SUMMER READING LIST
Journal-for assignment topics see below this list))
The poem by Dante,
begun in exile in 1306 and allegorically describing the poet's (by
implication mankind's) journey through life to salvation. The
Commedia is the central and culminating literary work of medieval
. It is systematically structured in terza
rima, with three cantiche (Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso).
The definitive manual
of modern politics written by the Italian Renaissance political
philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli almost 500 years ago.
A romance epic by the
Italian poet Ludovico Ariosto.
goes mad because his lady, Angelica,
marries a Moorish youth, but he is cured in time to defeat Agramante,
, who has been besieging
Ariosto invents fantastic episodes and complicated romantic
intrigues and adventures.
powerfully characterized historical reconstruction of plague-ravaged
. The simple attempts of two poor silk
weavers to marry is used to explore the corrupt and oppressive rule
of the Spaniards and, by implication, of the later Austrians. The
novel also forged from Tuscan the literary Italian which, after the
, became standard Italian.
6. William Shakespeare
For each of the works read, write a page or two summary
(handwritten in your own words) in your reading journal (regular
Composition Book). It needs to be evident that you read and
understood the work. Any plagiarism will result in a failing grade.
1. Divine Comedy:
- ABC structure. Write all the letters of the alphabet; list
all the charactes and places in the Divine Comedy. Next,
write an (action) verb and an adjective describing the place or
character. (possible example:
A is all of the monsters that Beowulf had killed. B is
Beowulf, brave, strong, and fearless.)
- Interview; write a possible interview
with Machiavelli about his work, The Prince
3. Orlando Furioso:
- Write a newspaper story about the happenings of Orlando
keeping places, characters, and happenings accurate.
4. I Promessi Sposi and 6.
Romeo and Juliet:
- Compare and contrast the two works. Example: location,
characters, events, time period.....
Make a chart/columns for each work and write as many items as
possible you can compare and contrast. List similarities as well as
differences. (minimum 12)
- Diary or Memoirs of the character
Pinocchio (first person)
Suggested Reading by Rick
FOR ALL STUDENTS TAKING THE
CLASS--IF TRAVELING TO ITALY OR NOT
You will need to pick one literary work from the
list below during Italian Studies Class and make a
report about your book to class; format tba
- The Agony and The Ecstasy
Suggested Reading by Rick
Barbara Grizzuti Harrison
An Italian Education
For the Gourmets: The Marling Menu-Master for Italy
Others upon approval