Name: ROCELLE JEWEL C HUFANA
Text, Author, and Period/Year
in which it was written
PART I. A New Land, a New Literature (1607–1840)
“Rip Van Winkle” by
Washington Irving, 1819
“The Devil and Tom Walker”
by Washington Irving, 1824
Short Summary or Paraphrase
"Rip Van Winkle" happened in the Hudson River
Valley, introducing Rip Van Winkle, an easygoing
man facing criticism from his wife for avoiding
labor. Seeking refuge, Rip ventures into the
mountains and encounters a mysterious man
which made him experience a surreal scene with
Dutch-style figures playing ninepins. After drinking
liquor and falls asleep. He then awakens to a
changed world, realizing 20 years have passed. He
returns to the village and finds everything
transformed, including political changes. The tale
ends with Rip reconnecting with his daughter,
grappling with lost time, and sharing his
extraordinary adventure with the bewildered
villagers.
After a day in the neighborhood, Tom Walker takes
a shortcut through a swamp where he encounters
Old Scratch, a mysterious tall man. They make a
sinister deal marked by a burned signature on
Tom's forehead. Tom's wife, eager for wealth,
makes a similar pact but never returns. Tom,
viewing her disappearance optimistically, becomes
a greedy usurer and accumulates great wealth.
However, the fear of damnation leads him to a late
attempt at redemption through religious passion.
Despite his efforts, Tom's past catches up with him
when he refuses mercy to a debtor. The devil
arrives, and Tom Walker is taken away, leaving
behind Tom’s burnt possessions where they once
stood.
Why this text may be interesting to learners
"Rip Van Winkle" is an engaging text for
learners because it marks a turning point in
literary history, drawing inspiration from a
German folktale while introducing new literary
elements. The story revolves around the saying
"Time waits for no one," prompts readers to
contemplate the inevitable march of time and
the ever-changing world around us. Moreover,
the characters in the story, such as Rip Van
Winkle and Dame Van Winkle, serve as
enthralling metaphors. Interpretations of these
characters shed light on the societal changes
during the early days of America, offering an
exploration of historical and cultural change.
This rich use of metaphor invites learners to
explore into the symbolization of allegory and
consider how societies are depicted in
literature.
Learners might find "The Devil and Tom
Walker" intriguing because it's a moral tale that
directly cautions readers about the trap of
greed and corruption. Irving employs allegory,
where characters, objects, and the plot go
beyond their surface meanings, contributing to
a deeper understanding of the story. In the
story, direct characterization reveals three key
aspects of Tom – his greed, fearfulness, and
opportunism. The narrative engages readers by
prompting them to reflect on the consequences
of moral choices, turning it into more than just
a simple cautionary tale.
Lit 123 Annotated Reading List
What can I do in teaching this text? What should
I highlight?
In teaching “Rip Van Winkle,” teachers should
highlight how the story demonstrates the
blending of stories and history. Discussions about
how the character of Rip, as an older man in the
story, may symbolize the past, representing a
bygone era that is meant to rest in peace can
instill better understanding of learners on how
the past must be treated. Similarly, focusing into
the symbolism of Rip's wife, Dame Van Winkle, as
a representation of tyranny and oppression. Her
nagging and controlling behavior towards Rip can
serve as a metaphor for the oppressive rule in
America under the British government. By
emphasizing these aspects, students can gain a
deeper understanding of how literature can
reflect and comment on historical and societal
realities. This approach could prompt discussions
on the broader themes of societal change,
historical representation, and the relevance of
literary allegory.
