Chapter 5- End: What's up with the smash up?

Post your responses to the final chapters of Ethan Frome here. So, the inevitable question: what did you think of the ending? Did you see some kind of ironic justice in the conclusion or feel sympathy for the plight of Ethan Frome? How is the theme of passion vs. responsibility developed? What internal and external conflicts does Ethan face? Were there other alternatives to the sled ride of death? What has happened to Mattie and Zeena at the end (physically and mentally)? What role reversals did you observe? Why did these occur? How does this ending revise the fairy tale? What statement does Wharton make about life in general (and especially life for women) during this time period? Were you more surprised by this ending or Of Mice and Men? What novel from this year gets your vote for Most Shocking Ending? What is the main theme/message of the novel? What are readers to take away from the book? (Besides to avoid large trees when sledding.) As always, feel free to respond to any of the above questions or include your own insights, questions for the class, and interpretations.

Ethan Frome, Prologue- Ch.4: Brrr! It's Cold Outside (and Inside...)

Edith Wharton's Ethan Frome was published in 1911, though set in rural New England in the 1880s. Wharton wrote the novel after living in the hill-region near Bekshire for ten years and observing the "aspect, dialect, and mental and moral attitude of the hill people." (From Wharton's discussion in A Backward Glance) Some scholars have proposed that significant parts of the plot and themes are taken from Wharton's life, but we'll save those for later to aviod spoiling the rest of the book.

As you've noticed by now, the novel contains a frame story, presented in the prologue (and to return in the epilogue), while the inner story is told through a flashback. In the frame, or the novel's present time, Ethan Frome is 52, while in the flashback he is 28. The inner story is told in third person limited, emphasizing Ethan's point of view.

Some possible ideas to explore: How is this novel fit into the genre of fairytale? How does it revise this genre? What do you make of the following symbols: Wintry landscape, sledding, the cat? What is the tone? What are your reactions, predictions, and interpretations at this time?

Ch.3-6 Of Mice and Men: What would you have done?

So as not to give anything away, I'll be as vague as possible. I really hope that no one told you how it ends...After you finish the novel, respond to the ending. Was it the right thing to do? What would you have done? Were there other alternatives? Why do you think it happens this way? What is Steinbeck's message? Hmmm. I know that we'll have lots to talk about on Monday. A fulmination may erupt in response to the controversial conclusion. Complete a log/blog for Monday's discussion, then we'll take the test on Tuesday. There's a trial sort of thing that we'll start on Monday. I'd tell you more, but it will ruin the ending if you're not there yet.

Of Mice and Men: Chapters 1-3

First, just a bit of background about the novel. Since Steinbeck is considered to be one of America's best Naturalist writers, we should probably briefly cover some characteristics of Naturalism.

*Although our 5th period class is highly poetic, Naturalism is not. The prose focuses less on imagery and more on explanations and details. While some of the novel includes metaphors and similes (especially at the beginnings of some chapters), most of the novel is free of poetic devices.

*Explores sociological conditions in a mostly objective manner (instead of focusing on the beauty of the language)

*Explores conflicts between the social classes, especially the exploitation of workers by those in power. Watch for examples of exploitation on the ranch as well as illustration of larger social issues happening in the 1930s within the novel.

*Creates stories in which the reader is an observor in the story. Many characters strive for the American Dream.

*Focuses on an occupation or trade. In the case in Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck's story also documents the lives of migrant workers in the 1930s.

As far as the genre is concerned, Of Mice and Men is written as a play-novel, or a mixture of both. Each of the six chapters is an extended episode- the action takes place in one scene and begins with a description of that scene. Characters also exit and enter with what seems like stage directions. Also, you've probably noticed the large amount of dialogue.

For your reader's blog, mention at least three key events that have struck you so far. Do you notice any possible foreshadowing? Steinbeck is a master of this! Also, what kinds of animal imagery is associated with Lennie? Crooks? (If you read chapter 4 already.) Why does Steinbeck describe these characters in animal terms? What's the effect and purpose? Other than that, please include your thoughts, ideas, interpretations so far. Raise questions to the class if you'd like as well.

Chapter 32- End: The Exciting Escape!

