ANTHEM: Journals
1. How are people cotrolled in Anthem?
2. Would you trade freedom for security?
3. Free Write
4. What are the "Great Truths" of your life?
5. What word is Equality seeking? Why is it important?
6. Why is "love" a threat to the World Council?
7. Why can't we live like Equality?
8. Free Write
9. Should science create only what's good for society?
10. Is society more important than the individual?
11. What role do women play in our society?
12. Is Equality's conflict internal, external, or both?
13. Free Write
14. Is there a fair way to evaluate people?
15. What did you like about Anthem?
16. Does Anthem reflect our world?
17. How is Jonathan E. like Equality?
18. COMPARE/CONTRAST: Equality's world and Jonathan E's world 19. Do we live in a violent society?
20. Free Write
21. DISCUSS: Mass media has positive and negative aspects
22. DISCUSS: Mindless pleasure-seeking and materialism leads to empty lives
23. Do rainy days depress you?
24. Do you have a secret?
ANTHEM: Homeworks
1. Why are some products successful?
2. Why does Equality escape into Nature?
3. Free Write
4. Should speech be censored?
5. What did you dislike about Anthem?
6. Why do you like movies?
7. Elements in common: Anthem and Rollerball
8. Why is freedom so important?
9. What is the role of violence in Rollerball?
10. Free Write
11. Is political correctness always correct?
12. What is the "social setting" of F451?
13. Is Clarisse weird?
CATCHER IN THE RYE: Journals and Homeworks
J24: Is life a game?
HW14: Describe the best educational experience you ever had.
J25: Describe an annoying friend.
H15: What makes someone popular?
J26: Describe your first crush.Was it really love?
HW16: Have you ever been jealous about anything?
J27:Have you ever lied or been the victim of a lie?
HW27: Do you put off tasks or do you do them right away?
J28: Is casual sex acceptable?
HW18: Have you ever faked your age?
J29: Why is it not good to have no friends?
HW19: Do you ever evaluate yourself?
J30: What is most important in a relationship?
HW20: Have you ever made a fool of yourself?
J31: Describe Holden's erratic behavior.
HW21: Have you ever wished to be someone else?
J32: What is unresolved guilt?
HW22: Why do some people feel the need to spend a lot of money?
J33: What part does religion play in your life?
HW23: How do the nuns differ from Holden's view of adults?
J34: What would you do with Holden's money?
HW24: Free Writing
J35: How do you know when you have matured?
HW25: Would you rather have a meaningful gift or an expensive one? J36: Have you ever felt "great" and soon after, "awful"?
HW26: Describe an argument you had with a friend.
J37: What makes a bad date so bad?
HW27: When did you first learn about sex?
J38: How do psychologists help people?
HW28: What would you do if you could spend a night out in New York?
J39: Why are there funerals?
HW29: What would you want said at your funeral? OR Free Write
J40: What does "home" mean to you?
HW30: Name one thing you like and why you like it.
J41: What is the meaning of life?
HW31: Which teacher had the MOST positive effect on your life?
J42: If you could meet any past relative, who would it be?
HW32: Who is your closest relative? Why?
J43: Do you see yourself in Holden?
HW33: What does Stekel's quote mean to Holden?
J44: What are some positives about Holden?
HW34: Would you want to be Holden for a day?
J45: Do you know anyone like Holden?
HW35: Is Holden a hero?
J46: Is Holden going to recover?
HW36: How would you help Holden?
J47: Did you enjoy this book?
HW37:What is your favorite book? Why?
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
PERIODS 1 & 2:Journals and Homeworks
ANTHEM: Journals
1. How are people cotrolled in Anthem?
2. Would you trade freedom for security?
3. Free Write
4. What are the "Great Truths" of your life?
5. What word is Equality seeking? Why is it important?
6. Why is "love" a threat to the World Council?
7. Why can't we live like Equality?
8. Free Write
9. Should science create only what's good for society?
10. Is society more important than the individual?
11. What role do women play in our society?
12. Is Equality's conflict internal, external, or both?
13. Free Write
14. Is there a fair way to evaluate people?
15. What did you like about Anthem?
16. Does Anthem reflect our world?
17. How is Jonathan E. like Equality?
18. COMPARE/CONTRAST: Equality's world and Jonathan E's world 19. Do we live in a violent society?
20. Free Write
21. DISCUSS: Mass media has positive and negative aspects
22. DISCUSS: Mindless pleasure-seeking and materialism leads to empty lives
23. Do rainy days depress you?
24. Do you have a secret?
F451
J25: Free Write
J26: Do you read as much as you should?
