Wednesday 25 April 2012

Things to KNOW FOR TEST

1) Give three detailed examples (detailed means a paragraph or more) of the following themes (and be able to explain how the examples fit the themes): A) The Strength of Women B) The Importance of Family (and the change of the definition of family) C) We vs. I (this includes self-sacrifice and altruism) D) People vs. Moloch E) Anger 2) Symbols, Allusions, Analysis and higher orders of thinking Be able to explore the ideas invoked by the following  Pretty Boy Floyd  The One-Eyed Man  The men returning from California to go back home  Exodus, Moses, the Plague  Jesus, Judas  Handbills  The Joad’s Truck and Highway 66  Tractor vs. Horses  The turtle (at the beginning of the book)  Desert (and places like Bakersfield, Barstow, etc.) 3) Be able to explain the following by description, events that happened, and what the places mean (symbolically and literally) Weedpatch Hooverville Farms in Oklahoma Dustbowl Swarms of Cars Truckstops 4) Outline the plot 5) Be able to explain the significance of the following characters (what they do, what they represent and how they are important or how they function in the novel) Tom Joad, Jim Casey, Ma Joad, Pa Joad, Rose of Sharon, Granma and Grandpa Joad, Noah, Al, Muley Graves, Connie, the Wilsons, Ruthie and Winfield, Mr. And Mrs. Wainwright, Agnes Wainwright, and … 6) Be able to summarize and explain the significance of the following chapters: 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 7) Be able to discuss and explain in a paragraph what Steinbeck is doing in the “Descriptive” chapters of the novel and how these chapters function in the overall work. 8) Discuss how THE GRAPES OF WRATH is (or works as) socialist commentary? 9) Relate THE GRAPES OF WRATH to another book read in English 11. 10) The meaning of Land. 11) Economic Decline = the decline of family

Monday 23 April 2012

Chapters 12 - 15

A few of you requested that I post these questions: GRAPES OF WRATH chapters 12-15 1) Why do we get two chapters in a row (11 and 12) featuring the abstract, larger perspective rather than the alternation between it and the life of the Joad family? 2) What is Highway 66? What does it represent? Is the number 66 in itself suggestive of anything? 3) What is the nature and philosophy of the business people offering "service" to travelers along Highway 66? What do the more alert travelers come to understand about the nature of that "service"? What anecdote does one such traveler tell to illustrate the meaning of the word "service"? What is the actual character of the "service stations" along the way? What is significant (and ironic) about the businessman's claim that "he ain't in it for his health"? 4) What does Steinbeck mean by saying, "The people in flight from the terror behind--strange things happen to them, some bitterly cruel and some so beautiful that the faith is refired forever"? What is Steinbeck suggesting about human nature and its possibilities? 5) What is the significance of Casy's and Tom's answers to the gas station man who keeps asking, "what's the country comin' to"? Why does Tom tell him "You ain't askin' nothin: you're jus' singin' a kinda song ... You don' wanta know"? 6) What does Casy mean when he says, "Here's me that used to give all my fight against the devil 'cause I figgered the devil was the enemy. But they's sompin worse'n the devil got hold a the country, an' it ain't 7) Why does Grampa die? Why does the dog die? Is there something symbolic here? 8) Why are the "owners" in the Western states getting nervous? What do they perceive as the immediate enemy? 9) What are Steinbeck's observations concerning the meaning of "I" and "we"? What is the meaning of the statement: "If you who own the things people must have could understand this, you might preserve yourself. If you could separate causes from results; if you could know that Paine, Marx, Jefferson, Lenin, were results, not causes, you might survive. But that you cannot know. For the quality of owning freezes you you forever into 'I,' and cuts you off forever from the 'we.'"? What does Steinbeck imply concerning the future of capitalism and capitalists? 10) 
What is the significance of descriptions of the interior of hamburger stands along the highway: "The walls decorated with posters, bathing girls, blondes with big breasts and slender hips and waxen faces, in white bathing suits, and holding a bottle of Coca-Cola and smiling--see what you get with a Coca-Cola"? How do those posters work? What do they suggest? Are they similar in any way to the yellow handbills? 11) Seen briefly through the windows of large cars on the highway, how are wealthy described? What are their main concerns? Why is it said that they meet in "lodges and service clubs" and "reassure themselves that business is noble and not the curious ritualized thievery they know it is; that businessmen are intelligent in spite of the records of their stupidity; that they are kind and charitable in spite of the principles of sound business; that their lives are rich instead of the thin tiresome routines they know; and that a time is coming when they will not be afraid any more"? What is the meaning of the cars that "whizzed viciously by on 66"? 12) Consider the scene where a family attempts to buy a ten-cent loaf of bread at a sandwich shop. What is the meaning of the situation? What different sets of values collide here? Why does the father hesitate to take the loaf for ten cents after learning that it costs fifteen? Why do the shop operators sell the bread and the candy for less than its actual value? Why do the truck drivers leave extra money behind? What happened to sound business principles?