This section is dripping with satire of romantic writers; which of Tom Sawyer's ideas did you find most ridiculous? Why do Huck and Jim go along with him? What do Huck's actions in this section reveal about his "journey" throughout the novel? (Has he grown or backtracked in this section?) Some critics (Hemingway included) love the book, but are unhappy with the end. Were you satisfied with the ending or do you agree with them? How does the tone of the ending contrast with the rest of the novel? How does the focus/emphasis shift? Are these positive or negative changes? How does Huck fare in the inherited prejudice vs. human dignity spectrum in this part? What are Huck's plans at the end of the novel? What does the last statement he makes tell you about him? How does it relate to a recurring theme in the novel?

Chapters 24-31: Conning the Conmen

What's your opinion of the duke and king at this point? What should Huck and Jim do about them? What do you think is the object of Twain's satrical barbs in the Wilks episode? What is Huck's major moral tranformation? What did you make of his exchanges and thoughts regarding Mary Jane? Could it be love? How does Twain develop the themes of truth vs. falsehood and appearance vs. reality here? Do you notice any irony or foreshadowing in this section? What else were you thinking as you read these chapters?

Chapters 17-23: A Little Land Action

Soooo, what did you make of the Grangerford episode? Did it remind you of anything? What do you think Twain is satirizing in this section? What do you make of the "duke" and "king"? Which of their antics do you find the most absurd, comical, and/or despicable? What function do you think they serve in the plot/narrative structure? How are they examples of satire? This section takes place mostly on land. Keeping in mind the theme of nature vs. civilization, what is Twain implying by the dark events that occur in this episode? Did you notice any examples of irony, parody, allusion, symbol, or possible foreshadowing? What do you think (or hope) will happen next?

Chapters 8-16: Rattlesnakes, Murderers, and Dense Fog- Oh My!

Esteemed ladies and gentlemen of this class, what advice do you have for Huck for the next time he is pretending to be a girl? (This is probably an easier question for the ladies of the class to address...)How has Huck been battling with his conscience in this section? (Specifically with the murderers and his thoughts about Jim...) What is Huck's internal conflict regarding Jim? How does the conflict illustrate the theme of inherited prejudice vs. respect for human dignity? What contrasts do you notice between natural life on the river and the "civilized" life of society in this section? Going along with the theme of truth vs. falsehood, what do you notice about Huck's lies? What does he lie about? In which situations are the results favorable? Which lies come back to haunt him? Do you see a pattern here?
*As always, you may choose to address any of these questions or float off in your own direction...(attempted river pun)

Huck Finn Begins! Chapters 1-7

After reading chapters 1-7, what are your impressions of the characters and style so far? Twain loves satire- what are the objects of his satirical gibes? Any ideas for possible themes? Have you noticed examples of irony, symbols, or possible foreshadowing? What do you think of Tom Sawyer? Huck's father? Judge Thatcher? What else could Twain be mocking through these characters? Is Huck himself a symbol for something else? Do you have any questions, predictions, or other comments about the novel so far? Inquiring minds want to know!

The Exciting Conclusion

Post your response to Chapter 20 through the end of the novel here. You may choose to write a reader's log, re-write the ending of the novel in a melodramatic fashion (think: Desperate Housewives), and/or discuss the conclusion of the novel. Did it end as you expected? Did you think the ending was fitting/appropriate? What is the "sweet moral blossom" (the theme/message) that Hawthorne promised us in chapter one? What symbols did you notice in the conclusion of the novel? Other thoughts, ideas, interpretations, and questions are always welcome. Post or turn in by Wednesday before class.

The Scarlet Scandal- I mean Letter- Reader's [B]Log

Post a response to chapters 13-19 here in the typical reader's log fashion. You may post your responses, questions, predictions, interpretations, and insights, etc. You may choose to address themes, symbols, characterization, or issues that you've been thinking about as you read the novel. As you've noticed, the text teems with symbolism, moral dilemmas, and irony, so those are always fair game also. You may also discuss Hawthorne's style, and/or the structure of the novel. Do you like the technique of withholding information from the reader and slowly revealing it through foreshadowing and discovery? What do you think will happen next? How will the characters extricate themselves from this complicated love triangle (which is perhaps more of a square/rectangle if Pearl is included)? What do you think would be a good ending for The Scarlet Letter? Write your own if you're feeling creative. If you're feeling really creative, write it like a modern day soap opera using Hawthorne's dialect.

