AP Lit Has AP Grit

9 October 2024Pearl N, Hope ‘25

The fall of the autumn leaves that blanket the ground in shades of gold and amber marks the return of students and faculty to Brentwood classes. The campus quickly came alive with excitement for the year ahead. In the Arts building, Ms Widenmaier’s voice can be heard echoing through the halls, as she performs her theatrical recitations, setting the tone for the new academic season. Her iconic performances of Beowulf and Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales draw students into the world of literature, capturing attention, and sparking imagination.

In AP Literature, the expectations are high, with the focus on developing vital skills such as analytical writing, critical reading, and developing interpretations of complex texts. Students have jumped feet-first into the independent reading assignment with works varying from Sylvia Plath to George Orwell challenging us with complex themes and literary devices, and to engage with texts on a deeper level. Stella P, Alexandra ‘25 stated, “I have been reading non-stop for the past three weeks, but we are acquiring the tools necessary to set ourselves up to score a 5 on the AP exam.”

Ms Widenmaier – with a Masters in English and Drama from the University of Toronto, and the Drama Centre in London – has been teaching for the past four decades. “She is filled with knowledge and wisdom that we get to hear every day through her stories” says Ruby S, Hope ‘25, though it is her passion for literature that truly sets her apart. It is a driving force that fosters inspiration within the classroom, propelling her students to embrace learning and challenge themselves to be better.

AP Literature encourages in-depth thinking, granting individuals who share an enthusiasm for reading and writing the chance to engage in lively discussions and dive deeply into the mentalities of authors. The course entails countless hours spent on the dissection of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, along with Jane Austen’s Emma, and a lot of hard work. While the course can be demanding, it is extremely beneficial: “Those students who brave the high seas of AP Literature – the joy of closely reading an imaginative text – will reap the rewards of having literary friends for life” states Ms Widenmaier.

Pearl N, Hope ‘25

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