Monday 16 April 2012

The Grapes of Wrath Project

GRAPES OF WRATH PROJECT

Projects are worth 80 points. Each section of the project is worth 10 points.

GROUP 1:

Music/ Radio/ Arts

Research music of the 30s and list five important musicians and find songs that symbolized their achievements. You might want to focus on the West. The east-coast music during this time is swing.

Research Woody Guthrie and briefly tell the class why he is important.

What is going on with Radio during the 30s? Discuss Roosevelt’s “FIRESIDE CHAT”

List three important writers during the 30s.

Write a mock interview with Woody Guthrie and record it. You may want to check out a movie version of his life (Mr. Fielding owns a copy) to give you some ideas.


GROUP 2: Depression

Research the causes of the depression.
Research the effects of the depression on Oklahoma.
Find at least ten quotes from the time period.
Find at least twenty photos from the time period.
Find a poem about the depression.
Find a statement by Roosevelt about the depression.
Research the DUST BOWL.
Put all of these things together in a movie or power-point.


GROUP 3: Oklahoma/ California/ Hobos

Research the states during the 1930s with a chronological list of events.
Find the state songs.
Briefly discuss the problems with California and people moving there? Find statements by officials – such as the governor if possible.
Find five photographs of CALI in the 1930s.
Define Hobo and research hobos during the 1930s.
Write and film a short sketch about hobos (remember Mr. Fielding has write a lot about this subject – you might look at some films such as HOPPING OUT).
Research route 66 and WEEDPATCH CAMP.

Monday 26 March 2012

The Grapes of Wrath

THEMES


1) The importance of the land to the people
2) The Strength of Women
3) The Importance of family (even the definition of WHAT IS FAMILY)
4) We vs. I
5) People vs. “Moloch”
6) Anger




1) Give three detailed examples (detailed means a paragraph or more) of the following themes (and be able to explain how the examples fit the themes):

A) The Strength of Women
B) The Importance of Family (and the change of the definition of family)
C) We vs. I (this includes self-sacrifice and altruism)
D) People vs. Moloch
E) Anger

2) Symbols, Allusions, Analysis and higher orders of thinking

Be able to explore the ideas invoked by the following

 Pretty Boy Floyd
 The One-Eyed Man
 The men returning from California to go back home
 Exodus, Moses, the Plague
 Jesus, Judas
 Handbills
 The Joad’s Truck and Highway 66
 Tractor vs. Horses
 The turtle (at the beginning of the book)
 Desert (and places like Bakersfield, Barstow, etc.)

3) Be able to explain the following by description, events that happened, and what the places mean (symbolically and literally)

Weedpatch
Hooverville
Farms in Oklahoma
Dustbowl
Swarms of Cars
Truckstops

4) Outline the plot

5) Be able to explain the significance of the following characters (what they do, what they represent and how they are important or how they function in the novel)

Tom Joad, Jim Casey, Ma Joad, Pa Joad, Rose of Sharon, Granma and Grandpa Joad, Noah, Al, Muley Graves, Connie, the Wilsons, Ruthie and Winfield, Mr. And Mrs. Wainwright, Agnes Wainwright, and …

6) Be able to summarize and explain the significance of the following chapters: 22, 24, 26, 28, 30

7) Be able to discuss and explain in a paragraph what Steinbeck is doing in the “Descriptive” chapters of the novel and how these chapters function in the overall work.

8) Discuss how THE GRAPES OF WRATH is (or works as) socialist commentary?

9) Relate THE GRAPES OF WRATH to another book read in English 11.

10) The meaning of Land.

11) Economic Decline = the decline of family

Monday 5 March 2012

Classwork for Thursday and Friday 3/8 and 3/9

FINAL DRAFTS:

Work on draft number 3 - persuasive essay. Post Work Cited Page on blog.

DUE DATE: Monday 3/12.

Monday 27 February 2012

Persuasive Essays

2nd Draft of persuasive essay due when you return from regionals.

Monday 13 February 2012

Persuasive Essays

You need to come up with a topic and a thesis statement.