J27: Is true equality possible?
J28: What is the role of a teacher?
J29: Should some info be kept from us?
J30: How are the characters in F451 both alive and dead?
J31: COMPARE/CONTRAST: Equilibrium and F451
J32: Do you feel inferior to brainy people?
J33: What truths exist in your life?
J34: What was the greatest surprise of your life?
J35: How is knowledge passed to a new generation?
J36: How does the Mechanical Hound reflect their society?
J37: Free Write
J38: How does F451 and Pleasantville compare?
MACBETH
J39: Is power a good or bad thing to have?
J40: Do the witches need to be real?
J41: What is the difference between a king and a tyrant?
J42: How are women viewed in Macbeth?
J43: Why can't Lady Macbeth kill Duncan?
J44: What does blood symbolize in this play?
J45: How do morality and ambition interact?
J46: How do the porter's words mirror the play?
J47: PREDICT: Will Macbeth be successful?
J48: Do you ever repeat past mistakes?
J49: Is Macbeth "power unchecked?"
J50: How can Macbeth not have seen the end coming?
ANTHEM: Homeworks
1. Why are some products successful?
2. Why does Equality escape into Nature?
3. Free Write
4. Should speech be censored?
5. What did you dislike about Anthem?
6. Why do you like movies?
7. Elements in common: Anthem and Rollerball
8. Why is freedom so important?
9. What is the role of violence in Rollerball?
10. Free Write
11. Is political correctness always correct?
12. What is the "social setting" of F451?
13. Is Clarisse weird?
14. Do you sometimes feel different from others?
15: Free Write
16: What is your favorite form of entertainment?
17: What's your greatest skill?
18: Free Write
F451
HW19. What is the "social setting" of F451?
HW20. Describe a useless task
HW21. Does Equilibrium leave you satisfied?
HW22: Why does Montag seek a teacher?
HW23: Describe the animal and nature imagery in F451
HW24: Is Montag surprised by the last call?
HW25: What makes a family?
HW26: Is the end of F451 satisfying?
HW27: In which world would you rather live: F451's or Pleasantville's?
MACBETH
HW28: How does power change people?
HW29: Is Macbeth a good guy?
HW30: Why does one evil act often require a second evil act?
HW31: Is Lady Macbeth a stronger character than Macbeth?
HW32: Why is Banquo a threat to Macbeth?
HW33: Are the visions real or hallucinatory?
HW34: How have Macbeth and Lady Macbeth traded roles?
HW35: Is Macbeth responsible for his actions?
HW36: How come Horoscopes seem accurate ?
HW37: What does Macduff mean when he says: “I shall do so, / But I must also feel it as a man
HW38: What protects Macbeth from death: self-belief or a charm?
HW39: Did you enjoy the play?
1. How are people cotrolled in Anthem?
2. Would you trade freedom for security?
3. Free Write
4. What are the "Great Truths" of your life?
5. What word is Equality seeking? Why is it important?
6. Why is "love" a threat to the World Council?
7. Why can't we live like Equality?
8. Free Write
9. Should science create only what's good for society?
10. Is society more important than the individual?
11. What role do women play in our society?
12. Is Equality's conflict internal, external, or both?
13. Free Write
14. Is there a fair way to evaluate people?
15. What did you like about Anthem?
16. Does Anthem reflect our world?
17. How is Jonathan E. like Equality?
18. COMPARE/CONTRAST: Equality's world and Jonathan E's world 19. Do we live in a violent society?
20. Free Write
21. DISCUSS: Mass media has positive and negative aspects
22. DISCUSS: Mindless pleasure-seeking and materialism leads to empty lives
23. Do rainy days depress you?
24. Do you have a secret?
F451
J25: Free Write
J26: Do you read as much as you should?
J27: Is true equality possible?
J28: What is the role of a teacher?
J29: Should some info be kept from us?
J30: How are the characters in F451 both alive and dead?
J31: COMPARE/CONTRAST: Equilibrium and F451
J32: Do you feel inferior to brainy people?
J33: What truths exist in your life?
J34: What was the greatest surprise of your life?
J35: How is knowledge passed to a new generation?
J36: How does the Mechanical Hound reflect their society?