UPDATES

In case there is any confusion, I want to reiterate that everyone needs to turn in his/her essay and quote log September 4th to me in room E34, even if you don't have English until trimester B. Drop in before or after school or in between classes and be sure to pick up a review sheet for the novels at this time as well. The review sheets are entitled "Novel Notes," and will do the double duty of helping you prepare for your test over the novels as well as eventually helping you to study for your AP test next year. Because half of you don't have English until trimester B, the test format has been revised. The test (for both trimesters) is going to be an in class essay test, which should help out the trimester B people so they don't have to remember every minute detail of both books for three months. Trimester B will take the test on the first day of trimester B. That being said, you will need to thoroughly complete your novel notes and study them before the in class essay in order to do well. Please let me know if you have questions. I'm looking forward to seeing you tomorrow to put faces with the blog comments!

Heads Up!

Just a friendly reminder to all of you out there in blogworld: we have a little less than two weeks left to complete your five ingenious blog comments for Invisible Man. (No, they may not be written in invisible typeface, Harry Potter fans.) Again, your five comments for this novel are due by the end of the day on August 2oth, so be sure to plan accordingly. That will give you two weeks to write your masterpiece synthesis of Beloved and Invisible Man. If you have any questions whatsoever when witing your essay, please email me as they occur. The essay (as outlined in your yellow packet) and quote log (blue packet) are due for everyone on the first day of school, September 4th. (Even if you do not have English until trimester B, your essay and quote log are due on September 4rth.) If you're in trimester B, then drop off your essay and quote log in my room, E34, on the first day of school- before or after school or in between classes. Make sure you hand these items to me personally, as I'd like to meet you again and we don't want any lost masterpieces.

Epilogue: Making The Consequences of Socially-Permitted Injustice "Visible"

*What does the narrator mean when he says he became "ill of affirmation" on page 573?
*How is polysyndenton (overuse of conjuctions) used to show the inner rage the narrator would feel while affirming others in their errors?
*By allowing others to get away with injustice (or pretending not to "see" it), how do we make others (or ourselves) invisible?
*What definition of invisibility motivates the narrator to return to social action?
*What is the effect of the rhetorical question that ends the novel?
*How does this novel relate to Morrison's Beloved, thematically or otherwise?
*What social statement is Ellison making with Invisible Man?

Chapters 24-25: Ras & Chaos

In the genre of the post-apocaplytic novel, the existing social structure must be obliterated in order for something (hopefully) better to take its place. Some have placed Beloved in this category as we've discussed (in that the community comes together to exorcise the demons of slavery's past- getting rid of Beloved- and begins to heal). After reading these chapters, do you think that Invisible Man is part of this genre? Does it transform this genre in any way?

Other questions to consider:
*How has the narrator come to adopt one of Bledsoe's strategies?
*How does the narrator use grammar to ridicule Sybil?
*How does the burning tenement show progress?
*How is humor used to show Ras's ridiculousness?
*What is the rhetorical effect of Ras getting hit by a spear?

Chapters 22-23: "I Wear My Sunglasses At Night..."

These chapters have a lot to say about the concepts of invisibility, double-consciousness, identity, and how the three are inextricably interwoven in the novel. Again, close reading here will pay off and you'll be able to "see" the "invisible"! Obviously, anytime a glass eye, sunglasses, or vision in general is mentioned, Ellison is typically making a not-so-subtle thematic statement, but he doesn't always spell it out.

*What is the reason behind the narrator's conflict with the Brotherhood?
*What is the metaphorical value of Brother Jack's glass eye?
*How is humor used when the narrator puts on a pair of sunglasses to escape Ras's men?
*Why does Hambro disappoint the narrator?
*Explain the significance of the following quote: "If they tolerate Rinehart, then they will forget it and even with them you are invisible."
*How do you interpret the name Rinehart?
*How has the narrator become invisible?

Chapters 20-21: "Plung[ing] Outside History"?

*Why is there so much resentment towad the narrator in the Jolly Dollar?
*How did Clifton choose to make his escape from history?
*How does Ellison use irony on page 438 to show how far Clifton had fallen?
*Explain the significance of the following quote: "They were outside the groove of history, and it was my job to get them in, all of them."
*What happens right before the end of chapter 20 to make the narrator realize the significance of his leadership?
*In the description of the funeral procession, how do the images show the angry pride of the crowd?
*How is personification used to show the power of the music in the procession?
*Why is the narrator envious of the old man?
*How could an old slave song have such power?
*How does the narrator use anaphora (repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive verses, clauses, or paragraphs) to make his eulogy more personal?
*What does the narrator mean when he says that everyone at the funeral is in the box with Ted Clifton?
*Has the narrator changed/grown?

