The Good Lord Bird by James Mcbride Before Reading The
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Summer Reading Assignment for AP Language and Composition Reading: The Good Lord Bird by James McBride Before reading the book, read this brief biography of John Brown from the African American Studies Center: http://aasc.oupexplore.com/undergroundrailroad////#!/people/john-brown McBride’s work of historical fiction tells the story of abolitionist John Brown through the eyes of an invented character named Henry “Onion” Shackleford, an African American boy who passes as a girl for most of the book, and who is alternately protected by and protective of the wild-eyed abolitionist. The novel begins in Kansas in the mid-1850s, where Brown led abolitionist forces against pro-slavers in a series of skirmishes known as “Bleeding Kansas.” “Onion,” as Shackleford comes to be known, accompanies Brown for much of the next several years until the 1959 raid on Harper’s Ferry, Virginia and Brown’s death by hanging. Annotation As you read, pay attention to the inventive ways that McBride uses stylistic elements to create character and setting. Pay particular attention to diction, syntax, imagery, and sound. Also look for symbolism and juxtaposition. For instance, what is the significance of the title of the book? In what different ways does the name “onion” work? Where do we see McBride juxtaposing the divine and the profane? Why might he be doing that? Assessment You will be tested on the book in the first few days of class. The test will include a scantron section as well as short answer and passage analysis. Writing Assignment When you are finished reading the book, write a 2-3 page, typed, double-spaced essay analyzing how McBride uses language to develop character. Your paper should be organized into an introduction with a clear thesis, three to four body paragraphs, and a conclusion. I recommend picking one character and focusing on two or three stylistic elements associated with that character’s voice. Remember that Shackleford narrates most of the novel, so if you quote from narration or dialogue attributed to Onion, you are quoting his / her voice. If you choose to write about another character such as the Captain or Pie or Harriet Tubman, you should focus on the dialogue attributed to the character you have chosen. Grading See English Dept. Rubric Supplemental Text If you’re looking for more insight and discussion on the novel, listen to this podcast in which Slate editors discuss the novel: http://www.slate.com/articles/podcasts/the_audio_book_club/2014/01/the_good_lord_bird_by_james_mcbr ide_discussion_podcast_and_book_club_guide.html .