The Picture of Dorain Gray Book Review

If you enjoy literature with detail, then the Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is for you. Not only is the story line intriguing but beautifully written, it also opens your eyes to a common Faustian tale. This novel suggests to the protagonist, Dorian Gray, that the only thing worth having in life is beauty. Dorian realizes that his beauty will one day fade, and this petrifies him which leads him to "sell" his soul. This supports the idea that one is never truly satisfied with what they have. Selfishly, he wants the portrait of him to age, and for him to remain unaltered. Continuously he commits inhumane acts, tarnishing the reputations and lives of those around him.
Only when Dorian views the sin his portrait illustrates, does he feel remorse. The mutilation of the portrait is the mirror into Dorian's soul. Disgusted by his souls appearance, Dorian becomes concerned and thinks to repent. Dorian's whole life revolves around his selfish motive to have a "beautiful appearance" which leads to his tragic end. If you like this read, then check out the newly released movie Dorian Gray. This classic is definitely worth the read.

Wordsworth's Spots of Time: Due by Tuesday, December 22nd

From Wordsworth's The Prelude 12.208-218 (1805 Edition)


"There are in existence spots of time,
That with distinct pre-eminence retain,
A renovating virtue, whence-depressed
By false opinion and contentious thought,
Or aught of heavier or more deadly weight,
In trivial occupations, and the round
Of ordinary intercourse - our minds
Are nourished and invisibly repaired;
A virtue by which pleasure is enhanced
That penetrates, enables us to mount,
When high, more high, and lifts us up when fallen."



One of the essential elements of Wordsworth's poetics surrounds the notion of "spots of time," or those experiences (usually in nature) that return to us again and again in our memory through vivid images to invigorate, reawaken, and refresh our tired minds. For Wordsworth, these moments might seem small and inconsequential during the experience; however, when they return again in the mind's eye, they become a powerful force of mental pleasure and nourishment.


Is there a "spot of time" within your memory that you often recall when you are in need of a spiritual and mental lift?

Paradise Lost Review (first five books)

In one of the most famous epic poems of all time, John Milton delivers a classic. Paradise Lost was published in 1667 by one of the most influential writers of his time period. Milton uses allusions to the bible to help reveal his true feelings of the English Monarchy. To have a better understanding of this writing, one must have some experience with the story of Adam and Eve from the bible. This whole book is wrapped around the one idea of the fall of man from grace, which comes from the first book in the bible Genesis. Let's just say that if the reader has a well understanding of this back round, this book will not be as hard as it seems. Throughout all the hard context, the long pages, and vivid descriptions; " Paradise Lost" is simply beautiful. The foundation is built upon 12 books. Milton describes the devil's fall from grace and his chance for revenge at God. Satan's only way of seeking this revenge is through corrupting Human kind. Satan knew he could not win a war against God, so his only choice was to destroy the one thing God built as his mirror image. One of the most intriguing parts of this epic poem, is the description and characteristics of the devil. Milton portrays the devil, as many believe, to be the epic or tragic hero. The reason behind this belief is because the Devil rebelled against the status quo and tried to be individualistic. But this action leads to his downfall, and readers can not help but have pity and sadness for him. The reason this poem is so great is because Milton wrote this all in iambic pentameter and used such in depth imagery to describe what he is saying. His language may seem challenging and intimidating at first, but once the reader gets a grasp of this work, they will truly understand it's greatness. The greatest thing I find about this book is the hidden reason Milton wrote it. He wrote it to show his ingratitude towards the monarchy, and he was able to get away with it. His intelligence and cleverness could be matched to anyones. Overall, with the back round knowledge of the book of Genesis in the bible and a true love for literature, a reader can look at this book as an all time great.

A Lesson Before Dying: A Review

Ernest J. Gaines creates a heartbreaking novel about injustice, racism and responsibility in his novel A Lesson before Dying. In this novel, Jefferson, a poor young black man, is wrongfully accused of the murder of three men in a liquor store. As a result, he is sentenced to death by the electric chair. Grant, a college graduate, is challenged by his godmother to instill pride in Jefferson before he is executed. Despite his reluctance to visit Jefferson, Grant forms an unlikely friendship with Jefferson. Grant is a man lost in his time period and needs to add something to his life. Jefferson is in need of a friend and Grant needs purpose. Though their friendship grows during a tragic event, it further demonstrates the impact a bond between individuals can have. Moreover, it illustrates how one person can change another's life. Gaines also adds to each character's reliance on each other by showcasing the time period of segregation. Jefferson's whole situation of dying a "hog" was instilled by his white defender. On the other hand, Grant's perspective of life is brought upon by life on a plantation and unable to be anything but a field worker. Setting is depicted accurately and greatly adds drama to the novel. Additionally, Gaines also reflects upon the importance of religion on the plantations as a means for people to stick together and be at peace. However, Grant is somewhat ostracized by those religious figures because he does not follow the church. It continues to show Grant as a character unlike everyone else and who desires something completely different. This work is full of relationships and each has an effect on the other. Gaines introduces the case and the verdict for Jefferson in the first chapter. Next, the rest of the novel includes Grant forming a bond with him as well as other characters' reactions to the scenario. One seemingly small case had not only affected Jefferson's immediate family, but those around him on the plantation and in the city. The impact that this case had on his community has brought a greater purpose to Grant and those around him. Although the work is somewhat modern, the content, storyline, and lesson have made this novel a classic. It is a relatively light read and much can be gained through the many themes and relationships showcased.

By: Dora, Maddy, Kesiah, Varun, Mitchell, Sheena

Book Review Posts

Hi Groups-

Don't forget to post your outside reading book reviews by Friday, December 11th. Everyone should read each post and respond to the books that they have not read. Enjoy!

December AP English Dates

Week of November 30th - December 4th

Wednesday 12/2: John Donne response answers
(Aaaagh) Intro to Romanticism: Using the wiki to investigate and
build knowledge

Thursday 12/3: Poetry Out Loud Contest

Friday 12/4: POL continued, Romanticism work in class (A Day – Rios Class)

Week of December 7th - 11th

Monday 12/7: Outside reading essays/notes due
Work on Romanticism definitions (B Day)

Tuesday 12/8: Work on Romanticism definitions (A Day – Rios class)

Wednesday 12/9: Sharing Romanticism definitions
(Aaaagh) Continue with sharing definitions

Thursday 12/10: Outside reading presentations (Seth’s group will go first)

Friday 12/11: No class ½ day

Week of December 14th – 18th

Monday 12/14: Romanticism poetry projects assigned

Tuesday 12/15: Project work

Wednesday 12/16: Project work
(Aaaagh) Continue with project work

Thursday 12/17: Project presentations

Friday 12/18: Project presentations

Week of December 21st – 23rd

Monday 12/21: Frankenstein intro

Tuesday 12/22: Frankenstein intro

Wednesday 12/23: Frankenstein intro

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