What's the most commonly taught literature in high schools?

Hello! I'm curious what literature pieces are most commonly taught in English classes across US high schools - is there a common set or does it vary a lot?

The contents of high school English classes can indeed vary a lot based on the school district, the focus of the curriculum, and even the preferences of individual teachers. However, certain works of literature have traditionally been staples in US high schools.

Many high schools introduce students to Shakespeare, typically teaching plays such as "Romeo and Juliet," "Macbeth," and "Hamlet". These works are often taught for their narrative complexity, character development, and poetic language.

Novels such as "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and "1984" by George Orwell are also common features of high school curriculums. These novels cover themes like social injustice, the American dream, and totalitarianism, respectively.

John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" and "The Grapes of Wrath" often appear as major texts in high school English classes, as does J.D. Salinger's "Catcher in the Rye". These works allow for discussion of broader societal issues like the Great Depression, migration, and teenage angst.

Additionally, many American high schools teach Homer's epic poems, "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey", in their curriculums. Students usually read them in translation.

Despite the diversity of curricula around the US, it's still important to note that these books are by no means universally taught, and the frequency of their use can depend on a number of factors, including state standards and the accessibility of the book for students. Other factors that might impact the literature selection could be efforts to diversify curriculum, include more contemporary texts, or introduce more challenging or differentiated reading levels.