It is important, in teaching "The Devil and Tom
Walker”, to emphasize the narrative's moral
allegory and warning against the destructive
impacts of greed and wealth and highlighting
the symbolic elements such as the devil
embodying evil and temptation, the swamp
serving as a perilous trap, the trees portraying
the deceptive nature of those driven by personal
gain. Tom and his wife, also showcase how their
prioritization of wealth leads to internal and
external discord. In teaching this tale, it is
necessary to point out and encourage critical
discussions on the societal implications of the
tale by examining the consequences of self-
centered pursuits and their impact on
relationships. One thing more, is to incorporate
activities that promote active analysis,

PART II. The New England Renaissance (1840–1855)
“Young Goodman Brown” by
Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1835
“Bartleby the Scrivener” by
Herman Melville, 1853
Goodman Brown embarks on a mysterious journey
into the forest, feeling guilty leaving behind his wife,
Faith. He then encounters a devil-like figure in the
woods who reveals the hypocrisy of the righteous
people in his community. As respected leaders
participate in dark rituals, Goodman Brown is
troubled and decides to resist but not before
hearing what seems to be Faith's voice implying her
involvement in sin. Whether reality or dream, the
experience shatters his faith, and although he wakes
up in the woods alone, the impact on his life is
intense. He returns to Salem but he becomes
distrustful. He lives in perpetual gloom and dies in
misery, questioning the true nature of the people
around him.
A successful Wall Street lawyer hires an employee
to alleviate the workload in his law firm who is
Bartleby. Bartleby being a diligent and efficient
scrivener, his behavior takes a bizarre turn as he
refuses tasks and eventually stops working entirely,
preferring to stare at a blank wall. The lawyer
attempts to understand and help Bartleby and
allowed him to stay in the office but his peculiarity
grows. After the lawyer moves to a new office and
leaves Bartleby behind, the new occupants accuse
the lawyer of being responsible for Bartleby's
strange behavior. When Bartleby is arrested for
vagrancy, the lawyer goes to visit him in the Tombs,
only to find him fixated on yet another wall. Later
on, the lawyer sadly discovers that Bartleby has died
at the base of a wall and the lawyer experiences a
mix of compassion and pity. He then considers the
possibility that Bartleby's past job at the Dead Letter
Office might have played a role in shaping his
mysterious and eccentric behavior.
"Young Goodman Brown" is an interesting read
for learners because it revolves around the
concept of recognizing evil and depravity as
fundamental parts of being human. The story is
about the Puritan fears of evil lurking
everywhere, even in the hearts and minds of
good Christian communities. The protagonist's
tendency to base his moral beliefs on others'
actions and appearances rather than his own
raises thought-provoking questions about human
nature and the difference between good and
evil. The story's exploration of hypocrisy and the
uncertain nature of morality offers a lot for deep
discussions about societal norms, moral
complexity, and what it means to be human.
"Bartleby the Scrivener" is a powerful story
about self-isolation, resistance, and the slow
fading of the human spirit. It is a novel that
shows how Bartleby's emotional struggles led
to the loss of his essential humanity during his
monotonous routine at the Wall Street office,
as he was forced to replace parts of his
personality with sheer willpower. The story
connects the fates of a successful character
with the tragic decline of Bartleby, reminding us
of our shared humanity. Bartleby, and the
novel’s writer, Melville, share a common
ground where they are discarded by
unappreciative public. In addition, the
narrator's thought-provoking insights also
prompt readers to ponder charity's true nature
and purpose, leaving a lasting impression on
anyone who reads it.
prompting students to identify instances of
symbolism, moral consequences, and character
conflicts.
Teaching "Young Goodman Brown” to students
opens discussions about faith, integrity, and
keeping one’s own morality. It is important to
highlight the humanity’s vulnerability to
societal bandwagon even if the action or deed
is deemed inappropriate. The protagonist’s last
name also symbolizes the dirt on white clothes
which symbolizes people, however they want
people to see them as clean and holy, can be
muddled with sin. Moreover, loss of faith is one
of the most prominent themes of the
narrative. He was supposed to resist the
temptations of evil and maintain his faith but
failed to do so. The consequences of Goodman
Brown’s action can help students reflect first
before making an impulsive decision.
In teaching "Bartleby the Scrivener," it is
important to focus on the insightful themes of
morality and personal responsibility that
Melville expresses. By examining the extent of
our moral duties and our responsibility towards
others, students can engage in deep
discussions about these ethical dilemmas too.
Highlighting how Bartleby represents alienation
from societal values can help students
understand how authors use characters to
reflect on the values of a culture or society.
