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?"
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
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?
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?
Friday, February 24, 2012
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!
Okay, class, write me chapter 9 1/2! Have fun, be creative, and stay true to the gothic style of literature!
Monday, February 6, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, January 30, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, January 23, 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
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?
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?
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
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)?
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)?
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
December 12-16
"The Jewels" by Guy de Maupassant
1. Madame Lantin is the key character in "The Jewels," yet we are told scarcely anything about her--not even her first name. However, from the few details that Maupassant does provide, we are given some clues to help us understand her personality. Describe your vision of Madame Lantin. What does she look like? How does she behave? Would you be a friend to her? Discuss.
2. Would you forgive someone who had disappointed or betrayed you, if you ultimately benefited from his or her behavior? Explain.
"How Much Land Does a Man Need?" by Leo Tolstoy
1. In "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" Tolstoy presents us with an allegory, a story that has both a literal and a symbolic meaning. Discuss the symbolism of Tolstoy's story.
2. Discuss how the desire to have material goods and status in nineteenth-century Russia and in twenty-first-century America are comparable.
3. Have you ever "grasped too much and ruined the whole affair"--that is, lost something because you were too ambitious? Can you think of examples of people from current events, history, or other fictional stories who have failed by being greedy or attempting too much?
1. Madame Lantin is the key character in "The Jewels," yet we are told scarcely anything about her--not even her first name. However, from the few details that Maupassant does provide, we are given some clues to help us understand her personality. Describe your vision of Madame Lantin. What does she look like? How does she behave? Would you be a friend to her? Discuss.
2. Would you forgive someone who had disappointed or betrayed you, if you ultimately benefited from his or her behavior? Explain.
"How Much Land Does a Man Need?" by Leo Tolstoy
1. In "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" Tolstoy presents us with an allegory, a story that has both a literal and a symbolic meaning. Discuss the symbolism of Tolstoy's story.
2. Discuss how the desire to have material goods and status in nineteenth-century Russia and in twenty-first-century America are comparable.
3. Have you ever "grasped too much and ruined the whole affair"--that is, lost something because you were too ambitious? Can you think of examples of people from current events, history, or other fictional stories who have failed by being greedy or attempting too much?
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
December 5-9
Pride and Prejudice
1. What was your favorite "connection" we read in class? Discuss.
2. Mr. Bennett, though troubled and angry over Lydia's behavior, "naturally returned to all his former indolence" and finally allows the family to receive the newlyweds at Longbourn. Do you agree with the relative lack of punishment Lydia receives from her father, or from the other characters, in light of her actions?
3. Identify a dyanmic character from the novel. Explain. Identify a static character from the novel. Explain.
4. Do you like narrative structure that uses letters between characters to reveal information about other characters and advance the action of the plot? Discuss.
1. What was your favorite "connection" we read in class? Discuss.
2. Mr. Bennett, though troubled and angry over Lydia's behavior, "naturally returned to all his former indolence" and finally allows the family to receive the newlyweds at Longbourn. Do you agree with the relative lack of punishment Lydia receives from her father, or from the other characters, in light of her actions?
3. Identify a dyanmic character from the novel. Explain. Identify a static character from the novel. Explain.
4. Do you like narrative structure that uses letters between characters to reveal information about other characters and advance the action of the plot? Discuss.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
November 28-December 2
Pride and Prejudice
1. In remarking on Janes's favorable impression of the Bingley sisters, Elizabeth affectionately teases her sister, "Oh! You are a great deal too apt, you know, to like people in general. You never see a fault in anybody." Do you think you are more like Jane, who is "honestly blind to the follies and nonsense of others," or more like Elizabeth, who in most cases prides herself on being an accurate judge of character?
2. One critic writes that "in all Austen's novels, but especially in Pride and Prejudice, pursuing happiness is the business of life," and some would argue that this is not subject enough for a major work of fiction. Do you think that following this small collection of characters as they pursue their versions of happiness an admirable or appropriate mission for a novel? Discuss.