J37: Free Write
J38: How does F451 and Pleasantville compare?
MACBETH
J39: Is power a good or bad thing to have?
J40: Do the witches need to be real?
J41: What is the difference between a king and a tyrant?
J42: How are women viewed in Macbeth?
J43: Why can't Lady Macbeth kill Duncan?
J44: What does blood symbolize in this play?
J45: How do morality and ambition interact?
J46: How do the porter's words mirror the play?
J47: PREDICT: Will Macbeth be successful?
J48: Do you ever repeat past mistakes?
J49: Is Macbeth "power unchecked?"
J50: How can Macbeth not have seen the end coming?
ANTHEM: Homeworks
1. Why are some products successful?
2. Why does Equality escape into Nature?
3. Free Write
4. Should speech be censored?
5. What did you dislike about Anthem?
6. Why do you like movies?
7. Elements in common: Anthem and Rollerball
8. Why is freedom so important?
9. What is the role of violence in Rollerball?
10. Free Write
11. Is political correctness always correct?
12. What is the "social setting" of F451?
13. Is Clarisse weird?
14. Do you sometimes feel different from others?
15: Free Write
16: What is your favorite form of entertainment?
17: What's your greatest skill?
18: Free Write
F451
HW19. What is the "social setting" of F451?
HW20. Describe a useless task
HW21. Does Equilibrium leave you satisfied?
HW22: Why does Montag seek a teacher?
HW23: Describe the animal and nature imagery in F451
HW24: Is Montag surprised by the last call?
HW25: What makes a family?
HW26: Is the end of F451 satisfying?
HW27: In which world would you rather live: F451's or Pleasantville's?
MACBETH
HW28: How does power change people?
HW29: Is Macbeth a good guy?
HW30: Why does one evil act often require a second evil act?
HW31: Is Lady Macbeth a stronger character than Macbeth?
HW32: Why is Banquo a threat to Macbeth?
HW33: Are the visions real or hallucinatory?
HW34: How have Macbeth and Lady Macbeth traded roles?
HW35: Is Macbeth responsible for his actions?
HW36: How come Horoscopes seem accurate ?
HW37: What does Macduff mean when he says: “I shall do so, / But I must also feel it as a man
HW38: What protects Macbeth from death: self-belief or a charm?
HW39: Did you enjoy the play?
Thursday, November 4, 2010
PERIOD 3: Journals and Homeworks
THE CHOCOLATE WAR: Journals
1. How are Archie and Leon similar?
2. What is more effective: physical or mental torture?
3. Does McKee have traditions?
4. Would you fight the Vigils or give in?
5. Describe the scene in Brother Eugene's room?
6. Free Write
7. Should students raise money for their schools?
8. Free Write
9. What would you do with Archie's power?
10. Have you ever been used by another?
11. How and why does Jerry disturb the universe?
12.Should society allow for full individuality?
13. Does Jerry have inner strength?
14. Free Write
15. Have you ever felt ostracized?
16. How come some people never lose?
17. Are people really greedy and violent?
18. What did you like or dislike about The Chocolate War?
F451: Journals
J19: Free Write
J20: Do we live in a violent society?
J21. DISCUSS: Mass media has positive and negative aspects
J22. DISCUSS: Mindless pleasure-seeking and materialism leads to empty lives
J23. Do rainy days depress you?
J24. Do you have a secret?
J25: Free Write
J26: Do you read as much as you should?
J27: Is true equality possible?
J28: What is the role of a teacher?
J29: Should some info be kept from us?
J30: How are the characters in F451 both alive and dead?
J31: Do you feel inferior to brainy people?
J32: What truths exist in your life?
J33: Does F451 reflect our society?
THE CHOCOLATE WAR: Homeworks
1. Why did Jerry say no?
2. Free Write
3. Does your answer to Journal 9 say something about you?
4. Free Write
5. Is there a saying or phrase that applies to you?
6. Is Jerry following a wise course of action?
7. Describe an awkward conversation you have had.
8. Free Write
9. Why is TCW set in a private school?
10. Would you rather be an Archie or a Jerry?
11. Should Jerry have just given in?
12.Which did you prefer the book or the movie?
F451: Homeworks
HW13: Free Write
HW14: ELEMENTS IN COMMON: Equlibrium and F451
HW15. Why is freedom so important?
HW16. What should never be censored?
HW17: What is the social setting of F451?
HW18. Is political correctness always correct?