Chapters 18-19: Discord Enters the Composition

To pick up our Jazz music metaphor again, the narrator continues to feel some cognitive dissonance in regard to his place in the Brotherhood. To paraphrase a definition of "dissonance," it's as if he's hearing several "unharmonious" chords simultaneously, and must, somehow resolve the tension. He gets the letter and is unsure about whom to trust. Is he being backstabbed by the Brotherhood (a repeat of the Bledsoe situation) or is someone just trying to bring him down? In literature, of course, we call it internal conflict.

*What do you make of this letter?
*Who are "they"? Who will cut the narrator down, according to the letter?
*How is Brother Tarp's chain link different than Bledsoe's?
*What does the narrator mean when he says that Brother Westrum "snatched [him] back to the South"?
*How does the setting of the beginning of the chapter contradict the woman's tone?
*How are sound devices used to express the ambivalence the narrator feels about the woman?
*How is asyndeton (omitting conjunctions where they would normally be used) used to show the building panic in the narrator's mind as he leaves the building? In other words, how does Ellision merge style and content?
*Explain the significance of the following quote: "My nerves were in a state of constant tension, my face took on a stiff, noncommittal expression, beginning to look like Brother Jack's and the other leaders."

Chapters 16-17: Showtime!

*How is repetition used at the bottom of page 335 to express the change the narrator feels in his identity?
*What is the metaphorical value of the policemen that the narrator sees when he ducks out into the street before his speech?
*What is the significance of the narrator's daydream about the bullfrog?
*How does the description of the stage contribute to the narrator's sense of isolation?
*Why do some members of the Brotherhood object to the narrator's speech? Do you agree/disagree?
*How is paradox used to express the contradictory constraints placed on the narrator?
*How might Tod Clifton serve as a more effective spokesman than the narrator, at least according to Emma?
*How is humor used in the intoduction to Ras the Exhorter?
*Why do you think the author chooses to have Ras speak the dialect of a native African learning English?
*What does Tod Clifton mean when he says that "sometimes a man has to plunge outside history?"
*How is alliteration used to reflect the instantaneous paradox that memories of the narrator's grandfather bring to mind?

Chapters 14-15: Irony & Stereotypes

If you cringe at stereotypes, get ready or some uncomfortable situations in these chapters. As you read, think about stereotypes that exist in our culture and your own life, specifically. As you know, race, culture, gender, age, sexual orientation and social/economic status are a few of the areas that tend to be targeted. Compare and contrast the stereotypes that Ellison illustrates with those that you see today. Have we made progess? What are some viable solutions for dealing with stereotypes and their consequences?

More to think about:
*What is the narrator's principle motivation for accepting the job?
*What is the effect of the trip through Central Park?
*How is color used to affect imagery in the salon?
*Why does Emma wish that the narrator were blacker?
*What is ironic about Brother Jack's suggestion that the narrator become the new Booker T. Washington?
*What is the idea behind the narrator's confrontation with the drunken man who wants him to sing, because "all colored people sing"?
*What is the difference between the definition of "we" that Mary embraces and the definition that Brother Jack embraces?
*Why does the narrator get so angry when he notices the cast-iron bank in the shape of a caricature of a black man?
*What is the metaphorical value of the fact that the clock in Mary's kitchen is slower than the narrator's?
*Explain the following quote: "Some folks just live in filth," she said disgustedly. "Just let a little knocking start and here it comes crawling out. All you have to do is shake things up a bit."
*What is ironic about the narrator's attempt to get rid of the coin bank?

Chapters 12-13: Disorientation, Sweet Potatoes, & the Dispossessed

Although the narrator seems out for the count in chapter 12, he gets some TLC, rest, and magnificent sweet potatoes in chapter 13 and regains his faculties in a remarkable way. (The imagery involved in the sweet potato passage made me change my yam stance; I thought I didn't like them, but I think I'll need to try them again. Ellison would have been an amazing writer of menus. Is anyone else hungry after reading that part?)

