Mandatory Reads
You may have read this book in civics class which tells the tale of stranded schoolboys to demonstrate the importance of government and order.
What is Lord of the Flies?
This angsty giant was brought to life with a jolt of electricity, against his creator's better judgment.
Who is Frankenstein's Monster?
Even though a regular person would be disgusted to see such a breakfast meal, the main character of this book learns not to judge new things without giving them a try.
What is Green Eggs & Ham?
In the UM version of a Greek myth, this place may come to mind when trying to navigate the mazelike halls of the Cox basement. Did you bring any string?
What is the Labyrinth?
In "Love Story," Swift reimagines this classic Shakespearean tragedy with a much happier ending.
What is Romeo and Juliet?
In this American classic, a singing avian is a symbol of innocence in the Deep South where our young protagonist learns about racial bias within the judicial system.
What is To Kill a Mockingbird?
This fanged villain would love to have you over for a liquid lunch, as long as you promise to "enter freely and of your own will!"
Who is Count Dracula?
Would you give up your sanity for a piercing shade of pupils? In this tear-jerking book, the central character does so in order to be closer to the privileges of white middle-class life and euro-centric beauty standards.
What is The Bluest Eye?
In the UM version of a Greek myth, this character is played by Sebastian, who is protected from harm on the battlefield after being tipped by the heel into Lake Osceola by Julio Frenk.
Who is Achilles?
In her discography, Swift references twice this Nathanial Hawthorne novel about a woman who is marked for her "sinful" actions.
What is The Scarlet Letter?
In “Hamlet”, the troubled prince character loves to think and scheme, but repeatedly fails to take action. However, he gleans temporary inspiration from this hotheaded, warlike Norwegian prince.
Who is Fortinbras?
This infamous criminal mastermind is referred to by his archenemy as “The Napoleon of Crime”.
Who is Professor James Moriarty?
Do you take the time to notice the little things in life? In this late 90s epistolary novel, the main character and the audience learn to never walk past a field of this titular color.
What is The Color Purple?
In the UM version of a Greek myth, this character is snatched away by a frat guy who tries to charm her during rush season, and she unwittingly dooms herself to have to stay in the frat house for part of the year after drinking some of his alcohol.
Who is Persephone?
Swift references this famed literary partier in "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" from her 2017 reputation album.
Who is Jay Gatsby?
In this Shakespeare play, the titular character is manipulated by a villain (whose name you may be familiar with in Aladdin) that preys on both the prejudices of others and the "green-eyed monster" of jealousy.
What is Othello?
In John Steinbeck's classic novel, this manipulative and murderous woman derives pleasure from tearing others apart, eventually committing suicide when she realizes she has made herself unlovable.
Who is Cathy Ames? (East of Eden)
Despite being 49 shades away from a different kind of book, this gothic classic still paints the consequences of narcissistic hedonism and superficial beauty.
What is The Picture of Dorian Gray?
In the UM version of a Greek myth, a touch from this overly enthusiastic administrator turns you into orange and green, rather than the original precious metal.
Who is (King) Midas?
In a deep cut from 1989, Swift uses this famous Lewis Carroll location as a metaphor for a wild, exciting relationship that cannot last.
What is Wonderland?
With his iconic red hunting hat on, this 16 year old boy only has one question for you, “You know those ducks in that lagoon right near Central Park South?… do you happen to know where they go, the ducks when it gets all frozen over?”
Who is Holden Caulfield?
Despite his newfound status as a massively wealthy property owner, this sadistic bully spends his days antagonizing his peers in this classic by "Ellis Bell".
Who is Heathcliff? (Wuthering Heights)
In one of this New England 19th Century writer’s famous short stories, Reverend Hooper’s last dying words highlight the inherent sinful nature of humanity and declares that everyone wears the titular piece of clothing, whether they acknowledge it or not.
What is The Minister's Black Veil?
In the UM version of a Greek myth, this character is a Frost student who loses their beloved after turning around in celebration too early during a life-and-death recital.
Who is Orpheus?
Swift's folklore character, Betty, compares herself to this darling character from J.M. Berrie's body of work about childhood's joy and the fears of growing up.
Who is Wendy Darling?