Below is the outline of unit. First draft is due Tuesday 2/21.


Argumentation or Persuasion Paper


ASSIGNMENT: Students will need to complete three drafts of a paper that takes a position on an argument and seeks to persuade a “real” audience about some topic of importance (the author should define the importance especially if the importance is not naturally apparent). The paper needs to be 3-5 pages in length and the thesis must be supported with evidence: Expert testimony or credentials, factual data, rebuttal of opposing points, and an appeal to the audience’s self-interest. The student will be expected to do some research and show this research in her/his paper. Citations should be in MLA format.

Papers will be graded on a rubric that includes: Introduction/Thesis Statement/Order of Development, Quality of Reasoning (how well you make an argument and back it up), Use of Expert Witnesses/Evidence/Rebuttal/Appeal to Self-interests, Voice/Word Choice/Audience Awareness, Grammar and Conclusion.

A minimal of three drafts will be completed, and an in-class peer review (Murray’s Feedback) and a conference with the teacher will help the student shape the work.

OTHER DUE DATES:

TOPIC DUE: 10 points. I need a topic before anyone can actually start research. This should be written down and turned in on a page with your name on it.

THESIS STATEMENT DUE: 15 points. I want a thesis statement written out and handed in so I can look over what you are arguing and where you might be going. If you can give me an itemized thesis statement (a thesis statement plus order of development) it will be easier for me to direct you.

Blog Postings of at least 3 sources in MLA format

ROUGH DRAFT 1 DUE: 25 Points.

2nd Draft Due: 25 Points.

Works Cited Page Due: 25 points.

Final Draft Due: 100 points.

The above due dates are final. If you miss a date you miss the points, and you will still be expected to turn in the assignment before I allow you to move on. You are still responsible for handing in a thesis.

Monday 6 February 2012

February 6th 2012

As we start reviewing for the final on Huckleberry Finn, make sure you can do the following things:


OBJECTIVES:

By the end of the novel students will be able to

1) Define realism, satire, dialect, antihero, unreliable narrator, irony (situational, dramatic, and verbal), episodic plot, romanticism, dramatic foils, hyperbole, motif, picaresque novel, parable, sarcasm, simile, metaphor, oxymoron, allegory, euphemism, bildungroman
2) Pick out examples of symbols, irony and dialect
3) Example the meaning of at least one major symbol
4) Discuss how Huck is both an unreliable narrator and an antihero
5) Discuss how Huckleberry Finn, the novel, fits both a bildungsroman and picaresque novel
6) Give examples of and discuss the following motifs in the book: superstition, parodies of previous literature (romantic novels and Shakespeare), the adopting of personas (or reinventing self), childhood games, religion, lies and cons, death, and perhaps one or two others that I will bring up in class
7) Be out to pick out and example five – ten allusions
8) Outline the plot according to the six elements
9) Break up the book into three sections or three movements (and briefly explain each movement)
10) Break up the book into 9 episodes
11) Give a list of characters in the book with a brief description of each and their general purpose in the novel
12) Compare and Contrast Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer
13) Discuss the idea of and the historical reference of Family Feuds
14) Discuss the different types of conflict found in Huckleberry Finn
15) Discuss how Mark Twain uses allusions to back up his major themes and develop his characters
16) Keep a list of Huckleberry Finns stories and pranks
17) Discuss how Huckleberry Finn is honest in dishonest world
18) Briefly explain the following themes: Racism and Slavery, Intellectual and Moral Education, The hypocrisy of society (appearance vs. reality), conflict between the individual and society, the quest for freedom (both freedom away from society and freedom within society), superstition vs religion, death and rebirth, coming of age and the hero’s journey, the concept of family, the role of the outsider, the nature and the significance of the following traits: gullibility, ignorance, and naivety, tolerance vs. prejudice.

Wednesday 1 February 2012

Study Questions for the last four chapters

Huck Discussion Questions XL-Chapter the Last

1. What do we learn about Jim in these chapters?

2. What effect does the Doctor's speech in support of Jim have? How do you feel about that?

3. What is the significance of the bullet?

4. Where is Huck going at the end of the novel? What does this imply about his view of the world in which he lives?

5. Comment on the style of the novel. Do you feel it represents the Realist tradition as we have discussed it? What aspects of Huck's character make him a good narrator? What problems did you encounter (if any) due to Huck's narration? Speculate on how a different narrator or a third person omniscient narrator would impact the story.

