Blog 29: A Good Man Is Hard to Find

One of the major themes in Flannery O'Connor's short story, "A Good Man Is Hard to Find," is largely represented in The Misfit and The Misfit's speech on page fifty-six: "...I call myself The Misfit...because I can't make what all I done wrong fit what all I gone through in punishment" (O'Connor 56). O'Connor is critical of societal pressures and how forgiveness for some individuals seems almost impossible; her main argument being that perhaps one of the reasons that "a good man is hard to find" is due to society itself.

For your blog posting, choose TWO of the four questions to answer in short-paragraph form [at least four-five sentences per question].

1. Do you agree with O'Connor that societal criticism is difficult to overcome? In other words, do you think finding forgiveness in the U.S. society is difficult? Why/ why not? Bring up a specific event from U.S. current events/ history that supports your view.

2. What crimes or actions do you find to be devoid of your forgiveness? What crimes or actions do you think U.S. society is too quick to judge? Explain and incorporate specific instances from current events/ history.

3. Are you sympathetic to The Misfit's case? Do you think if he were given a fair chance and forgiveness he would be able to be a better man? Why/ why not? Cite a specific quotation from the short story to support your answer.

4. What do you think the last line of "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" means? The Misfit states: "It's no real pleasure in life" (O'Connor 57). How does this statement connect with O'Connor's main theme of the short story? Attempt to make connections in your answer and cite a specific quotation from the story.

[10 POINTS, Posted by class time, Thursday, June 3, 2010]

Blog 28: Interpreter of Maladies

Choose ONE of the three blog post questions to answer in one-two paragraphs. Be as detailed as possible to demonstrate your knowledge from reading the Interpreter of Maladies.

1. On page sixteen of Lahiri's short story, Mr. Kapasi makes observations of the Das's children: "Mr. Kapasi noted that this boy was slightly paler than the other children" (16). What is "foreshadowing"? Why does the author focus on this moment and how does it foreshadow what may occur in the story? What did you first suspect when you read this line?

2. As with many of Lahiri's writing, the theme of "displacement" runs throughout this short story selection. Displacement is the feeling of loyalty to not one, but two different cultures, so there is no allegiance to one culture. Cite two examples of this "displacment" from the story. Why does Lahiri include this theme in her work?

3. Explain the significance of the story's title. How is the title linked to Mr. Kapasi? Cite a quotation from the text that supports your explanation. Why does Mrs. Das take an interest in Mr. Kapasi? How does Mr. Kapasi react to the information she shares about herself?

[5 Points, EC. 4 Points for attempting to answer all three questions, posted by end of class 5.06.10]

Blog 27: TBCC, The End

Our reading of The Body of Christopher Creed is done! For each class period, there is a writing prompt; you may only complete the questions for your class period. Be sure your response is at least TWO paragraphs in length. Pull a quotation from the book where applicable. If you finish early, try writing on one of the other questions for review.

Period 1: What are Torey's "awards"? Which award do you believe represents Christopher Creed's? Provide reasons for your belief and cite a line of text from the book for support.

Period 2: How does the book end?!?! Did you enjoy how the author, Carol Plum-Ucci, concluded the story? Why/ why not? If you were the author, how would you have ended everything? Be very specific in your answer, and pull a quotation from the text as to what you liked/ did not like.

Period 3: What happened down in the Lenape Indian burial ground's cave? How do geologists at Stockton College explain the events? Why is it clear that Torey is still profoundly bothered by what he saw down there? In your opinion, is Dr. Fahdi have Torey's best interests in mind? Cite a quotation from the text to support your conclusions.

Period 8: What mysteries were solved at the end of the book? What became of Christopher Creed? ...Mrs. Creed? ...Torey? ...Haines Family? What mysteries do you feel were left open for the readers' interpretations? As an author, why would Plum-Ucci intention be to leave people in suspense? Pull one quotation from the text to support your views about the writer's style.

[10 Points, Two paragraph minimum, Posted by end of class period: 4.21.10]

Blog 26: Dishonesty Breeds Dishonesty/ Ch. 17

Choose ONE of the writing prompt below to react in a one to two paragraph response. Be prepared to share your answer with classmates and the class.