*What is the rhetorical purpose of the "spoiled cream" complexions of the women that the narrator sees as he careens out of the subway?
*How does the syntax of the first three pages contribute to the narrator's sense of disorientation?
*What is the rhetorical effect of the syntax on page 256, as the narrator returns to Men's House?
*What purpose does Mary serve for the narrator?
*How is alliteration used to express the anxiety that the narrator feels on page 259?
*Yumminess aside, what is the metaphorical value of the sweet potatoes?
*What is the pupose of the emancipation letter among the old couple's belongings?
*Why is the narrator ambivalent about attacking the men who are evicting the old couple?
*What is the narrator's rhetorical argument as he addresses the crowd?
*How does the man in the cafe interpet the narrator's sentiments incorrectly?

Chapters 10 & 11: The Whitewashing of America?

Okay, these chapters tend to be a bit confusing. There is a goldmine of symbolic meaning, so if you try to read into pretty close to everything, you're doing your job well here. Try not to get too focused on plot here- symbolism is the name of the game. Think of these questions as you read:

*Explain the extended metaphor of Liberty Paints.
*How are Lucius Brockway and Dr. Bledsoe similar?
*What literary devices contribute to the sense of disorientation on pages 231 & 232?
*What is the rhetorical purpose of the conversation thaat the narrator overhears on pages 236 and 237?
*How is the narrator different after he leaves the hospital?

Chapters 8-9: Go North, Young Man!

*What is ironic about the narrator's discovery of a Bible in his room at Men's House?
*What is ironic about the difference between the way blacks could speak in the North as opposed to the South?
*What is the significance of the image of the Statue of Liberty with her torch "almost lost in the fog"?
*What is unusual about the narrator's description of the pictures in Mr. Bate's office?
*What does the vendor mean when he asks the narrator if he "got the dog"?
*What is the purpose of the drawn-out conversation between the narrator and Mr. Emerson's son?
*How would you describe the tone of Dr. Bledsoe's letter?
*What extended metaphor does the narrator use to describe the imagined conversation between the elder Mr. Emerson and Dr. Bledsoe?

Codebreakers Wanted! Making Symbols "Visible"

We had an excellent discussion going regarding symbolism in Beloved, and I'm curious to know what you think of the symbols and motifs in Invisible Man. Some are listed that occur throughout the novel below, but feel free to comment on others that you've observed as well.

*Blindness (in general, and Bledsoe's glass eye later)
*Invisibility- why does the narrator continue to claim that he's invisible? Why do you think he remains unnamed to the reader throughout the novel? How is his "invisibility" related to his identity?
*the Liberty Paints Plant (and the way in which the Optic White paint is created, etc.)
*the Sambo doll
*the leg irons (contrast Bledsoe's with the one given to the narrator)
*the coin bank
*the taboo of interracial relationships
*masks

Other general questions to consider: Why is it significant that the narrator goes underground to steal "power" in the prologue? What political orientation/mode of thought does Bledsoe represent? Ras the Exhorter? the Brotherhood?

Chapters 6 and Beyond: When One Door Closes...

Please post your responses to chapters 6 and beyond here for now. Because of the number of posts, you will have to select "older posts" to comment on the prologue or look at anything Beloved related. We're leaving for a family vacation tomorrow, and I'll be out of email contact and unable to update the blog until July 24th. If you need to contact me, send me a quick email and I'll reply as soon as we're back. Little Lucy, the 25 pound person who is my constant companion, sends her regards- I think that's what she said.

Chapter 6:
*Describe Dr.Bledsoe's posture as the narrator goes to his meeting.
*Why is Bledsoe so angry with the narrator?
*How are Bledsoe's ideas about black/white relations similar to those of the narrator's grandfather?
*How is repetition used to show the narrator's shock when Dr. Bledsoe calls him a "nigger"?
*How is Bledsoe's handshake an example of foreshadowing?
*What do you think of Bledsoe's decision? Was it fair? If yes, explain. If not, what were the alternatives?
*What advice would you give the narrator at this point?
*What do you think of the narrator's decisions and actions so far?
*How would you characterize Bledsoe? Will he be a help or a hinderance to the narrator as the novel progresses?
Chapter 7:
*What device appears in the vet's advice to the narrator, after he tells him to "come out of the fog?"
*What does it mean when the vet tells the narrator to be his own father?
*What allusion is used to describe the narrator's arrival in Harlem?

