Bad Boys in Literature

What is it that makes Bad Boys so fascinating? Why are horror movies so popular? Why is there evil in the world? In this course you will read four novels (A Separate Peace, Frankenstein, Lord of the Flies) and two short stories ("The Secret Sharer", "Heart of Darkness") which portray both the positive and negative characteristics of human beings in different situations. You will analyze the ways the authors develop those characteristics. Then you will examine current entertainment media as they exhibit the characteristics of these literary works. You will examine the extent to which a connection can be made between the literary or entertainment portrayal of the nature of man and trends toward or away from violence that can be seen in society. As we look at these works, we will also be looking at ourselves and those around us to see how the Dark Side shows itself outside of literature. Are we really all "savages underneath"?

Desire to read and use the Internet

1. To read with comprehension, especially comprehension of character;
2. To analyze character and techniques of characterization;
3. To analyze the effect of techniques of characterization on the meaning of the work as a whole;
4. To identify elements of fiction and their effects as they reveal character;
5. To evaluate resolution of conflict in various works as it affects reader's response to the meaning of the work as a whole;
6. To work collaboratively in developing an understanding of the impact of entertainment media on society;
7. To examine current entertainment media as they convey or influence the "dark" characteristics of human beings and their society.