April 30-May 4

Frankenstein


1. Discuss how the episolary style (letters) of the novel affect your understanding/enjoyment of it.

2. Discuss the following quotes:

a. " None but those who have experienced them can conceive of the enticements of science. In other studies you go as far as others have gone before you, and there is nothing more to know; but in a scientific pursuit there is continual food for discovery and wonder."

b. "I am malicious because I am miserable. Am I not shunned and hated by all mankind?"

March 26-30

Hamlet

Agree or disagree on the following and discuss:

1. Revenge is sweet.
2. It is wrong to kill another human being for any reason.
3. Hatred is a useless emotion.
4. There is no such thing as pure evil.

March 5-9

Time

Discuss how "To His Coy Mistress" and "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time" deal with the pressure and constraints of time. How does Marvell use the words "coy" and "mistress"? Is that different from how we use those words today? Do Marvell's graphic and disturbing images of death help or hurt his argument of seduction? How is Herrick's argument perhaps more sincere than Marvell's?

February 20-24

Wuthering Heights

Okay, class, write me chapter 9 1/2! Have fun, be creative, and stay true to the gothic style of literature!

February 6-10

Wuthering Heights

1. The gothic style of literature was popular in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. It is characterized by gloomy settings and an atmosphere of terror or mystery. Do you think this is a popular style today? Does the gothic style of literature appeal to you as a reader? Discuss.

2. What is a "soulmate?" Look up some of the history of the soulmate belief. Do you believe in the concept of soulmates? Do you think everyone has one? Discuss.

January 30-February 3

Brave New World

1. Leisure-time activites were of great importance in the World State. Are Americans filling leisure time intelligently or are we allowing ourselves to be shaped by the media and Big Business?

2. Compare Brave New World with other dystopian novels you have read (1984, Fahrenheit 451, Animal Farm). Note the differences in the ways the characters of each novel are kept in complete submission.

January 23-27

Brave New World

1. If you had to choose between happiness or truth, which would you choose? Discuss.

2. How accurate is Huxley's vision of the future (remember Brave New World was first published in 1932)? Think about America as you know it today.

3. What about the novel do you find the most disturbing so far? Discuss.

January 16-20

The Tempest

1. Caliban and Ariel are both supernatural beings, but they are very different. Contrast their characters. What might each character symbolize?

2. How could you write a contemporary screenplay for The Tempest? What would you add or change in terms of setting, characters, and special effects while maintaining the original integrity of the play?

3. Create the perfect cast of characters for a fantasy stage production of The Tempest.

4. Do you think that Prospero was merely practicing self-interest by forgiving those who had plotted against him? Think of a time in your life when you forgave someone for a wrong. Was the forgiveness unconditional, or did you hope to gain something from the person you were forgiving?

January 2-13

Othello

1. We are constantly being persuaded by our friends, family members, teachers, advertisements, and many other sources. The art of persuasion is an important tool to have; if you are really good at it, you can convince most people of just about anything. Discuss in terms of Othello and connect with life as you know it.

2. Are Othello's actions believably motivated? Explain why or why not.

3. Are Iago's actions believably motivated? Explain why or why not.

4. What would you have done if you were Othello? Would you have believed Desdemona (your spouse) or Iago (your friend)?