Moreover, exploring Bartleby's role as a tragic
figure and how his suffering contributes to the
overall tragic vision of the work can provide
valuable insights.
PART III. The War Between the States (1855–1865)
In the 1840s, farmer Arthur Shelby sells slaves Uncle
Tom and Harry due to financial troubles. Eliza,
Harry's mother, escapes with him, seeking refuge.
Meanwhile, Tom is taken to New Orleans. Eliza's
husband George Harris escapes slavery, aiming to
reunite with his family. Tom faces hardship and
abuse under cruel Simon Legree. Despite severe
beatings, Tom refuses to reveal an escape plan,
“Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by
forgives his tormentors, and dies. Eliza's family
Harriet Stowe, 1852
reaches freedom while Cassy and Emmeline
successfully escape. On a riverboat, they discover
connections to George Harris and Eliza. Planning to
emigrate to Liberia after a journey to France, they
pursue freedom and family reunification. George
Shelby returns, honoring Tom's legacy by freeing his
slaves, emphasizing the cherished gift of freedom
influenced by Uncle Tom.
In this poem, Emily portrayed death as painless yet
disturbing. The poem introduces the concept of
death that is both an end and a potential beginning
of Christian beliefs as portrayed of the set in a quiet
room with only the buzzing of the fly as a backdrop.
Being prepared for death, the speaker has distanced
“"I heard a fly buzz when I
themselves from the world by parting with
died"” by Emily Dickinson,
memories of past in anticipation. The fly,
1896
symbolizing decay, raises questions about the
spiritual implications of death and the possible
absence of eternity. The poem allows for diverse
interpretations, including the symbolism of the fly
with Beelzebub, hinting at darker connections with
the devil.
In “ Uncle Tom's Cabin”, Harriet Beecher Stowe
presents a captivating story that depicts the
injustices of slavery and also challenging
cultural beliefs regarding the physical and
emotional capacities of black individuals. Stowe
emerges as a notable figure in the anti-slavery
movement by using her work to advocate for
change. However, it's important to note that
her perspectives on race are intricate and
multifaceted, adding elaboration in the
exploration of this pivotal period in history. This
text can captivate learners by offering an
understanding of Stowe's anti-slavery activism
and encouraging critical examination of the
perplexity surrounding race during that era.
What makes "I Heard a Fly buzz – when I died"
by Emily Dickinson interesting is that it
addresses the mysterious concept of the
transition from life to death. The poem
captivates readers by posing questions about
the existence of an afterlife but uniquely
emphasizes the uncertainty by centering on the
immediate moment of death. This approach
challenges learners to contemplate the
significance of the final moments and push
people to grapple with existential questions.
The fly in the room during the speaker’s death
can engage discussions with the meaningful
definition of mortality, spirituality, and the
human experience. The context of nature of
life, death, and afterlife expressed by the poem
is an intriguing piece to those eager to explore
complex themes in literature.
It is vital to teach the historical significance in
the narrative “Uncle Tom's Cabin” for it serves
as a powerful tool for the abolitionist
movement which challenge prevalent beliefs
about race during a deep-rooted era of slavery.
Harriet Beecher Stowe's portrayal of characters
aims to foster empathy and reveal the suffering
brought by slavery. It is to also encourage
students to analyze the moral aspects of the
story, highlighting Stowe's encouragement for
individuals to follow their conscience when
confronted with unjust laws. Also giving into
the implications of civil disobedience and
prompt critical thinking about how Stowe's
messages relate to present-day conversations
on social justice and human rights. This
approach enables learners to connect with the
historical context and contemplate the lasting
influence of "Uncle Tom's Cabin."
In teaching, it is crucial to discuss Emily
Dickinson being considered as one of the
leading 19th-century American poets.
Dickinson's role as an independent thinker and
her fearless urge to question societal norms
encourages students to embrace open-
mindedness and celebrate their individuality.
Through the exploration of her poems,
particularly those conventional ideas about
marriage, family, and religion, students can
engage in meaningful conversations about the
relevance of these themes in today's context.