Chapter Five: The Sermon

*What is the rhetorical argument behind the comparison of the moon to a "white man's bloodshot eye" on page 110?
*What is the tone of the two paragraphs on pages 110 and 111, beginning with "Into the doors and into the soft lights..."?
*What is the rhetorical effect of the italicized passage?
*What phrase does the narrator use to describe Bledsoe's position relative to the trustees around him? Why is this significant?
*How is allusion used during Rev. Barbee's sermon?
*How is simile used to express the effect of the Founder's death?
*How are sound devices connected to the word "black" in the latter part of Rev. Barbee's sermon?
*What is the rhetorical effect of Rev. Barbee's blindness?
*What images does the narrator see as he leaves the chapel?

More "solemn masks" on page 111, this time alluding to the students. Why are these "masks" necessary, do you think?

Wow, Barbee is quite a speaker- beautiful oration- inspiring, except for the constant creepy cult vibe...I agree with the narrator that Bledsoe is not going to be receptive to his case after that sermon.

Chapter 4: Feelin' the Heat

*How does the imagery on pages 98 and 99 belie the narrator's inner tension?
*Why does the narrator hate Trublood and the people at the Golden Day?
*What is the effect of comparing the campus building to "an old plantation manor house" on page 100?
*How has Dr. Bledsoe achieved power in society?
*Explain the mirror and aquarium metaphors on page 102.

Hmm, the "only identity [he] had ever known" is tied inextricably to the school, and he "believed in the principles of the Founder with all [his] heart and soul." Sounds a bit like a cult, does it not? Although he desperately wants to stay, maybe it would be better for him to go...This is probably what scholars are talking about when they say that the narrator isn't speaking for Ellison- Ellison is much more savvy and less naive than this guy. I do feel sorry for him, though...

Great mask metaphor describing Bledsoe's face on page 102- this idea of masking one's emotions will come up again.

Chapter 3: Not-So-Good Times at The Golden Day

*What is the significance of the wide range of professions that the insane men at the Golden Day used to practice?
*How do the apocalyptic ravings of one of the patients serve to foreshadow the future?
*Why do the patients find that kicking Supercargo is therapeutic?
*Why does the veteran call the narrator invisible?

Chapter 2: A Disasterous Road Trip

*How is the road in the first paragraph used as a metaphor?
*What is the rhetorical purpose of the Founder's stance?
*How are diction and syntax used in the description of the trustees' arrival at Founder's Day?
*How are allusions used in the initial description of Mr. Norton?
*How is repetition used in the chapter?
*What makes the sleeping farmer "the kind of white man [that the narrator fears]"?
*How is juxtaposition used in the conversation that the narrator and Mr. Norton have with Jim Trueblood?
*What is the tone that Trueblood uses to tell his story? What do you make of this?
*Why do you think Trueblood receives more charity from the white community than from his own?
*Why do you think Mr. Norton gives Trueblood $100?

Chapter 1: Possible Prompts

I'll be posting some questions from the AP guide mixed in with some from my brain for each chapter. Feel free to comment on these questions or share your own insights, interpretations, questions, etc. with us. Post all things relating to Chapter 1 here.

*How is allusion used in paragraph 2?
*Explain the advice that the narrator's grandfather gives him.
*What is the significance of the narrator viewing himself as a "potential Booker T. Washington"?
*What is the effect of the images of the white men?
*How is the imagery in the main paragraph on pg. 23 ironic?
*How does this chapter show the limits of assimilation?

Ellison's Style, Setting, Themes, Plot Structure, and All That Jazz!

STYLE
If you want to get a sense of Ellison's style, listen to some good Jazz music- preferably nothing involving John Tesh- Louis Armstrong would be a much better choice. Ellison has the poetic flow of Jazz, with repeating themes within the composition. Musicians of the class- is theme the correct word here? Help me out. He was very much inspired by the body of literature written during the Harlem Renaissance, and his style shows this influence. The musicality of his writing is also revealed in his love of sound devices, such as alliteration and anaphora (repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of a sentence); he uses these as well as similes and metaphors to illustrate some of his significant points/ideas.

SOME THEMES
Alienation of African Americans in a "free" society
How race is used as a tool of power- on multiple levels
The consequences of racism- external and internalized
Double consciousness
Hypocrisy and corruption in society

SETTING
Harlem in the 1930's. Descriptions of housing, public transportaion, and working conditions, the college the narrator attends (as well as the trip around the city and the Golden Day) accurately reflect the time period. Ellision also illustrates problems in racial relations of the time period, such as: the taboo of white-black romantic relationships, black power figures are perceived by other blacks as being in a conspiracy with whites, stereotypical dolls and images of blacks, advantages and disadvantages of the Communist part in American (Brotherhood), and conflicts between the assimilationists and separatists within the black community.