3. Consider this: "My temper would perhaps be called resentful.--My good opinion once lost is lost forever." What does Darcy mean by this statement? Do you agree with him? What are some of the drawbacks of such a position?
4. Consider this: "There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well . . . [E]veryday confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of either merit or sense." Explain Elizabeth's view of the world as she expresses it here. How should we judge the "appearance" of merit and sense?
1. In remarking on Janes's favorable impression of the Bingley sisters, Elizabeth affectionately teases her sister, "Oh! You are a great deal too apt, you know, to like people in general. You never see a fault in anybody." Do you think you are more like Jane, who is "honestly blind to the follies and nonsense of others," or more like Elizabeth, who in most cases prides herself on being an accurate judge of character?
2. One critic writes that "in all Austen's novels, but especially in Pride and Prejudice, pursuing happiness is the business of life," and some would argue that this is not subject enough for a major work of fiction. Do you think that following this small collection of characters as they pursue their versions of happiness an admirable or appropriate mission for a novel? Discuss.
3. Consider this: "My temper would perhaps be called resentful.--My good opinion once lost is lost forever." What does Darcy mean by this statement? Do you agree with him? What are some of the drawbacks of such a position?
4. Consider this: "There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well . . . [E]veryday confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of either merit or sense." Explain Elizabeth's view of the world as she expresses it here. How should we judge the "appearance" of merit and sense?
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
November 14-18
Fools Crow by James Welch
1. What code of conduct do the characters follow? What makes a Pikuni feel pride? Shame? What behaviors are honorable and dishonorable? Think of specific examples from the book.
2. Sometimes non-Native Americans say, “Why should I feel guilty about the deeds of my ancestors? I didn’t take away the Indian’s land.” How would you guess Native Americans would feel about the deeds of their ancestors? Does this help to explain why Native Americans might expect non-Native Americans to bear the guilt for what happened generations earlier?
3. Dee Brown, author of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, said Fools Crow may be the closest we’ve come to entering the life of the plains Indians in the buffalo days. Do you agree?
4. Why do the Pikuni pay such close attention to their dreams? Where do the Pikuni believe knowledge and power come from? Where do members of the dominant American culture believe knowledge and power come from?
5. When Heavy Shield Woman wanted to be the Sacred Vow Woman for the Sun Dance, she is cautioned by Chief Three Bears, “If you are successful, the Pikunis will prosper and enjoy favor with the spirit world. If you fail, if you are not strong or virtuous enough, great harm will come to us.” In other words, one person’s errors or misdeeds can cause suffering to everyone. How does this notion guide individual conduct? Use specific examples from the story.
6. Is this book successful for you as a story, a “good read?” Why or why not? Comment on characters, relationships, animals.
1. What code of conduct do the characters follow? What makes a Pikuni feel pride? Shame? What behaviors are honorable and dishonorable? Think of specific examples from the book.
2. Sometimes non-Native Americans say, “Why should I feel guilty about the deeds of my ancestors? I didn’t take away the Indian’s land.” How would you guess Native Americans would feel about the deeds of their ancestors? Does this help to explain why Native Americans might expect non-Native Americans to bear the guilt for what happened generations earlier?
3. Dee Brown, author of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, said Fools Crow may be the closest we’ve come to entering the life of the plains Indians in the buffalo days. Do you agree?
4. Why do the Pikuni pay such close attention to their dreams? Where do the Pikuni believe knowledge and power come from? Where do members of the dominant American culture believe knowledge and power come from?
5. When Heavy Shield Woman wanted to be the Sacred Vow Woman for the Sun Dance, she is cautioned by Chief Three Bears, “If you are successful, the Pikunis will prosper and enjoy favor with the spirit world. If you fail, if you are not strong or virtuous enough, great harm will come to us.” In other words, one person’s errors or misdeeds can cause suffering to everyone. How does this notion guide individual conduct? Use specific examples from the story.
