Testing, Testing, Testing

I came back from my maternity leave to evaluate AP exam essays? Poor planning on my part! Nah - I secretly enjoy reading essays, especially at this point in the year when you know exactly what will score well for poetry, prose, and free response.

At this point, all classes have completed the three essays for the second practice exam, a.k.a. your final. If you have missed any portion, you need to make this up immediately!

Next class will be the MC portion. I sent all of you a very lengthy e-mail regarding plans for the rest of the semester, so make sure that you have given that a read and signed up for your final project's text(s).

And, don't forget to vote for my next pair of AP Lit shoes! You have 2 votes per day, and you can stop by on non-class days to continue voting. This is something fun for me, but it only becomes worthwhile if a lot of you vote!

Many of you missed class today due to field trips, so the rest of us discussed the end of Wuthering Heights and how those characters might behave in different settings. We also looked at some children's books of Wuthering Heights and Frankenstein.

Some of you missed the poetry prompt on Thursday, and I forgot to ask you to arrange makeups today, so please remember to do that on Monday when Ms. Gianini returns.

Speaking of her return, today is my last day with you. You've impressed me so much with your ability to dig deep into literature and identify advanced literature devices. You're amazing, and I can't wait to see how well you do on the AP test. I have loved sharing part of your senior year with you, especially reconnecting with those of you who were in my class during your freshman year. What a treat to see how you've matured. I'll probably see you around in May as I sub in other classes, but if not, know that my best wishes go with you as you graduate and move into your futures. You will do amazing things, and I'll boast that I used to know you.

Mrs. Bubenik

Cathy and Her Cousins

Today we discussed Linton, Hareton, and Cathy (the daughter) in chapters 22-25. A lot of the discussion revolved around the topic of manipulation and nature vs. nurture. Tonight you're reading chapters 26 - 28 in preparation for our last class discussion of the novel. Also, you'll be starting your second full AP practice exam on Thursday with the poetry prompt.

WH continues

Today we discussed Wuthering Heights chapters 7 - 11. Tonight please read chapters 12 - 14 in preparation for a close read activity tomorrow.

WH continues

Today we completed a close read of two pages of Wuthering Heights from chapters 2 - 6 and discussed them. Some classes didn't quite finish, so we'll do that on Monday, and you'll turn in your close reading and the chart. Your homework is to read chapters 7 - 11. Next week there will be a lot more reading and discussing of the (oh, which adjective to choose: dark, trapped, desperate . . .) characters.

Transitioning from Poets to Wuthering Heights

We have concluded our discussion of the romantic poets, and your tone sheets are due on Thursday. We also reviewed the Marxist lens. Before beginning Wuthering Heights, we briefly examined the Bronte sisters, especially Emily, the author. We'll start reading the novel tomorrow.

Just Two More Poets

It was Lord Byron's turn today: his bio on pg 793, a poem on pg 795, and a small packet of his poetry. We'll discuss the packet to start our block day this week before tackling Shelley and Keats. (Your tone sheets for each poet will be due on Thursday.) Then we'll review/expand on the idea of applying the Marxist lens to literature. We may have time to begin discussing the Bronte sisters and possibly start reading chapter 1 of Wuthering Heights. Or not. It's a D Day this week.

Those Romantic Poets

Today we discussed William Blake's poetry and completed a tone sheet for him. Next up: Byron.

Wordsworth

Today we discussed the Wordsworth poetry packet. If you were absent (gotta love field trip season), you must show me your close read of the packet in order to receive the grade for today. I also handed out the tone packet for the romantic poets. Please complete the first page with three tone words and evidence for Wordsworth. On Wednesday we'll conclude our discussion of Wordsworth and begin looking at Blake's paintings.

Kennedy, Rachel H. and Kyle need to make up a portion of the first full AP exam. Please do this ASAP so I can pass the results back to everyone.