Death of a Salesman Reader's Blogs- Acts 1 & 2

Post your reader's response to Death of a Salesman here. Label each- Act 1 blog is due on Wednesday, April 23rd, and Act 2 Blog will be due on Friday, April 25th. As you read, consider and comment on some of the following key ideas, themes, motifs, and symbols: The American Dream, abandonment, inadequacy, ignorance, pride, self-awareness, illusion vs. reality, betrayal, garden, moon and stars, woods and the jungle, mythic figures, the American West, dreams leading to denial, diamonds, women's stockings, and the rubber hose. You may choose to analyze one or more of these ideas, make predictions, ask questions, or include your own ideas/thoughts as you read.

Post your poem here!

Ahhh, poetry is in the air, and the Dalai Lama is in Ann Arbor (or he will be on April 20th!). Consider the prompts below and write a poem of at least 8 lines and post here by Monday, March 31st. We will submit some poems (with your permission) to a writing contest sponsored by Washtenaw Local Schools. All the prompts deal with themes found in the Dalai Lama's work: peace, compassion, caring for the environment, and kindness. You may use these prompts or feel free to explore one or more of these themes in your own way. Students will be selected to read their poems to the Dalai Lama himself on April 20th in Ann Arbor and will receive free admittance to his discussion as well.

1. Personification Poem
Write a free-verse poem in which you personify a concept, such as Peace, Compassion, Sustainability (Caring for the Environment) or Kindness. First, describe the notion as a physical entity that has form, moves and, acts. Then have this entity do something, affecting your world in some specific way.

2. House Poem
Write a free-verse poem in which you discover and explore the great house of Peace, Sustainability, Harmony or Kindness. Describe the house from the outside and the inside. You may choose to make something happen between you and the resident of this house.

3. Landscape Poem
Write a free-verse poem that describes the country know far and wide as Peace or as Harmony, or as Sustainability or as Kindness. Describe the landscape from an airplane window view. Describe it from the on-the-ground view. Have the place change you in some way.

4. Transformation Poem
Write a free-verse poem in which the world as you know it becomes transformed by Peace, Kindness, Sustainability or Harmony. Describe what happens in the international world, the world around you and in your own personal life.

Gatsby Journals

Post your journals for Ch.1-3, 4-6, & 7-9 here using the following guidelines:

1. Title entries with the chapter numbers. (ex: Chapter 1-3 Journal)
2. Write a five sentence summary of main events from the chapters.
3. For each journal, choose a different character to focus on.
a. Name the character.
b. Choose a quote that you think best represents the character.
c. Describe his/her best and worst qualities.
d. In a paragraph describe the character's role in the novel.
4. For each journal, choose one meaningful quote, and then describe its significance in the novel.
5. For each journal, note at least two sightings of one or more of the following symbols: the color green, the color white, silver and gold, the ash heap, the eyes of T.J. Eckleberg, Gatsby's career/Nick's career, Gatsby's library of uncut books/Nick's unread books, Dan Cody, East Vs. West Egg, rain in chapter five, heat in chapter seven, Wolfsheim's cufflinks, faded timetable (showing names of Gatsby's guests), Gatsby's cars/clothes.

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?