1. In life, many cynics believe that the only person that an individual can completely trust is oneself. Why do you agree/ disagree with this philosophy? After reading chapter seventeen, do you think Torey should adopt this philosophy? Provide evidence from the book for your response.

2. In previous chapters, Mrs. Adams has emphasized the value of being honest with Torey and Ali. In what way does Torey recognize the hypocrisy in his mother's words in the events of chapter seventeen? How is the book's theme further developed in this chapter? Include a quotation to support your answers.

3. Reflect on the dynamic between adults and children in The Body of Christopher Creed. Besides covering up the truth, how else do the adults set a poor example for the children in this novel? Have you ever been let down by an authority figure/ role model that you trusted or respected? No names on this one.

4. Do you sympathize with Mrs. Creed at this point in the book? Explain your reasoning. What characters are aiding her in the search for her son? Who possesses the power in the situation and why? Include a quotation with your opinions.

[Posted by end of class period, 4.13.10, 8 writing points]

Blog 25: Chapter 6: Torey's Lyrics

In chapter six, Torey shares some of the lyrics from his band on pages 66-68. Choose two of these lyrics and explain what their significance is for Torey's life. Then, finish the song that Torey started--use any details about Torey's characterization or life in South Jersey to help you. Attempt to develop ten-fifteen lines for the song, and be sure to include a title. The song can be serious, silly, a rap, etc., as long as the lyrics are school appropriate and demonstrate aspects of Torey's characterization.

Be prepared to share the band's new jam!!

[Post by the end of class, 3.23.10, 5 class points]

Blog 24: Chapter 1 in The Body of Christopher Creed

Complete the questions below, for your respective class period, based on your reading of chapter one in The Body of Christopher Creed last night. Be sure to include as much detail from the story as possible and your opinion, if asked. Do not be shy in including a quotation! One-two paragraph writing requirement.

Period 1:

How is Torey familiar with Christopher Creed? What does it mean when Torey says, "People can love their lies, tell their own lies, believe their own lies until hell pays a visit"? Explain the quotation in terms of what Torey shares in chapter one.

Period 2:

According to some advice he received, what is Torey writing? Who gave him this advice? What is Torey's relationship to this person? In what way is this another connection to The Catcher in the Rye? Be specific in your response, and pull a quotation from the text.

Period 3:

What do you think of Torey as a character? Does he remind you of Holden Caulfield? Why/ why not? Speak to the reliability of both narrators and make a comparison of the two.

Period 8:

What does Torey reveal in chapter one's italicized font? What details are shared about Steepleton, Creed, and Torey's own family? Cite one or two examples from the document. What is Torey's perception of himself?

[1-2 Paragraphs Required, Posted by end of class 3.17.10, 7 points]

Blog 23: Issues in Our American Society

Choose TWO of the four New York Times: Upfront magazine articles to read: "Should I take a job promoting cigarettes?", "Driven to Distraction", "Is your lunch causing Global Warming?', or "Locked away forever?" All of the articles introduce controversial subjects highly debated in our current American society and provide data to support the argument being made.

After reading two of the articles, write a one-paragraph response to each. Consider the following questions for each editorial [your commentary need not be in this order]:

-How does the author of the news article support a specific position on the issue? Provide an example of this slanted perspective.

-What is your personal opinion on the subject under debate? Why do you support/ refute the article's points? [ex. Cigarettes- Why would you take the job/ not take the job?; Locked away- How old do you think an individual needs to be to tell right from wrong?; Global warming- What does your diet mostly consist of?; Distraction- Who do you know that texts while driving?]

-What statistics/ collected data/ pictures/ etc. does the author choose to make his/ her point(s) in the editorial? How are they effective?

[Posted: 3.12.10, end of the period; two paragraphs; 10 points]

*If you are absent, see me to get the articles and make up this blog.

Blog 22: The "Birds" & The Bees

Neither Momma nor Vivian ever discussed the facts of life with Ms. Angelou, leaving her with questions she is afraid to ask. The result of this is that Ms. Angelou conducts her own research and draws her own faulty conclusions. This is a dangerous thing to do, as Ms. Angelou becomes confused and disillusioned about intimacy, and ends up pregnant.

