The first week I was a little confused about the class however. When we did the analysis of the two paintings, I was unsure of what I was supposed to get out of that activity. However, as we began to discover deeper meanings I realized it was necessary to spend that much time observing. The deep meanings we got out of those pictures was amazing, like the fact the people were standing in order of their classes, who would've guessed! If there's anything I can say about this class, it is that it has definitely blown my mind far more times than any other lit class I have had before! This is something I've really enjoyed. In previous years when I know there is going to be a discussion day in lit class, I have always dreaded it, but this year I have enjoyed it so much more, especially since it has exposed me to so many new ideas.
Before this class, when I would try to look for any of the DIDLS elements I would usually struggle and become frustrated with myself. This was mainly because when I would try to find something such as the theme or hidden symbols, mine wouldn't always match what the teacher or other students would say and therefore, I would always think I was wrong. Luckily, this class has taught me that in literature, there is not one true meaning or perfect answer, but instead there are several. Of course some may be a little more far fetched than others, but that still doesn't mean they are wrong. I think I really started to appreciate this realization when we started to discuss the American Dream. Our discussions at first consisted of ideas that were more generic and seemed to be what you would find on Spark notes under Symbols/Themes. However, after a few days, ideas began to start flowing and new ideas came from all different angles. I think this was such a great experience to be able to hear everyone's ideas, for they would often connect some of mine. I have taken a lot out of the group discussions so far and am looking forward to more in the future.
Another reason why I feel more comfortable with identifying DIDLS elements in literature is because of all the practice we have done. At first I thought this practice was unnecessary and repetitive, however, I began to realize it was actually helping once I found it easier to successfully identify theses items. Another helpful activity was when we analyzed previous years students essay responses. This was helpful to see how students similar to myself have grown so far in this class and are capable of pulling so much out of a reading, this gives me hope that one day I will get to a higher level and be able to score highly on the essay.
I am really look forward to this class and have already gotten so much out of it, I hope by the end I am an expert at finding themes and symbols, which once a upon a time used to be nearly impossible for me!
This class definitely seemed intimidating, and I agree that the seniors had told me how much work it was going to be. The lesson with the paintings gave a great idea of how to focus on the more important meanings of the piece and I thought that it had helped with reading The American Dream. When you mention more than one meaning to make things, I definitely agree with that. One of the things I love about this class is that we get to really dig deep into the meanings of certain texts and that no one is really wrong (within reason). What would you say was the most difficult part of DIDLS? The essay responses helped me a lot as well, and it is fun to look at what the students of previous years had written and their responses. The essay that we had to write in class was hard and it gave a good idea of what we will have to do later on. The in-class discussions are some of my favorite parts. Some of the ideas in class I would have never thought of on my own and it just adds to the reading a new element.
ReplyDeleteYou're totally right about the seniors warning underclassmen and virtually everyone in the school of the class because of the workload. It wasn't just last year's class, either, I've heard people complaining about the workload of the class since I was a freshman! I haven't found those same qualms with the class, however; I agree with you thinking that the workload lines up pretty close with what we do in class so it isn't overwhelming. I'm sad to read that you've thought in the past (and possibly even the early discussions this year) that your thoughts on subject material may be wrong because it doesn't match those of your peers. That's completely not true, and I hope you know that discussions are equally yours as they are others in the class and we'd all love to hear your contrasting views on things! I also agree with what you said about the DIDLS discussions seeming rather repetitive and pointless, as I felt the same way. I do share your sentiment in hoping that those seemingly repetitive discussions help out more down the road (and on the AP test)!
ReplyDeleteBesides the "American Dream" annotations that I procrastinated to the last two days on, I haven't faced much workload from this class and am wondering why the seniors told me choosing this class is suicide. Although I am inept at analyzing literature for deeper meanings, I think it is helpful that we are slowly going through each book, and the ideas spread by my smarter classmates are interesting and help me understand the material better.
ReplyDeleteReading “How to Read Literature Like A Professor” and the painting analysis exercise in class were sufficient with helping me understand how to find patterns and important symbols in a book. Also, DIDLS helped with narrowing down what to look for when seeking deeper meanings in text. However, when I tried to employ these tactics with “American Dream”, I was having a difficult time. So I need more practice with just about everything in this AP Lit class.
I can relate to a lot of the things you mentioned in your reflection, and I liked how your personal voice was consistent throughout. Do you have an optimistic view of this AP Literature class?