PLOT STRUCTURE
Invisible Man is a picaresque novel- characteristics include: a first person narrator who is somewhat naive, a sympathetic anti-hero. The novel is told in episodes and flashbacks, while the narrator's experiences take him to many locations and levels of society. Because the narrator is naive, the reader must infer the author's social commentary. Other examples of picaresque novels: Cervantes' Don Quixote, Henry Fielding's A History of Tom Jones, Voltaire's Candide, Defoe's Moll Flanders, Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Kerouac's On the Road, Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye.

*The background information is adapted from an AP guide to the novel. Hope this helps!

Invisible Man

A comment tally update is listed on the Beloved post. Be sure to finish up your five blog comments for Beloved by the end of the day on July 8th if you haven't already. Please email me if you have any questions, etc., as I am in Florida, reading Invisible Man on the beach! If you've already finished Beloved and have moved on to Invisible Man, then, by all means, start your comments here and get ahead- getting done early is a beautiful thing. Here are some possible prompts to reply to when reading the Prologue (taken from an AP guide to the novel):

*How would you describe the tone of the first two paragraphs?
*What is ironic about the narrator's encounter with the blond man?
*What does it mean when the narrator says that the blond man "had not seen [him]"?
*Who are the "sleeping ones"?
*Explain the narrator's desire for light in his hiding place in the basement.
*What is the relationship between the music of Louis Armstrong and the narrator's sense of invisibility?
*What does the narrator learn about the struggle for freedom during his conversation with a former slave?

Again, you may also comment on any other insights, questions, or observations you make as you read. Connections to Beloved would be pretty cool as well. I'll post some background on the novel soon to help get you started. Looking forward to hearing from you.

In Case of Technical Difficulties...

In case there is anyone that can't remember how to add comments to the blog, just go to the post you wish to comment on, click on the bottom part that says "comments" and it will take you to the screen where you'll be able to add your comment. If you are having problems, please email me or give me a call. Feel free to comment on any of the posts at this time. I figured out that it's not that mathematically difficult to go to the various posts and add them up, even for an English teacher. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Possible Beloved Prompts & Final Deadline

'Here,' she said, 'in this place, we flesh; flesh that weeps,
laughs, flesh that dances on bare feet in grass. Love it.
Love it hard. Yonder they do not love your flesh.' (88)

Did I mention that I love Beloved? 12 days left to leave your 5 blog posts...all blog comments for Beloved are due by July 8th, then we'll move on to Invisible Man. I posted a tally as of today on the comments section of the last post. I just finished the book, and was amazed and mesmerized as always happens when I read this book. I've been reading some good criticism, so I'll share some of the questions that scholars have explored (so that you too may examine them) as well as some insights they provided as well. Here's the works cited in case you're interested:

Bloom, Harold, Ed. Modern Critical Interpretations: Beloved. Philadelphia: Chelsea House, 1999.

Notes: *The novel is based on the true story of a runaway slave, Margaret Garner (sound familiar?), who kills her child when she realizes she's about to be captured and returned to slavery under the Fugitive Slave Act (21).

*The name Sethe may be alluding to Lethe, the spring of forgetfulness of Greek mythology (in that Sethe tries but cannot forget the memories that haunt her) (31).

*Morrison states that her "job as a writer in the last quarter of the 20th century, not much more than a hundred years after the Emancipation, becomes how to rip that veil drawn over 'proceedings too terrible to relate'." She dedicated her book to the 60 million and more African Americans who were murdered as a result of slavery. (60 million is the lowest estimation that Morrison found in her research.) 50% of slaves died on the Middle Passage- the slave ships between Africa and America during the slave trade. Toward the end of the novel, when Beloved is describing her journey from the other place, she is described as "crouching" with the dead man on her face. Some scholars contend that she is describing the conditions of the Middle passage, and represents the suffering of an ancestral past, as well as Sethe's trauma (27-28).

