king from Sophocles' play Oedipus Rex.Sophocles' Oedipus Rex Links to an external site.
Front cover of a script (in French) of Molière's Le misanthropeMolière's The Misanthrope Links to an external site.
Note: The PDF version is acceptable, but there is a superior translation that is not in the public domain. Check your library or seek to purchase The Complete Richard Wilbur Translation.

Expectations

You should read both plays in their entirety before completing the activities in this unit; however, previewing what you will be doing might be helpful. Because you are reading the plays online without a teacher’s direct instruction, it might be helpful to do some research before you engage in them. Although we don’t want to give the ending away, doing some basic research into plot summaries, character summaries, and overall themes can be a helpful way to guide yourself through the novels. Finally, listening to audiobooks or viewing a film version of the play can be a very effective way to not only comprehend the text better but also to manage your time as you read.

Finally, always read with the end goal in mind. It is common to have two types of assessments based on your reading selections in AP English:

  • The first type of assessment asks you to write a timed literary argument essay, in which you will be given a topic and then you will use a novel as the basis for your response.
  • The second type of assessment involves writing a comparison and contrast essay in which you focus on how each author uses a literary element to create and explore a common theme.

It is recommended that you preview the content for any assignments before reading the two novels so that you can better customize your notes and reading focus for each larger purpose.

Reflection and Wrap-up

As you read, effective note taking strategies might include annotation of central themes, and awareness of how the characters, setting, and plot structure are used to help craft the overall meaning and atmosphere of each novel.

[CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Links to an external site.] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION - INTENDED ONLY FOR USE WITHIN LESSON.