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  Themes in American Literature

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  I teach American Literature to 11th graders in TX. I want to teach more theme-based books next year. Can you suggest a good example of an American Western novel? Thanks.

  Ann D started this discussion 2 years ago. ( reply | permalink )

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  Paul R 

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  My wife teaches 11th grade American Lit and has had them read All the Pretty Horses the last couple of years. She says they love it more than she does although it takes some work to show how its still relevant to them today.

  posted 2 years ago. ( permalink )

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  B. Chanen 

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  I loved Lonesome Dove when I read it years ago....but a bit too long to handle in school, perhaps.

  posted 2 years ago. ( permalink )

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  MsGrammar 

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  Cimmaron by Edna Ferber or Giant by Edna Ferber. Both are two of my favorites.

  Cimmaron is about Oklahoma's growth and change after the land rush. The story centers around a couple's marriage and experiences through the years of Oklahoma's transition from Native American land to pioneer settlement and the growth of cities. My favorite part of this book is that the lead female character Sabra eventually becomes a Congresswoman. This book was also made into a movie in 1931, which won the Oscar for Best Picture, and stars Irene Dunne as Sabra.

  Giant won the Pulitzer and was made into a movie starring Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean (his last movie) in 1956. It is about Texas changing from a place of large cattle ranches to an oil field covered landscape. It centers around one family, and their experiences during this time. It also deals with themes of racism, rich/poor, and trying to fit in.

  posted 1 year ago. ( permalink )

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