Common Literary Works Covered in High School English Classes

High school English classes often delve into a wide array of literature, blending classic and contemporary works to engage students and enhance their critical thinking skills. Here is a comprehensive overview of the texts commonly covered, the themes they explore, and what is prevalent in various grade levels.

Classic Literature

Classic literature provides a foundation for understanding historical and cultural contexts, as well as providing timeless insights. Some commonly studied classics include:

Shakespeare: Plays like Macbeth, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and The Taming of the Shrew Dickens: Novels such as A Christmas Carol, Great Expectations, and Bleak House British Poetry: Works by Poets such as Keats, Shelley, Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Blake (Anglo-Irish) Other Authors: Edgar Allan Poe, Jane Austen, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and Beowulf British and Foreign Literature: The Canterbury Tales, The Hound of the Baskervilles, Dracula, Frankenstein, and 1984

Contemporary Literature

Contemporary literature offers modern perspectives and relatable themes. Some popular examples include:

Novels: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger Short Stories: stories by authors like Ray Bradbury, Raymon Carver, and Amy Tan Classic Authors Rediscovered: Modern adaptations of classics such as The Great Gatsby and The Hobbit

Poetry and Drama

Poetry and drama play a crucial role in high school English courses, offering rich linguistic and emotional experiences. Notable works include:

Poetry: Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, Langston Hughes, and Maya Angelou's poems Drama: Plays by Tennessee Williams such as The Glass Menagerie or The Glass Menagerie

Non-Fiction and Themes

Many classes explore non-fiction texts that discuss various themes such as:

Identity: Understanding personal and cultural identities through diverse literary works Social Justice: Issues of equality, discrimination, and human rights Morality: Ethical dilemmas and moral values Genres: Dystopian fiction, coming-of-age stories, and historical narratives

Themes and Genres

Themes and genres are integral to literary analysis and critical thinking. Typical themes include:

Identity: Understanding self and others Social Justice: Exploration of societal issues and inequalities Morality: Ethical dilemmas and moral values Genres: Dystopian fiction, coming-of-age stories, and historical narratives

Genres also play a significant role, engaging students with various storytelling formats. Some popular genres include:

Dystopian Fiction: Works that envision bleak, often oppressive futures, such as 1984 by George Orwell Coming-of-Age Stories: Narratives that explore the challenges and experiences of growing up, such as The Catcher in the Rye Historical Narratives: Stories set in specific historical contexts, such as The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Curriculum and Structure

The curriculum can vary by school and region, but the following structure is common in many high schools:

Grade 9 and 10: A mix of American, British, and world literature, including pieces from the ancient world Grade 11: All American literature Grade 12: All British literature, with the option to add other world literature

The first marking period usually involves excerpts from Beowulf, exploring medieval literature. The second marking period covers works from the Middle Ages, including The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer, and The Decameron by Boccaccio. The final marking periods delve into Shakespeare's plays and Romantic poetry. The year often concludes with The Importance of Being Earnest or Pygmalion, with an additional film adaptation of My Fair Lady.

This diverse range of texts allows students to engage with literature from various periods and cultures, enhancing their critical thinking and literary analysis skills.