Senior year brings a wave of novelty into every Tolog’s day. In juggling college applications, a year-long research project, challenging courses and senioritis, seniors are bound to feel pressure. Thankfully, a scientifically proven stress-reliever is part of the senior curriculum: good books.
According to WebMD, reading has been proven to reduce stress levels by 68%; furthermore, MFHA(Mental Health First Aid) England found that books to effectively reduce one’s heart rate and ease muscle tension, proving them to be an excellent anxiety reliever.
At FSHA, seniors are encouraged to challenge themselves by taking AP Literature, taught by Ms. Holly Hunnewell. This course not only develops a student’s critical thinking and analysis skills significantly, but serves to expand her literary palette as she dissects a carefully crafted book catalog. From Victorian romance classics to gothic horror novellas, AP Lit has it all!
The ‘23-’24 school year began in India with “Interpreter of Maladies”, a critically acclaimed collection of short stories. Through the book, readers navigate and experience an array of lives, with Jhumpa Lahiri as their seasoned tour guide. Between third-wheeling an unstable marriage and traversing India’s historical landscapes with Mr. Kapasi and the Das family, “Interpreter of Maladies” provokes a multitude of emotions. A unifying theme of foreignness is the quilt upon which each distinct story lies, making this book a special read. Lahiri prompts readers to contemplate what foreignness means to each individual and in the process, bridges their foreign gap—a testament to the book’s genius!
Similar to the events in the final short story, in which an unnamed narrator moves from India to England, AP Lit students completed Lahiri’s tour and embarked into the world of “Jane Eyre.” Nothing in life is perfect; however, the discussion of Charlotte Brontë’s Victorian classic—which follows a strong-willed heroine—in our all-girl’s AP Lit classroom comes quite close. In the novel, Jane—an independent, courageous and principled young woman who was orphaned as a child—recounts her life in a manner that allows readers to experience her memories in the fullest, galloping between manors to find a sense of belonging, and along the way, love, friendship and self-discovery.
In stark contrast to the quick-witted decisiveness of “Jane Eyre”, our literary journey next delved into the world of Shakespeare with “Hamlet.” The renowned 17th century play follows Hamlet, the prince of Denmark, as he grapples with the task of avenging his father’s death. When a ghost reveals the lies of King Claudius to him, Hamlet must learn to overcome his hesitation and carry out this duty. Deception, tragedy, morality and most importantly, revenge characterize this tragedy and spark thoughtful class discussions about the complexities of human nature.
Continuing the theme of exploration and ambition, Victor Frankenstein’s relentless pursuit of scientific discovery leads him to unforeseen places in Mary Shelley’s iconic gothic novel “Frankenstein”. Though today the monster may be nothing more than a mere Halloween trope, Shelly’s tale is a literary classic and captivates readers with its haunting narrative. The story follows Victor’s journey as he chases the creature he created across Europe, exploring themes of morality, compassion and feminism. Shelly was far ahead of her time, as the novel’s discussion of such topics allows the novel to maintain as much relevance today as upon its publication in 1818.
Embarking from one manor to the next, this year’s AP Lit class investigated the haunting depths of Henry James’ gothic horror novella “The Turn of the Screw”. Since the late 1800s, this chilling tale has unsettled readers with its relentless ambiguity, leaving them to grapple with unanswered questions beyond its final page. Told by an unnamed governess who cares for two seemingly angelic children alongside her companion, the elderly house servant Ms. Grose, the novella hauntingly unfolds with the presence of ghosts and reveals the mysteries of the manor, creating an atmosphere of chilling uncertainty.
Buried secrets are integral to “Beloved”, which transcends the typical ghost story and offers a sensitive and nuanced telling of slavery’s past. Toni Morrison illuminates the emotional aspects often neglected in historical narratives and brings to life the true story of Margret Garner, a 19th century slave. Through the perspectives of various characters who serve as narrator, layers of trauma are unraveled in a relentless manner, prompting readers to fully embrace a buried past.
Next, AP Lit students plunged into the non-linear world of “Mrs. Dalloway” and explore the value of switching perspectives and experiencing a novel through multiple sets of eyes. Virginia Woolf’s brilliance radiates in her ability to unify her characters, despite their differing personalities, lives and battles. Similar to the case of “Jane Eyre”, dissecting Mrs. Dalloway’s discussion of women’s societal issues is amplified in an all-girls classroom setting. Its witty humor, colorful elements and unique writing style are not only captivating but enhance the reader’s attention to details and ability to analyze complex texts.
Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” enthralls AP Lit students with its brilliant and slightly claustrophobic story. The highly revered 19th century play follows Nora, who suffers under the facade of a content housewife in order to please her husband Torvald. Grappling with themes ranging from feminism and the patriarchy to the pursuit of individual freedom, this play has sparked numerous meaningful discussions within the classroom about what it means to live in a masculine society.
Finally, AP Literature concludes with the riveting story of “The Kite Runner”. Amir, the novel’s protagonist, recalls his childhood in Kabul, Afghanistan; he reminisces on colorful bazaars, his beautiful and vast home, kite flying tournaments and most significantly Hassan, who was both his servant and closest friend. Hassan and Amir were separated by a traumatizing event, leaving Amir to brood in guilt and attempt to bury his past in America. However, when Amir receives a phone call from Rahim Khan, his former friend and mentor figure, he is forced to face the consequences of his actions in an attempt to be, as Rahim Khan describes it, “good again.” With heaps of plot twists, light-hearted and tragic moments, and themes of friendship, betrayal, war, fatherhood and religion “The Kite Runner” is heartbreaking and compelling, and brings the story of countless Afghan refugees to light.
Books allow their readers to experience a myriad of lives, time periods, and circumstances in a personal and memorable manner. Whether you’re an avid reader or not, virtually any book contains bits of wisdom you can implement into your daily life. Based on a carefully selected book catalog, FSHA seniors taking AP Literature can plunge into controversial, insightful, and inspiring conversations. Through this, students have had the opportunity to not only stock up their bookshelves but expand their understanding of literature and the world around them.