9th Grade Honors Literature and Composition

Summer Reading Assignment

Something Wicked This Way Comes, by Ray Bradbury

Plan to have the novel finished and annotated--and with you in class--on the first day. We will be discussing the novel for the first few weeks of school. In addition, students should be prepared for a test on the novel during the first week of school.

Literary Terms: Use the following website ( to find definitions for the following terms: symbol, conflict (internal and external), setting, theme. You will be expected to identify these terms in your summer reading.

Annotating the Book: Annotating the text while you are reading is an important step in developing as a critical reader. You are moving beyond assessing a work for plot and characters; you are now delving deeper into the text to find passages, images, words, figurative language, symbols, and themes. Critical reading takes longer to do than traditional reading, but you will find that you are able to find a much greater perspective and a deeper meaning of the novel when you use this type of reading.

When you are annotating a novel, you can use a system of highlighters and pens, or you may use post-it notes. If you have your own copy of the novel, you can make comments and highlight text as you need. If you are using a library copy, get some post-it notes and flags in different colors to help you devise a system of annotation.

  1. What is the most important is that you develop a system of annotation that makes sense to YOU. For some works, you might choose to highlight corresponding images to the colors they represent. For other works, you need to devise your own system of colors and what they mean as you annotate. Overall, your goal is to be able to find passages, words, and images that bring a greater depth to the novel and observe the patterns within the novel for deeper interpretation. As you annotate, please remember that you will need to do more than simply highlight or underline. Truly INTERACT with the text and consider WHAT deeper purpose that moment may have.

Here are some things to consider when you annotate a novel:

  1. Character Development: Take note throughout the text if a major character changes. How is he or she changing? What started that change? How is that change manifesting in their speech/actions/thoughts?
  2. Themes: Take note of any key scenes or moments throughout the book that help to reinforce a major thematic idea. Major themes you will want to trace in Something Wicked This Way Comes include all of the following:
  • Acceptance of one’s true self is ultimately the key to freedom.
  • A common cause or purpose (like love or friendship) can vanquish evil.
  • Evil can be beautiful and tempting
  1. Symbols: Take note of any repeated images that you see in the book. If that one item comes up again and again, it may be important in a deeper way. Mark them and write what meaning it may have in the margins of your book. Major symbols you will want to trace in Something Wicked This Way Comes include all of the following:
  • The Carousel
  • Lightning Rod
  • The names of Will and Charles Halloway and Jim Nightshade
  1. Bottom/Side Margins of Page: Interpretative notes, questions you have about the text.
  2. Circle new and unfamiliar words. Look up the definition as you read.
  3. When you see a word or image that becomes repetitive, highlight it and make observations to determine how that pattern might contribute to the novel

If you have any questions about the reading or the course, please contact us at any time. You can see Ms. DeMeester in her classroom (D113) or email her at . You can see Mr. McElvaney in his classroom (D102) or email him at . Ms. Pettit is available in E113 and at .

We hope that you enjoy the reading. Have a great summer!