Possible Questions to explore:

*In Beloved, who is the Christ-like figure of redemption? The Anti-Christ?
*How is color linked to emotion or lack thereof?
*How does Beloved participate in (and revise) the apocalyptic novel (in which the existing social structure is obliterated)?
*How is Beloved a touchstone in the novel? In other words, how does she reveal each character's core identity/greatest anguish? (Think about: Sethe, Denver, Paul D.)
*Which characters seem to be obsessed with memory? Who attempts to repress the past? Who cannot stop thinking about the past? How successful is each strategy?
*What does Beloved represent?
*How does each character experience a rebirth of sorts? What is the catalyst for change in the novel? What needs to happen in order to move out of the trauma of the past and into hope for the future? (Or, how does psychological healing occur?)
*What is Morrision's vision of community and healing at the end of the novel? Is this truly a story "not to be told" as she states? Why does she say this?
*What is the moment of redemption in the novel?
*What is the connection between the Clearing with Baby Suggs, holy, and the women's song at the end? What is the function and significance of community in the novel?
*Although Sethe's attempt to kill Bodwin is viewed as "crazy," psychologically speaking, how does it illustrate a newfound clarity of mind?
*How are freedom and love linked?
*It is often said that you can't love another if you don't love yourself. In addition, you may not be able to love yourself until you confront the ghosts of your past. How is this true in Beloved?
*Explore the character's emotional lives from beginning to end (Examples: Sethe's "punched out eyes" and Paul D.'s "tobacco tin heart" in the beginning, etc.)
*Sixo says of the thirty-mile woman: "She is a friend of my mind. She gather me, man. The pieces I am, she gather them and give them back to me in all the right order" (272-273). How does the idea of gathering pieces and reconstructing/recreating fit into a larger theme of Beloved?

First Beloved Post

For organizational purposes, please post your first Beloved comment here. I will post a list with your name and the number of posts you have submitted so you don't have to worry about keeping track. For this post, you may choose to comment on symbolism, irony, dehumanization, or simply share your thoughts, questions, and insights as you read. If you want to test out some ideas for your essay, you could discuss the topic you've selected as well. Reminder: 3 weeks left to make your 5 blog posts and read the novel. Complete 1-2 posts this week to stay on track. Taskmaster signing out. (Oops- didn't mean to sound like Ryan Seacrest.)

Essay Clarification

I had a few people with questions about the essay, so here's a quick clarification regarding the essay (or directions for the directions!). The essay will explore one topic within both novels, Beloved and Invisible Man. Select a topic from the blue packet at this time. Next, record quotes addressing this topic in your quote log as you read (also in blue packet). You are required to have three quotes from each novel in your quote log and in your essay. The other four quotes on the quote log may be from either novel, but should still address the topic. After reading both novels and completing the quote log, develop your thesis using your topic and at least one literary device. See yellow packet for essay guidelines. The quote log should be quite useful when writing the essay- use these quotes to support your thesis in your essay. Make sure you use MLA format (yellow packet), size 12, double-spaced, 3-5 pages. Please email me or respond to this post if you have any questions. Feel free to start commenting on Beloved when you've started reading it. Someone has to go first- why not you? I will be happy to give fake extra credit to anyone brave enough to get our blog blogging. Reminder: you need to have 5 blog posts (1 paragraph minimum each) by July 8th for your first deadline. Start as soon as possible. The comments don't necessarily have to reinvent Beloved scholarship; just start out by posting your responses, questions, and interpretations as you read. However, brilliant insights are always welcome, of course. Post something soon- make an English teacher's day. Have a wonderful summer!

Practice Post- Tell Me About Yourself

As soon as possible, do a first practice post- no, this doesn't count toward the "big five" posts per book- we're just doing a test before school's out to make sure you can post successfully. Tell me a little about yourself- your interests, extracurricular activities, of course, your favorite book of all time, and anything else you'd like to share.

Symbols, Symbols, Everywhere!

One of the challenging yet exciting parts of reading great literature is reading beyond the literal and discovering the ways in which the author's text is working on the figurative (or symbolic) level. As you read Beloved and Invisible Man, try to identify and point out possible symbols to your peers. Pulitzer Prize winner Toni Morrison is no slouch, and she definitely doesn't neglect her symbolism. For your first post, you may respond to the questions below or comment on questions or other thoughts you had when reading the beginning of Beloved. Try to include comments and questions that will spark discussion and get people thinking. You may also choose to respond to the comments of your peers (respectfully of course) with your own interpretations and ideas.

*Discuss how color is symbolic in the opening of the novel.
*How is the address 124 symbolic? (That's my riddle to you...think about it.)