There are a lot of "what if" questions that can be drawn from this chapter. With a partner or by yourself, consider the following questions, and write your own opinions about them. CHOOSE AT LEAST FIVE QUESTIONS TO ANSWER. As a class, we will then review these questions and discuss the answers.

-Would Ms. Angelou have experimented with sex on her own if she hadn't been raped as a child?

-What is the likelihood of Ms. Angelou becoming pregnant if Momma or Vivian had discussed the subject with her earlier?

-What if Momma and Vivian both gave Ms. Angelou information about sex? How would their versions differ? How would each version affect Ms. Angelou? Whose advice would she absorb more readily?

-What if Ms. Angelou had never been sexually abused? Could her pregnancy have happened anyway? Why or why not?

-What if Bailey were still around for Ms. Angelou to confide? Would he have told her anything about this subject? Would it have made a difference to Ms. Angelou?

-What if Ms. Angelou was living in Stamps when she became pregnant? How would Momma have handled the pregnancy?

-Ms. Angelou hid her pregnancy until after she graduated, so that she would have an opportunity to advance in life. Would Ms. Angelou's future have looked different if she was living in Stamps? What could she expect from life then?

-What qualities has Ms. Angelou developed as she matures that will help her raise a child alone?

-What would happen to the baby's father if Ms. Angelou's uncles knew?

-What would happen to him if the setting was Stamps and our main character was white?

Challenge: Can you develop one or two "what if" questions based on your reading of the story? Give it a try! [2 ex. credit points]

[10 POINTS, posted by the end of CLASS PERIOD, 3.09.10]

Blog 21: Making Connections

For the past two days, your class has viewed the I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings film and responded to teacher-constructed questions during your viewing; all participating students received credit for these worksheets.

Now it is your turn to develop questions and make connections between the film and book! With a partner or individually, post five questions you realized you had about Marguerite's story from viewing the film--a question can be formed from something you were wondering about. After you have developed your questions, find the answers in the book! Challenge: Cite quotations to support your answers. Include page number.

Ex. 1. Q: Why does Uncle Willie walk with a limp and what's with his stutter?

A:

2. Q:

A:

3. Q:

A:

4. Q:

A:

5. Q:

A:

If you were absent from class during the film days, choose one of the themes listed, and in one paragraph explain how this theme has surfaced at least three times in your reading. Possible themes: "Family," "Generations," "Race, Ethnicity, and Culture," "Challenges and Triumphs," or "The Individual vs. Society."

[POSTED BY THE END OF CLASS, 10 POINTS, 2.24.10]

Blog 20: Segregation Presented in Chapter 8

There was such a huge dividing line between the African-American community of Stamps, AK, and the Caucasian community that even the Depression affected them differently. The Caucasian people were richer, and spent their money very freely. The African-American people were already desperately poor, and barely had the resources to keep themselves alive, let alone buy luxury items. So, when the Depression hit, the Caucasian community was affected first, then slowly, it drizzled down to the African-American community.

Answer the five questions from the handout distributed in class.

Then, share in this post whether you would have preferred to be an African-American or Caucasian during the Depression in Stamp, AK, as described in the book.

[10 Class Points; Questions on Worksheet distributed 2.08.10; POSTED BY END OF CLASS PERIOD]

Blog 19: Angelou's Life, Times, & Message

During our class today, many facts were shared about Maya Angelou: her life, time period, and overall message of her works. Additionally, a definition of racism was shared as well as past and present instances of racism in United States society.

For each category, share one fact you learned from the informative groups' presentations today:

1: Time Period: African-American Experience in U.S., 1930s & 1940s

2: Maya Angelou: Biography

3: Racism: What is it? How has it occurred in the U.S.?

4: Maya Angelou: Works & Publications

5: Racism: Where does it still exist in the U.S.?

One fact should be shared for each category. Five facts should be in complete sentences. Feel free to share more than one fact that caught your attention. If you were absent today, Tues., 2.03.10, research this information on your own to complete this blog posting.

