![]() ![]() “In AP lang the tests are more detailed,” said Sorce. While these seniors say they survive through their AP English classes sans reading, for junior Samara Sorce, AP Language and Composition student, it is a different story. Madrieres prefers to use Shmoop for its abundance in detail, and she admitted she used it to get through the majority of her essays in AP Literature and Composition. “‘David Copperfield’ is 734 pages of complete nonsense,” said senior Elizabeth Madrieres. Some books such as “David Copperfield,” a book that seniors in AP Literature and Composition read, are just too long. There are many books on the required reading list for all grades that make students sigh with exasperation. “I think that a lot of the curriculum of senior year validates the plight of white Americans and so I decided to abstain from reading the book.” “I definitely did not read ‘My Sister’s Keeper’,” said senior Derek Beliso. Some books are tough to get through, so students choose to not read them. “And explains some things I don’t understand in the book.” “I feel like it gives you more info to turn to,” said freshman Ta’lia Perkins. While there are students who read their books, many opt to use Sparknotes or Shmoop, either in lieu of reading or as a supplementary tool. “But my time schedule and my lack of interest in reading some books has led me to Sparknote to know what’s going on.” “For a long time I avoided sparknoting,” said senior Chiena Ty. On the other hand, when a student has five AP classes, a job, extracurricular activities, or simply a bad case of senioritis, reading may just not be the best option for him or her. “I think it is important to expose students to a wide variety of literature to help them form their own critical perspectives,” said AP Literature and Composition teacher Jessica Heagle. Shmoop and Sparknotes, two of the most popular online tools for Cal High students, contain literature analyses, among countless other features such as lessons in other school subjects, standardized test preparation, career quizzes, and various posts by other users.īut most teachers claim that Sparknotes doesn’t provide students with sufficient information to fully comprehend and rightfully react to a classic masterpiece. Students are regularly discouraged from doing any shmooping, cliffsnoting, or sparknoting in lieu of reading an actual bound book for their English classes. Why not turn to a website such as Shmoop, Sparknotes, or Cliffsnotes that gives studentsclear, concise summaries and important quotes, when they’re in a time crunch or simply too lazy to read? In the end, The Kite Runner is such a tearjerker, such an emotional tour de force, because it shifts between these three tones.That is the question that all students, regardless of their English class, have contemplated at one point in their high school careers. For example: Isn't it ironic that Baba also betrayed his friend even though he talks big about honor and principles? Isn't it ironic that Assef finally loses his eye? Isn't it ironic that Amir gets a scar on his lip just like Hassan? Isn't it ironic when Amir, who ends up being Hassan's half-brother, says things like "he curious thing was, I never thought of Hassan and me as friends " (4.4)? The irony adds yet another edge to the story it gives the more sentimental passages backbone. (For example, the rape scene.) All this adds a steely edge to the novel's grand emotions. Hosseini doesn't shy away from scenes of carnage and warfare, nor does he turn away from some brutal descriptions. There's plenty of violence and cruelty to go around. ![]() ![]() For example: My father is finally proud of me! I love my wife! I love my nephew! I want to buy another one of Hosseini's books! That said, Hosseini muddies the crystal spring of tender feelings. Even though there are some awful betrayals, most of the relationships swell with grand orchestral feelings by the end of the novel. Though there are some blips along the way, most of the characters end up loving each other. The novel is tender, because its characters try their damnedest to do what's right. The central plot itself, in which Amir rescues Sohrab in order to atone for his sins against Hassan, is full of the chest-swelling feelings we get with a glass of wine and a romantic comedy. For example, to have Baba spend his life-savings on Amir's wedding (right before he dies) is enough to make a chap weep. Hosseini definitely likes to pull at the old heartstrings in this novel. You don't often see these three walk into a room together. ![]()
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