Teaching British Literature

Friday, May 10, 2013

Next year Zach and I delve into British Literature.  I can't wait! (But maybe he can! LOL)  Last year I spent some time reading (and re-reading) several novels so that I could make some choices as to what he will be reading.  Some of my favorites like Pride and Prejudice will have to go to the wayside because the storyline isn't "guy" enough. I want my son to enjoy the literature, not groan and moan as he picks up the book.  Below are our tentative plans with resources listed:

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A quick list of periods and authors in British Lit.
List of British Literature for High School

A long list of popular British novels spanning time:
Good Reads British List

Here is the plan for next year:

Frankenstein - I am actually going to have him listen to the audio book as he read this about a year ago.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Then after reviewing and reading the above two books, we are going to read 
The Deadliest Monster: A Christian Introduction to Worldviews.  This book uses Frankenstein and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde to explore two worldviews: Christian and non-Christian. Not British literature, but a fascinating look at how literature has "worldview" in it.

Macbeth (No Fear Shakespeare)  I am re-reading this play right now and am loving the "No Fear Shakespeare" concept.  On one side is the original text and on the other is a modern translation.  We will read the original first and then skim the modern version if necessary.  After reading the play, I will try to find it on DVD so that we can actually watch it.  Shakespeare was originally meant to be watched, not read.

At this point we may watch Romeo and Julie.

Great Expectations  I love this book!  I have read it two or three times.  The characters are unbelievable and unforgettable.  I will use Great Expectations - Teacher Guide by Novel Units, Inc. to guide us. I would also like for us to watch a movie version afterwards.  I know that a recent version just came out in 2012.

Lord of the Flies I haven't decide if he will just read this one or do the Progeny Press study guide with it. If you are unfamiliar with Progeny Press, they put out study guides for great literature from a Christian perspective.

Zach has requested not to read A Tale of Two Cities as he has listened to an abridged version before and it didn't capture his interest.  But we may watch a movie version together...A Tale of Two Cities

Silas Marner - I had never read this book until last year and absolutely fell in love with it.  Such a sweet story filled with adventures and a bit of mystery.  Afterwards we may watch the modern version of this story, A Simple Twist of Fate, just for fun.

There may be another book or two I will add to the list...either Heart of Darkness or one of the novels from the Bronte sisters.

  

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