[Posted by 2.03.10, 5 POINTS]

Blog 18: Female Roles in Shakespeare's Macbeth

Now that our reading of the tragic drama, Macbeth, is complete, we are able to take a more critical eye to aspects of theme, characterization, and plot. Perhaps one of the most glaring observations about the play is the limited influence of female roles. In fact, the two main female characters, Lady Macbeth ad Lady Macduff, are only referenced in terms of their husbands. This detail is very telling of the time period in which Shakespeare wrote and the time period the story takes place.

Visit the following website and read up on Shakespeare's treatment of Gender Roles in Macbeth:

"Gender and Sexuality in Shakespeare's Macbeth: A Reversal in Gender Roles" (Thacker)

Do you agree/ disagree with some of the article's analysis? Choose a quotation from Thacker's writing and argue for or against it.

Use the following website below to fill in your class worksheet and make deeper connections between Shakespeare's relationship with Anne Hathaway and his representation of females in Macbeth:

"In Search of Shakespeare" (PBS)

"The Marriage of William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway"

[One paragraph response- 5 points, posted by 1.18.10; Worksheet handed in at the end of the period - 6 points]

Blog 17: Act V Study Guide Questions

Answer the following Act V questions based on your reading from the past two days. You may work with a partner, but your responses should be original. Complete sentences and use of textual support is required [at least two quotations]. Posted: Fri., 1.15.10, beginning of class

Act V, scene ii

1. What does Angus say about the men that Macbeth commands?

2. How is the "plant" metaphor started in Act I, sc. iv, by Duncan, continued in this scene?

Act V, scene iii

1. What are Macbeth's troops doing? Why does he remain so confident?

2. How does Macbeth acknowledge that Scotland is suffering?

Act V, scene iv

1. Who is Siward? What is his opinion of the king?

2. What tactical strategy does Malcom implement? What is its purpose and why is it significant to the play?

Act V, scene v

1. How does the sound of the woman's cry affect Macbeth?

2. Who dies in this scene? What are the main ideas of Macbeth's soliloquy after this event?

3. What does Macbeth now recognize about the prophecies? How does his realization relate to the play's central theme?

Blog 16: Story Time Macbeth Style

Act III: Story Time

The witches, ghosts, and characters in Shakespeare's Macbeth are sinister and frightening. Suppose you are invited into an elementary classroom to share the play Macbeth with all of the kids.

How would you hold the "story time" without giving the children nightmares? Write an adaptation [another version] of the events in the play, which include the scarier aspects of the play: Macbeth, the witches, and the ghosts.

Post this story to your own blog, and then critique another classmate's version for appropriate content.

Ex. "Melissa, wonderful start to this children's version of Macbeth. I like the details, but I feel some of the characters need to be less scary for five-year olds. Maybe instead of the characters carrying swords, they can hit each other with twizzlers? Just a thought!

Scariness Level: 3 [out of 5] Accurate telling of events: 4 [out of 5] "

[15 Points, Posted by 1.08.09, Writing Grade]

Blog 15: New Year's Premonitions

Banquo cautions his war comrade Macbeth about the Three Weird Sisters' [Witches] premonitions: "The instruments of darkness tell us truths;/ Win us with honest trifles, to betray's/ In deepest consequence..." (Act I, scene iii, lines 123-125). Here Banquo clearly states his position on the Witches' statements. Explain in a few sentences what Banquo means with these lines for their futures.

In this post, also consider what you believe for your future in the year 2010. Premonitions are similar to New Year's Resolutions in that they have an element of self-fulfilling prophecy. One sort of resolution has to do only with oneself. You might decide to lose weight, to stop eating candy, to exercise more, or watch less TV. Other resolutions might involve family or friends. You could resolve to be more patient with your little brother or more helpful to mom. Some resolutions are about school and the outside world, such as getting to class on time or trying for better grades. Make one goal for each New Year's Resolution category: Personal Improvement, Family and Friends, and School and the Outside World.

[Two-Three Paragraph Minimum, 10 Points, Posted by 1.05.10]