Tuesday 31 January 2012

Vocabulary 3

Captivate
Rummage
Warble
Fluster
Sluice
Waylay
Azure
Plumb
Contrive
Affront
Taper
Notion

Thursday 26 January 2012

Episode 8

Assignments: Outline episode 8 on blog and include the following information:

1) Summary of episode
2) List of new characters
3) Personas (include King (2 personas), Duke, Huck, Jim.
4) Major Themes (2 themes)
5) Allusions, Symbols, Ironies (at least one of each)
6) Discuss Huck's change in this episode

Monday 16 January 2012

Study Questions for Huck Finn

Huck Discussion Questions XXIV - XXVII

1. As we have discussed, clothes can play a symbolic or thematic role in the novel. Huck even says that he "never knowed how clothes could change a body before." Discuss the thematic role of clothes in these chapters.

2. Comment on the last paragraph of Chapter XXIV. Make a connection to Twain's description of the Arkansas town. Why is Huck's response to the Peter Wilks incident so strong? Why does Huck make moral evaluations now (you'll recall that he remained morally neutral concerning the prior schemes of the duke and king)?

3. What qualities do the Wilks girls have that allow them to be fooled so easily?

4. Why is it significant that Joanna eats in the kitchen? What is the significance of her nickname? What themes are revealed?

5. What statement about the behavior of people does Twain make through the Dr. Robinson incident?

6. Previously Huck has refused to hinder the antics of the king and duke. Now he attempts to foil their scheme. Why? What theme(s) from the novel can you apply to Huck's change in attitude?




Huck Questions XXVIII - XXX

1. Twain was heavily criticized for bad taste due to his description of the funeral toward the end of Chapter XXVII. Why do you think he was criticized, and do you think the criticism justified?

2. On page 141 Huck says, ". . . here's a case where I'm blest if it don't look to me like the truth is better, and actuly safer, than a lie." Explain.

3. In these three chapters Huck finds himself having to lie for various reasons. How do his motives differ?

4. Why doesn't Twain involve Jim more in these chapters?

5. Does Huck's escape from Hines say anything about Hines' character?

6. How does Huck feel about Mary Jane? Why does Huck tell her to go away? Significance?

7. Discuss the significance of Huck's statement, ". . . anybody but a lot of prejudiced chuckleheads would a seen that the old gentlemen was spinning truth and t'other one lies."

8. What does the doctor represent?

9. By the end of Chapter XXX, do you think Twain vindicates the characters of the duke and king or does he have them remain as villains? Explain.


Huck Discussion Questions XXXI - XXXV

1. Would you say that Chapter 31 represents the climax of the novel? Why or why not?

2. Huck says, "All right, then, I'll go to hell." Explain the irony in that statement.

3. Discuss the symbolism of the imagery at the beginning of Chapter 32.

4. Discuss Huck's understanding of Providence (215)? Would Miss Watson agree?

5. How does Twain use irony in the discussion between Huck and Mrs. Phelps about the "steamboat accident."

6. One of the recurring themes becomes apparent when Huck discovers that the Phelps are expecting Tom Sawyer. Which theme comes to mind and why?

7. Huck and Tom both agree to help Jim escape; however, their motives are different. Explain.

8. "...and as they went by I see they had the king and duke astraddle of a rail - that is, I knowed it WAS the king and the duke, though they was all over tar and feathers. ...Well it made me sick to see it; and I was sorry for them poor pitiful rascals. ...Human beings CAN be cruel to one another" (225). Comment. What does this reveal about Huck's character?

9. Discuss the irony in Tom's reaction to the stealing of the watermelon.

10. Why does Huck let Tom take control?


Huck Discussion XXXVI-XXXIX - Written Assignment

Directions: Please write a minimum of three paragraphs on the following topic. Supply evidence from Chapters 35 - 39 to support your answer. It is due next class period. Think carefully about your answer.
Twain criticizes the Romantics. The Romantics based their literature on the conviction that imagination and emotion were superior to reason. You will recall that in Chapters 12 & 13, Twain names the wrecked steamboat The Walter Scott after a Romantic author, metaphorically relating it to the demise of Romanticism. Obviously, Twain was not a fan of Romantic fiction.

The Question: How was Twain's disdain for Romantic fiction evident in Chapters 36-39?
Hint - Think about:
1. Tom's character as symbolic of the Romantic;
2. how Huck has changed since Tom arrived;
3. the practicality of the plans for Jim's escape;
4. the consideration for Jim's welfare in these plans.

