English IV: Themes in Literature
Summer Reading Assignment 2014-2015
Read Nectar in a Sieve by Kamala Markandaya by the end of June. This literary work is included on your summer
reading list. Summer assignments should all be posted to the English IV page on Edmodo.
Requirements:
• Two (2) original posts on specified topics: Posts should be labeled by number (ex. “Post #1) and should contain 2
fully-developed paragraphs of thoughtful analysis. Use signal phrases and in-text citations.
• Two (2) responses to the posts of other students: Responses should be labeled by number (ex. “Reply #1) and
should contain 1 fully-developed paragraph of thoughtful analysis. Additionally, it must evidence an engagement
in a “discussion” with the original post. Use signal phrases and in-text citations. You may choose to respond to
whomever you wish, but if a post has no or few responses, please respond to that post instead of to a post which
has many responses.
**Caution: Your only sources when creating or responding to posts should be your own analysis and quotes from the
novel. Your posts should contain no information from any other source.**
Topics and Due Dates:
1. Original Post #1 (due July 11) – The Role of Women: Examine and discuss the role of women in the novel using
two of the following three characters:
o Rukmani
o Kunthi
o Ira
2. Response to Original Post #1 (due July 18)
3. Original Post #2 (due July 25) – Symbolism: Discuss the significance of two of the following symbols from the
novel:
o Rice
o The tannery
o Rain/Water
4. Response to Original Post #2 (due August 1)