HW19: Free Write
HW20. Is Clarisse weird?
HW21. Do you sometimes feel different from others?
HW22: Why does Montag seek a teacher?
HW23: Is Montag surprised by the last call?
HW24: What makes a family?
HW25: Is Beatty correct: "There are no consequences and no responsibilities"?
HW26: Is the end of F451 satisfying?
HW27: Which did you prefer: F451 or Equilibrium?
1. How are Archie and Leon similar?
2. What is more effective: physical or mental torture?
3. Does McKee have traditions?
4. Would you fight the Vigils or give in?
5. Describe the scene in Brother Eugene's room?
6. Free Write
7. Should students raise money for their schools?
8. Free Write
9. What would you do with Archie's power?
10. Have you ever been used by another?
11. How and why does Jerry disturb the universe?
12.Should society allow for full individuality?
13. Does Jerry have inner strength?
14. Free Write
15. Have you ever felt ostracized?
16. How come some people never lose?
17. Are people really greedy and violent?
18. What did you like or dislike about The Chocolate War?
F451: Journals
J19: Free Write
J20: Do we live in a violent society?
J21. DISCUSS: Mass media has positive and negative aspects
J22. DISCUSS: Mindless pleasure-seeking and materialism leads to empty lives
J23. Do rainy days depress you?
J24. Do you have a secret?
J25: Free Write
J26: Do you read as much as you should?
J27: Is true equality possible?
J28: What is the role of a teacher?
J29: Should some info be kept from us?
J30: How are the characters in F451 both alive and dead?
J31: Do you feel inferior to brainy people?
J32: What truths exist in your life?
J33: Does F451 reflect our society?
THE CHOCOLATE WAR: Homeworks
1. Why did Jerry say no?
2. Free Write
3. Does your answer to Journal 9 say something about you?
4. Free Write
5. Is there a saying or phrase that applies to you?
6. Is Jerry following a wise course of action?
7. Describe an awkward conversation you have had.
8. Free Write
9. Why is TCW set in a private school?
10. Would you rather be an Archie or a Jerry?
11. Should Jerry have just given in?
12.Which did you prefer the book or the movie?
F451: Homeworks
HW13: Free Write
HW14: ELEMENTS IN COMMON: Equlibrium and F451
HW15. Why is freedom so important?
HW16. What should never be censored?
HW17: What is the social setting of F451?
HW18. Is political correctness always correct?
HW19: Free Write
HW20. Is Clarisse weird?
HW21. Do you sometimes feel different from others?
HW22: Why does Montag seek a teacher?
HW23: Is Montag surprised by the last call?
HW24: What makes a family?
HW25: Is Beatty correct: "There are no consequences and no responsibilities"?
HW26: Is the end of F451 satisfying?
HW27: Which did you prefer: F451 or Equilibrium?
Monday, November 1, 2010
PERIOD 6: Journals and Homeworks
J1: Which pain is worse: physical or psychological?
J2: Have you ever been used by another person?
J3: What would you do if you had Archie's power?
J4: How does Jerry disturb the universe?
J5: Should society allow for full individuality?
J6: How come some people never lose?
J7: Free Write
J8: Have you ever felt ostracized?
J9: Are people greedy and cruel?
J10: Would you have been on Jerry's side?
HW1: What does your answer to Journal 3 say about you?
HW2: Have you ever used another?
HW3: Is there a phrase or expression that applies to you?
HW4: Free Write
HW5: Free Write
HW6: Should Jerry have sold the chocolates?
HW7: Do you admire Archis for ANY reason?
J2: Have you ever been used by another person?
J3: What would you do if you had Archie's power?
J4: How does Jerry disturb the universe?
J5: Should society allow for full individuality?
J6: How come some people never lose?
J7: Free Write
J8: Have you ever felt ostracized?
J9: Are people greedy and cruel?
J10: Would you have been on Jerry's side?
HW1: What does your answer to Journal 3 say about you?
HW2: Have you ever used another?
HW3: Is there a phrase or expression that applies to you?
HW4: Free Write
HW5: Free Write
HW6: Should Jerry have sold the chocolates?
HW7: Do you admire Archis for ANY reason?