6. Is this book successful for you as a story, a “good read?” Why or why not? Comment on characters, relationships, animals.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
November 7-11
1. Important and enduring literature embodies a universal truth about the nature of man. How does Oedipus the King, written in 430 BC, speak philosophically to contemporary readers with truths that are still relevant?
2. Odipus the King has recurring images of vision and blindness, darkness and light, knowledge and ignorance. Analyze the varied and multiple meanings of these images and comment on their importance in understanding the character of Oedipus.
3. Aristotle's conception of the tragic hero is defined as a hero who brings about his own downfall as a result of a flaw within his character. Is Oedipus the archetypal flawed human who has preicpiated his own downfall or is he a mere victim of the gods, powerless to alter his fate?
4. A main character in a drama or novel evokes our sympathy and admiration, sometimes despite a series of poor choices that seem obviously and transparently injudicious. Describe Oedipus's strengths; describe his weaknesses.
2. Odipus the King has recurring images of vision and blindness, darkness and light, knowledge and ignorance. Analyze the varied and multiple meanings of these images and comment on their importance in understanding the character of Oedipus.
3. Aristotle's conception of the tragic hero is defined as a hero who brings about his own downfall as a result of a flaw within his character. Is Oedipus the archetypal flawed human who has preicpiated his own downfall or is he a mere victim of the gods, powerless to alter his fate?
4. A main character in a drama or novel evokes our sympathy and admiration, sometimes despite a series of poor choices that seem obviously and transparently injudicious. Describe Oedipus's strengths; describe his weaknesses.
Friday, October 14, 2011
October 24-28
Macbeth
1. One critic has observed that part of Macbeth's tragedy is the fact that many of his strengths are also his weaknesses. Exlain this apparent contradiction. What are Mabeth's strengths? Which ones also work against him?
2. What modern figure, real or fictional, had a downfall, like Macbeth's, that came after an attempt to gain great power? How is this modern figure like Macbeth, and how different? Would this modern figure make a good tragic hero?
3. One of the themes of Macbeth centers on evil, which Shakespeare saw as a force beyond human understanding. Do you think Shakespeare also saw evil as stronger than the forces of good?
4. What is your favorite quote from the play? Discuss.
1. One critic has observed that part of Macbeth's tragedy is the fact that many of his strengths are also his weaknesses. Exlain this apparent contradiction. What are Mabeth's strengths? Which ones also work against him?
2. What modern figure, real or fictional, had a downfall, like Macbeth's, that came after an attempt to gain great power? How is this modern figure like Macbeth, and how different? Would this modern figure make a good tragic hero?
3. One of the themes of Macbeth centers on evil, which Shakespeare saw as a force beyond human understanding. Do you think Shakespeare also saw evil as stronger than the forces of good?
4. What is your favorite quote from the play? Discuss.
Monday, October 10, 2011
October 10-14
Keats
1. St. Agnes is the patron saint of virgins. How does learning this change your interpretation of the poem "The Eve of St. Agnes"?
2. Keats based his poem on the superstition that if a young girl performed a certain ritual on the eve of St. Agnes, she would see her future husband. If you could see into your future, would you? Explain.
3. Keats based "Ode to a Nightingale" upon the tranquility and joy he felt in a nightingale's song. If you could write an ode to an element of nature, what would you choose to honor? Animal? Plant? Place? Describe and explain.
4. Keats knew he was dying of tuberculosis when he wrote "Bright Star." Does this change your interpretation of the poem? Why or why not?
1. St. Agnes is the patron saint of virgins. How does learning this change your interpretation of the poem "The Eve of St. Agnes"?
2. Keats based his poem on the superstition that if a young girl performed a certain ritual on the eve of St. Agnes, she would see her future husband. If you could see into your future, would you? Explain.
