What I Learned This Semester (rare occurence)

Walking into AP Literature, I didn't know what to expect. Over the course of 11th grade intense AP Lang, I had strengthened my writing skills, learning how to analyze and articulate my ideas in a meaningful way, especially when it came to open-ended topics. I learned how to communicate complex ideas through subtle means of writing, a skill that has helped me through college application season as well. However, with all this focus on perfecting and crafting my writing, I fell behind on my reading journey, losing my traction of finishing a book a week like I used to. Reading had always portrayed itself as an outlet for me; a space for freedom of imagination where I could craft my own narratives. I was an avid reader, delving into mystery and realistic fiction novels whenever I had the time. A true bookworm. However, over 11th grade, my passion for reading slowly began to fade away and transitioned into a mandatory requirement. I only read when I needed too for an assignment, and reading became somewhat of a chore, forcing its way into my life. 

That match was finally relit when I came to AP Lit.

When I joined 11AP, reading became an integral part of my lifestyle, as I gained a love for it once again. One book that contributed to relighting the match was my book club book, The Vanishing Half. This story delves into the perspectives of two black twin sisters who were seemingly identical all their lives but went on to live two very separate lives, one black and one white, driving a wedge between their values, and most importantly each other. Bennet depicts that while Desiree stays true to her roots in her hometown, Stella takes the opportunity to move away and pass as white as a way to attain a glimpse of privilege. This narrative taught me the importance of reading, as it allowed me to not only educate myself on societal conformity, but also analyze nuanced themes within the text, such as the motif of the past and its correlation to Stella's present, as well as the concept of reinvention, and how it pertains to the protagonist's new persona. Through our work in class with paragraph/line analysis as well as cornell note pages and mini-seminars, I gained the skill of "close reading". I had always read on the surface, but I never stopped to read between the lines. Learn about the true meaning of the text, and what the author is really trying to convey rather than what's just on the physical page.

Another skill I gained through the reading done in Lit was how to analyze plays, something I had never been able to do. In 11th grade, when we went to watch Clyde's in Mrs. Valentino's class, I remember understand everything on the surface level. However, I was unable to grasp the true meaning of the work, such as the concept of incarceration and the prison industrial complex or the portrayal of race and gender. I lacked the ability to close read plays, an important skill that was needed to extract the true intentions of the playwriter. However, when I came to 12 Lit, I learned this ability through our work with Othello. With our class seminars to analyze the text, as well as the POV analyses, I learned the tactics of identifying techniques used by the writer. For example, I examined how Shakespeare presented the destructive power of deception through Iago's convoluted and manipulative nature by establishing symbols such as the hankerchief, as well using double entendres, soliloquies, and character disguises to put his point across. Through our work with Othello, my close reading improved significantly, as I was able to pull out techniques and writing styles present in the text, even when its written in confusing english (sorry william <3).

Additionally, although my writing was already strengthened through my 11 AP pursuits, I believe it was further improved in 12 Lit. With peer conferencing as well as self revision through our essay reflection, I learned to analyze my own writing on a deeper level. I pulled out my strong points, such as establishing relevant evidence and guiding it along with good analysis. However, I also targeted my weaker areas, such as the ability to implement a voice throughout. I lacked the technique to have a unique perspective, which lost me that sweet sophistication point. However, as the semester went along, our work with DOAS taught me skills to gain this point. In my essay, I expanded on the idealization of a false illusion, and how Willy perpetuated this notion even until his inevitable "tragic hero" death. I highlight his pitiful attempts to salvage his failing career, which shows his continued hope in the American Dream and complete disregard of hard work and dedication. I also talked about his interactions with Biff, and how the perpetuation of this seemingly dangerous illusion was imparted onto his son, creating a sort of legacy. This was a revolutionary moment in my writing career, as I was able to tie my writing into a broader concept, earning me the point. Overall, our work with these pieces helped me nail down my writing style, and gain a stronger voice, something I had previously lacked!

Overall, this semester really strengthened my reading and writing skills, helping me hone in on my weak points and bring them up. i guess william shakespeare isnt all that bad..

- reading enthusiast (now)
prisha