Dickinson's influence and the inspiration drawn
from her work offer a bridge between historical
Romanticism and the evolving Realism. She is
one of the notable writers who broke the norm
of writing poetry during the days.
PART IV. Realism and the Frontier (1865–1915)
“The Awakening” by Kate
Chopin, 1899
“Ethan Frome” by Henry
James, 1911
The story begins with Edna spending a summer
vacation on Grand Isle where she starts questioning
"The Awakening" is interesting to learners In teaching "The Awakening," it's important to
her roles as a wife and mother, especially through
because it serves as a case study of 19th- highlight how Edna discovers the courage to
interactions with Robert Lebrun. As she returns to
century feminism. The novel delves into the confront her emotions and embrace her
the city, Edna actively challenges societal
theme of self-ownership, which was a crucial sexuality without fear. Her Creole friends play a
expectations in forming connections with
aspect of feminism during that time. Self- crucial role in teaching her the value of
Mademoiselle Reisz and engaging in a passionate
ownership, or bodily autonomy, emphasizes a acknowledging and expressing her feelings
affair with Alcée Arobin. She takes decisive action
woman's right to control her own body and openly. Also emphasize Edna's newfound ability
by choosing to move to a smaller house to break
identity. This theme aligns with the broader to convey herself through art, showcasing the
free from societal constraints. However, her
feminist movement of the 19th century, making transformative nature of her character
emotional disturbance intensifies upon Robert's
the novel a relevant exploration of women's development. It is also crucial to let students to
return, which proves short-lived as he abruptly
rights and autonomy. The story revolves around explore the works of the human mind depicted
leaves leaving Edna heartbroken. The story
a female protagonist going through the grasp of in the novel. Also discuss how Edna's
concludes with Edna's return to Grand Isle, where
societal expectations but strive for self- experiences shed light on the dynamics of
she actively swims naked into the ocean which
ownership, contributing to the enduring appeal gender within society. By putting attention into
symbolizes her escape from societal expectations
of "The Awakening" in its reflection and these themes, students can gain a deeper
and the burdens of motherhood. Unfortunately, this
challenge of the feminist ideologies of its insight into the significant personal and societal
active defiance leads to her tragic drowning,
historical context. aspects explored in "The Awakening."
marking a bittersweet end to her quest for personal
freedom.
In the novel "Ethan Frome," the relationship
"Ethan Frome" tells the tale of Ethan, a farmer stuck
between characters and setting serves as an
in a loveless marriage with the ailing Zeena in the In teaching this text, it's essential to emphasize
exploration of loneliness and isolation. Ethan
cold town of Starkfield. The arrival of Zeena's lively the theme of imprisonment within the societal
embodies the emotional entrapment caused by
cousin, Mattie, breathes life into Ethan's lonely norms - a central theme in Ethan Frome.
societal expectations and unfulfilled aspirations.
existence and awakening his desires and dreams he Wharton's message, as portrayed through
His struggles are expressed in the bleak and
thought were long gone. Despite their growing love, Ethan, is that individuals who fear violating
cheerless environment of Starkfield creating a
Ethan and Mattie can't openly pursue it due to their societal rules are at risk of becoming enslaved
powerful metaphor for Ethan's internal battles.
circumstances – financial struggles and Zeena's frail by those very rules. Highlighting this theme
Edith Wharton's skillful storytelling is also a
health tie them to Starkfield. Faced with a helps students grasp the impact of societal
vivid contribution in expressing challenges
seemingly impossible situation, Ethan and Mattie expectations on personal freedom and the
posed by isolation. Through the descriptions of
attempt a joint suicide, hoping to escape their potential consequences of conforming to
the wintry setting, the author grasps the
troubles. However, the tragic endeavor leaves them norms. Encouraging discussions around how
emotional frostiness that characterizes Ethan's
paralyzed, condemning them to depend on Zeena's this theme manifests in the characters' lives
life. This relationship between character and
care for the rest of their lives. The story depicts a can fostera deeper understanding of Wharton's
setting provides a universal portrayal of the
crucial picture of love stifled by circumstances, message about the dynamics between societal
human condition, highlighting the impact of
showing the profound impact of unfulfilled desires expectations and personal autonomy.
unfulfilled desires and societal expectations on
in the unforgiving backdrop of rural New England.
individuals suffering with isolation.