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
ANTHEM: The Homeworks
1. Why are some products successful?
2. Why does Equality escape into Nature?
3. Free Write
4. Should speech be censored?
5. What did you dislike about Anthem?
6. Why do you like movies?
7. Elements in common: Anthem and Rollerball
8. Why is freedom so important?
9. What is the role of violence in Rollerball?
10. Free Write
11. Is political correctness always correct?
12. What is the "social setting" of F451?
13. Is Clarisse weird?
14. Do you sometimes feel different from others?
15: Free Write
16: What is your favorite form of entertainment?
17: What's your greatest skill?
2. Why does Equality escape into Nature?
3. Free Write
4. Should speech be censored?
5. What did you dislike about Anthem?
6. Why do you like movies?
7. Elements in common: Anthem and Rollerball
8. Why is freedom so important?
9. What is the role of violence in Rollerball?
10. Free Write
11. Is political correctness always correct?
12. What is the "social setting" of F451?
13. Is Clarisse weird?
14. Do you sometimes feel different from others?
15: Free Write
16: What is your favorite form of entertainment?
17: What's your greatest skill?
ANTHEM: The Journals
1. How are people cotrolled in Anthem?
2. Would you trade freedom for security?
3. Free Write
4. What are the "Great Truths" of your life?
5. What word is Equality seeking? Why is it important?
6. Why is "love" a threat to the World Council?
7. Why can't we live like Equality?
8. Free Write
9. Should science create only what's good for society?
10. Is society more important than the individual?
11. What role do women play in our society?
12. Is Equality's conflict internal, external, or both?
13. Free Write
14. Is there a fair way to evaluate people?
15. What did you like about Anthem?
16. Does Anthem reflect our world?
17. How is Jonathan E. like Equality?
18. COMPARE/CONTRAST: Equality's world and Jonathan E's world
19. Do we live in a violent society?
20. Free Write
21. DISCUSS: Mass media has positive and negative aspects
22. DISCUSS: Mindless pleasure-seeking and materialism leads to empty lives
23. Do rainy days depress you?
24. Do you have a secret?
2. Would you trade freedom for security?
3. Free Write
4. What are the "Great Truths" of your life?
5. What word is Equality seeking? Why is it important?
6. Why is "love" a threat to the World Council?
7. Why can't we live like Equality?
8. Free Write
9. Should science create only what's good for society?
10. Is society more important than the individual?
11. What role do women play in our society?
12. Is Equality's conflict internal, external, or both?
13. Free Write
14. Is there a fair way to evaluate people?
15. What did you like about Anthem?
16. Does Anthem reflect our world?
17. How is Jonathan E. like Equality?
18. COMPARE/CONTRAST: Equality's world and Jonathan E's world
19. Do we live in a violent society?
20. Free Write
21. DISCUSS: Mass media has positive and negative aspects
22. DISCUSS: Mindless pleasure-seeking and materialism leads to empty lives
23. Do rainy days depress you?
24. Do you have a secret?
F451: The Homeworks
7. Elements in common: Anthem and Rollerball
8. Why is freedom so important?
9. What is the role of violence in Rollerball?
10. Free Write
11. Is political correctness always correct?
12. What is the "social setting" of F451?
13. Is Clarisse weird?
14. Do you sometimes feel different from others?
8. Why is freedom so important?
9. What is the role of violence in Rollerball?
10. Free Write
11. Is political correctness always correct?
12. What is the "social setting" of F451?
13. Is Clarisse weird?
14. Do you sometimes feel different from others?
F451: The Journals
19. Do we live in a violent society?
20. Free Write
21. DISCUSS: Mass media has positive and negative aspects
22. DISCUSS: Mindless pleasure-seeking and materialism leads to empty lives
23. Do rainy days depress you?
24. Do you have a secret?
25: Free Write
26: Do you read as much as you should?
27: Is true equality possible?
20. Free Write
21. DISCUSS: Mass media has positive and negative aspects
22. DISCUSS: Mindless pleasure-seeking and materialism leads to empty lives
23. Do rainy days depress you?
24. Do you have a secret?
25: Free Write
26: Do you read as much as you should?
27: Is true equality possible?
