Deviating

[aqueousmist]

Instead of fighting those three novels, plays, and stimulus material, I have to slave through for Advanced English, I'm indulging myself by reading The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James (xuer's influence!). Very captivating. Methinks, I deserve as much seeing as I studied for both Ancient History and Math today. :) Happy. Kind of.

Comments

[atramentouskiss]

What an ideal day - satisfying and productive. I managed to open my Maths textbook, complete two questions on differentiation, and remember the distance formula. That and I finished one novel. *wavydance*

You have that much material to study for English? O_o Wow ... all I need to do is read My Place and glance meaningfully (*snort* that's the last time I ever take my English teacher seriously) at Antony and Cleopatra Fun ... *cringe* What are your set texts?

Best of luck for the English, Jen! :)

[aqueousmist]

Ah, opening the book is the first step to productivity, so kudos to you! XD

I have Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and 1984 to read three times (my English teacher is crazy like that), and 4cm thick of stimulus material to get through. Thanks for the luck! ♥

[flaming_wind]

My friends read The Portrait of a Lady for their AP English course, and they all hated it and said that it was a slow, annoying, but not really difficult read. Hm....

[aqueousmist]

Not to be overly generalizing, but I find that most teenagers have something against Classics, that they hopefully eventually grow out of, to appreciate later on in life.

Although, the thing with Henry James (and Jane Austen) is that the novel is not about action and detailing of events, but rather more focused on the study of human character and behavior through their journeys.

[suebriquet]

I know this entry is dated six days from today, but I'm interested in having your opinion on The Portrait of a Lady if you've finished reading it. If not, that's fine too.

I read it last school year for honors English and I was somewhat disappointed at the ending. The conclusion wasn't what I expected, and in some ways the unexpected is fascinating but I'm unable to see that about this book. I agree that it was captivating at first but I found it rather long.

I really liked Pride and Prejudice though. I read that as a class the year before for AP English but the majority of the people in my class disliked it or didn't even bother to read it. One guy even ripped his copy of the book in half entirely.

[aqueousmist]

I must apologize for the late reply - I haven't really been around LJ much lately. Sorry about that.

I'm still reading The Portrait of a Lady - about half way through. I have to let it rest for a bit while I get cracking on the texts I have to read for school, but I promise, once I finish the book, I'll get around to posting my thoughts on it.

Personally, I find reading Classics in the context of the classroom, tends to propagate resentment towards that kind of text in teenagers. It's rather sad.