Huck Discussion Questions XL-Chapter the Last

1. What do we learn about Jim in these chapters?

2. What effect does the Doctor's speech in support of Jim have? How do you feel about that?

3. What is the significance of the bullet?

4. Where is Huck going at the end of the novel? What does this imply about his view of the world in which he lives?

5. Comment on the style of the novel. Do you feel it represents the Realist tradition as we have discussed it? What aspects of Huck's character make him a good narrator? What problems did you encounter (if any) due to Huck's narration? Speculate on how a different narrator or a third person omniscient narrator would impact the story.

School work for the next two weeks.

1) Finish Huckleberry Finn.
2) Work on Study Questions (posted on blog)
3) Outline episodes 8 and 9 with summaries, characters, personas, symbols and themes.
4) Take vocabulary quiz on Friday.

Friday 13 January 2012

Friday the 13th

Today we will be reviewing chapter 23, looking over study questions and outlining episode 7.

Here are the things you need to include in you outline of episode 7.

1) Summary
2) Descriptions of New Characters (who they are/what they do - be specific)
3) List of Personas
4) Theme

Tuesday 10 January 2012

Huckleberry Finn Chapters 21-23

You should take a look at this video. Think about it and let me hear your thoughts in class.

Huckleberry Finn Chapters 21-23

Study Questions:


1. Why does Huck observe but does not participate in the schemes of the duke and king?


2. Through the Grangerford episode, Twain was able to criticize the myth of Southern honor. What myth of Southern life does Twain satirize in the Sherburn / Boggs incident (which, by the way, was based on a true incident)? What aspect of human nature does Twain satirize through the scene in the drugstore?

3. Compare the circus with the entertainment supplied by the duke and king?

4. What does Huck's reaction to the circus incident tell us about him? Whom does he think was most deceived?

5. What is Twain implying about human nature through the advertising for the "Royal Nonesuch"?

6. "What was the use to tell Jim these warn't real kings and dukes? It wouldn't a done no good; and besides, it was just as I said; you couldn't tell them from the real kind." What does Twain imply?

7. What is significant about the story of 'Lizabeth?

8. Tell Huck's story so far. Develop a chronology of events - the more detailed the better!

Tuesday January 10

Objectives: Being able to outline episode 6 of Huckleberry Finn.

Today we will look up new vocabulary words. Outline episode six of Huckleberry Finn and begin chapter 21.

Here are the things you need to include in you outline of episode 6.

1) Summary
2) Descriptions of New Characters (who they are/what they do - be specific)
3) List of Personas
4) Theme
5) One Symbol or Literary Device

New Vocabulary Words:

Histrionic
Contrite
Obituary
Aggravate
Contagion
Brazen
Hedonism
Surreptitious
Foreordain
Fraudulent
Gastronomy

Monday 9 January 2012

January 8th, 2012

Today we are going to finish chapters 19 and 20 and answer the study questions below. Note: New vocabulary words tomorrow.



13. Huck and Jim's manner of dress on the raft is symbolic. What do clothes represent?

14. Why doesn't Huck expose the Duke and the King (Dauphin) as frauds?

15. Who is the most shrewd, the King and the Duke or Huck? Why? Give some examples.

16. What does Twain satirize in the plan to present Romeo and Juliet? Discuss Romeo and Juliet as a motif.

17. Discuss the significance of the pirate and the revival meeting. What is Twain satirizing?

18. Is Twain making a statement about society through the antics of the King and Duke? Explain.

Thursday 5 January 2012

January 5th 2012

Objectives: Review chapters 1-18 in Huckleberry Finn by acting out the important sections of each episode. Review key literary terms.

You will have class time to continue writing your presentations. You need to get these done today as we do need to move on to chapters 19 and 20.

Wednesday 4 January 2012

Huckleberry Finn Continued! 1/4

Assignment:

I want you to break up into groups of three. As a group I want you to figure out a way to present the first 18 chapters to class in 5-15 minutes without leaving any important information out. Note: you can break the presentation up by episodes or by chapters. I expect each of you to be more than on character. Think of this as a REDUCED HUCK FINN play (remember the Reduced Shakespeare I showed you last year). Also - include things that you found funny in the book so far. These plays will act as a review (you should have notes on each of the episodes and you should, of course, use your books).

Homework: Review the following literary terms - Satire, Bildungsroman, Picaresqure Novel, Romanticism, Realism, Persona, Episodic Plot.

Tomorrow (1/5) we will look at chapters 19 and 20.

Good LUCK and HAVE FUN! I look forward to seeing you tomorrow!