2009 Summer Reading

English 1 Pre-AP

Book:

Dumas, Alexandre. Count of Monte Cristo. Abridged edition. Intro by Roger Celestin. ISBN 0-451-52970-7

Project 1

Dialectical Journal

A dialectical journal consists of a quote you feel is important to the novel and your response or reason for choosing the quote. Looking especially for literary devices (metaphor, simile, allusion, etc), themes, symbols, and important plot points, you will choose 30 lines from Count of Monte Cristo and respond. Below is an example.

Quote (chapter and page number) Response

“I regret now,” said he, “having helped you in your late inquiries, or having given you the information I did.” “Why so?” inquired Dantè. “Because it has instilled a new passion in your heart—that of vengeance.”s

Foreshadowing- This exchange hints that Dantes will lose his innocent ways and attempt to seek revenge. It is interesting that Abbe Faria can see into Dantes’ character so deeply. This could also hint at what role he may play later.

Project 2

Choose three of the major characters in Count of Monte Cristo and create a web for each character connecting the character to major plot points, other characters, and history. To make historical connections, you may need to do some research.

At the center of your web you should have the characters name and a brief description (such as hair color, age, social status). Your connections should be based upon textual evidence and should trace interactions of a character with the plot, other characters, and history. Each web should contain at least 10 connections with textual proof.

Project 3

Annotate thoroughly, for we will be working extensively with specific details and passages in class discussions and tests.

Methods of annotation include the use of post-it-notes, symbols and abbreviations used to mark common elements and ideas, highlighting and make notes about important passages and connections, and any other way that you have been taught or have picked up; however, the single best method is the writing of notes in the margins of the book in coordination with these previously mentioned suggestions. Use the following tips to help you with the annotations:

- Make notes at the top of the page or on a sticky note to mark important plot events.

- Circle or highlight words that are unfamiliar or unusual.

- When new characters are introduced, highlight phrases that describe them.

- Highlight words, images, and details that seem to form a pattern throughout the text (a motif).

- Highlight passages you think might be symbolic.

- Highlight passages in which figurative language appears.

- When you get an idea while reading the text, note it in a brief form in the margin.

- Use brackets, checks, stars, bullets, or asterisks to mark very important items or things you want to come back to later.

- Use different color highlighters for different items (have a key in the front of the book).