3. Keats based "Ode to a Nightingale" upon the tranquility and joy he felt in a nightingale's song. If you could write an ode to an element of nature, what would you choose to honor? Animal? Plant? Place? Describe and explain.
4. Keats knew he was dying of tuberculosis when he wrote "Bright Star." Does this change your interpretation of the poem? Why or why not?
Monday, October 3, 2011
October 3-7
1. In "Those Winter Sundays," analyze the repetition of "What did I know?"
2. The most arresting feature of "The Fish" is its imagery. Which image stands out the most to you? Explain/discuss.
3. In Whitman's "I Sing the Body Electric" Whitman lists a number of body parts: do any of them tend to stand out or to form any sort of unexpected patterns?
4. Find a poem that speaks to you in the Bedford. Recommend it to the other bloggers on this site and explain why we should read it.
2. The most arresting feature of "The Fish" is its imagery. Which image stands out the most to you? Explain/discuss.
3. In Whitman's "I Sing the Body Electric" Whitman lists a number of body parts: do any of them tend to stand out or to form any sort of unexpected patterns?
4. Find a poem that speaks to you in the Bedford. Recommend it to the other bloggers on this site and explain why we should read it.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
September 26-30
1. Discuss your all-time favorite book. Explain why it is your favorite. Persuade others to read it.
2. Discuss what you look for in an author's style.
3. When was the last time you read poetry for pleasure? Why do you think people don't read poetry like they used to? Should this be a concern? Discuss.
4. Which character was your favorite in Watership Down? Explain.
2. Discuss what you look for in an author's style.
3. When was the last time you read poetry for pleasure? Why do you think people don't read poetry like they used to? Should this be a concern? Discuss.
4. Which character was your favorite in Watership Down? Explain.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
September 19-23
"The Hand" by Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette
1. Why do you think the wife kisses her husband's hand in the final paragraph? Explain how the kiss might symbolize the nature of their relationship.
2. In "The Birthmark" Nathaniel Hawthorne also uses a hand for symbolic purposes. Compare the meanings he associates with the hand in his story with Colette's. How does each writer invest meanings in a central symbol? Which one do you find more effective? Explain.
"Popular Mechanics" by Raymond Carver
1. Though there is little description of the setting in this story, how do the few details that are provided help to establish tone?
2. If you are familiar with the story of Solomon in the Bible, how might "Popular Mechanics" be read as a retelling of this story?
3. Discuss how the ending of "Popular Mechanics" is similar to the ending of Hawthorne's "The Birthmark."
1. Why do you think the wife kisses her husband's hand in the final paragraph? Explain how the kiss might symbolize the nature of their relationship.
2. In "The Birthmark" Nathaniel Hawthorne also uses a hand for symbolic purposes. Compare the meanings he associates with the hand in his story with Colette's. How does each writer invest meanings in a central symbol? Which one do you find more effective? Explain.
"Popular Mechanics" by Raymond Carver
1. Though there is little description of the setting in this story, how do the few details that are provided help to establish tone?
2. If you are familiar with the story of Solomon in the Bible, how might "Popular Mechanics" be read as a retelling of this story?
3. Discuss how the ending of "Popular Mechanics" is similar to the ending of Hawthorne's "The Birthmark."
Friday, September 9, 2011
September 12-16
Chekov & Oates
1. Which version did you like better? What's the point of retelling the story?
2. "What triumph, to love like this in any room, anywhere, risking even the craziest of accidents!" Explain this reflection of Anna's and relate it to her character. (Oates)
3. Describe your response to Gurov in Parts I and II, and discuss how your judgment of him changes in the last two parts of the story. (Chekov)
1. Which version did you like better? What's the point of retelling the story?
2. "What triumph, to love like this in any room, anywhere, risking even the craziest of accidents!" Explain this reflection of Anna's and relate it to her character. (Oates)
3. Describe your response to Gurov in Parts I and II, and discuss how your judgment of him changes in the last two parts of the story. (Chekov)
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