PART V. Modern Literature (1915–1945)
Tom Joad, recently released from prison, heads
home and teams up with Jim Casy, a former
preacher. Discovering that his family has lost their
farm, Tom joins them on a journey to California for
promised job opportunities. The journey is tough,
with family members dying along the way. In
California, they face harsh realities of low wages
and poverty in migrant camps. Tom finds work in a
“The Grapes of Wrath” by
government-run camp but moves on due to work
John Steinbeck, 1939
scarcity. The family struggles in various jobs, facing
hostility and joining a strike organized by Casy.
Tragedy strikes when Casy is killed, and Tom seeks
revenge before reuniting with his family. Facing
more challenges, including floods and a stillborn
baby, the Joads encounter suffering but also find
moments of humanity. The story concludes with a
symbolic act of kindness by Rose of Sharon.
The poem "since feeling is first" by E.E. Cummings
explores the theme of prioritizing emotions and
intuition over rational analysis. The speaker
suggests that those who overly focus on the
technicalities of life might miss out on the
wholesome experiences, particularly the joy of love.
The poet celebrates the spontaneity of feeling and
embracing the impulsive and passionate aspects of
“Since Feeling is First” by
life especially during the vibrant season of Spring.
Edward Cummings, 1926
The comparison of "kisses are a better fate than
wisdom" expresses the poet's belief in the
importance of emotional connection over
intellectual understanding. The closing lines ended
with a sense of commitment and shared destiny in a
relationship with the emphasis in the fleeting nature
of life and rejecting the notion of death as a mere
interruption.
The story is pretty interesting since this text was
set in the era of the Great Depression that
serves the learners exploration of the
challenges faced by migrant farmworkers. By
going through the lives of the characters, the
narrative vividly illustrates the socio-economic
hardships, displacement, and human resilience
during this tumultuous era in American history.
This is interesting it depicts the characters'
struggles that evokes some sense of empathy
and compassion, encouraging learners to
connect with the human stories behind the
historical events. The book's recognition as an
American classic also adds interest for learners
for it suggests that the themes and messages
within the text have stood the test of time.
The text "Since Feeling is First" by E.E.
Cummings may be interesting to learners
because it offers a fresh and on love. the poem
advocates for a more spontaneous and genuine
approach to love which Learners may find it
intriguing as it challenges the wisdom of
overthinking romantic feelings. The speaker's
emphasis on the importance of feeling and
experiencing love without excessive intellectual
scrutiny can harmonize with those seeking a
more intuitive and emotional understanding of
relationships. The poem encourages learners to
embrace the simplicity and immediacy of their
emotions and also providing a valuable
perspective on love that contrasts with more
analytical viewpoints.
In educating "The Grapes of Wrath," it is
essential to highlight its significance as a deeply
honest reflection of a challenging period in
American history, particularly during the Great
Depression. The novel focuses into the
dehumanizing nature of capitalism, highlighting
how characters are compelled to prioritize their
economic interests at the expense of others.
John Steinbeck's intention was to personalize
the injustices faced by migrants on the road,
effectively raising awareness and sparking
political activism during a crucial historical
moment. By exploring these themes, students
can gain understanding of the novel's social
commentary and its lasting impact on American
literature.
It is crucial to emphasize the central theme that
encourages individuals to contemplate love
without overanalyzing it in teaching E. E.
Cummings' "since feeling is first.” Cummings
suggests that excessive intellectualization of
emotions can result in a form of paralysis
driven by wisdom. By highlighting this idea,
students can engage into discussions about the
balance between intellect and emotion in
personal relationships. Encouragement on
exploring the concept of feeling connected with
life and how an overemphasis on analysis might
hinder genuine emotional experiences. This
approach not only deepens their understanding
of the poem but also prompts reflections on
the broader aspects of human emotions and
relationships.