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
ANTHEM: The Project
You are applying for the job to direct the movie version of Anthem. Write a letter to the producer in which you must convince him to hire you. You letter must indicate
a. which actors you would cast as Prometheus and Gaea, and why. Think about the physical characteristics and personality traits;
b. a detailed description of the setting;
c. an explanation of the theme of this novel and why it is particularly relevant to modern viewers
a. which actors you would cast as Prometheus and Gaea, and why. Think about the physical characteristics and personality traits;
b. a detailed description of the setting;
c. an explanation of the theme of this novel and why it is particularly relevant to modern viewers
Thursday, October 7, 2010
ANTHEM: NOTES
THEMES
The Primacy of the Individual
The Value of Martyrdom
The Impotence of the Collective
Original Creation as a Component of Identity
MOTIFS
Fear
Naming
Shapelessness
SYMBOLS
Light
The Forest
Manuscripts
The Primacy of the Individual
The Value of Martyrdom
The Impotence of the Collective
Original Creation as a Component of Identity
MOTIFS
Fear
Naming
Shapelessness
SYMBOLS
Light
The Forest
Manuscripts
THE CHOCOLATE WAR: NOTES
THEMES
Disturbing the Universe
Psychological Warfare
The Power of Fear
Manipulation
MOTIFS
Assignments
Football
Roll Call
SYMBOLS
Jerry's Poster
The Chocolates
Room 19
Disturbing the Universe
Psychological Warfare
The Power of Fear
Manipulation
MOTIFS
Assignments
Football
Roll Call
SYMBOLS
Jerry's Poster
The Chocolates
Room 19
COLLEGE VOCABULARY
GROUP 1
1. ameliorate
2. conserve
3. detriment
4. exotic
5. folly
1. ameliorate
2. conserve
3. detriment
4. exotic
5. folly
6. formerly
7. harmony
8. ignore
9. impediment
10. indolent
11. intact
12. invalid
13. noncarcinogenic
14. parsimonious
15. raze
16. reticent
17. retire
18. retort
19. subvert
7. harmony
8. ignore
9. impediment
10. indolent
11. intact
12. invalid
13. noncarcinogenic
14. parsimonious
15. raze
16. reticent
17. retire
18. retort
19. subvert
20. tractable
GROUP 2
baffle
cinema
despise
ebullient
exaggerate
exhort
expertise
finicky
gall
inane
occidental
peruse
scuffle
spurn
stipend
surveillance
tepid
cinema
despise
ebullient
exaggerate
exhort
expertise
finicky
gall
inane
occidental
peruse
scuffle
spurn
stipend
surveillance
tepid
wager
wane
wane
GROUP 3
1.abhorrent
2.admonis
3.ambrosial
4.confine
5.decade
6.detonate
7.ephemeral
8.gullible
9.haggle
10.immerse
11.insomnia
12.lapse
13.probe
14 render
15 repast
16 replenish
17 score
18 snub
19 suture
20 unwittingly
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
OTHELLO: The Long Answer Test
LONG ANSWERS: The following questions are worth 5 points each. Each question must be answered in a paragraph. Each paragraph must be at least five (5) sentences in length. You may use your notes and the play to help you write your answers.
1. Discuss the role that race plays in Shakespeare’s portrayal of Othello. How do the other characters react to Othello’s skin color or to the fact that he is a Moor? How does Othello see himself?
2. Othello undergoes a change as the play progresses. What is he like at the beginning? What is he like at the end? How does he change and why does he change?
3. The play features the strong symbol of Desdemona’s handkerchief. What is the meaning of this symbol and why is it so important to the play?
4. Discuss the importance of the setting of Cyprus in the play. What effect does the isolation of the setting have on the characters?
5. “You can fool some of the people all of the time; you can fool all of the people some of the time; but you can’t fool all the people all the time.” To whom would you apply this quote. Explain fully.
1. Discuss the role that race plays in Shakespeare’s portrayal of Othello. How do the other characters react to Othello’s skin color or to the fact that he is a Moor? How does Othello see himself?
2. Othello undergoes a change as the play progresses. What is he like at the beginning? What is he like at the end? How does he change and why does he change?
3. The play features the strong symbol of Desdemona’s handkerchief. What is the meaning of this symbol and why is it so important to the play?
4. Discuss the importance of the setting of Cyprus in the play. What effect does the isolation of the setting have on the characters?
5. “You can fool some of the people all of the time; you can fool all of the people some of the time; but you can’t fool all the people all the time.” To whom would you apply this quote. Explain fully.
Friday, June 4, 2010
OTHELLO NOTES
THEMES
THE INCOMPATIBILITY OF
MILITARY HEROISM AND LOVE
Othello is a great warrior who is clumsy when it comes to love. He wins Desdemona’s heart through tales of military heroism. He is happy when she is at his side, but he is lost when the war is called off. He is bereft (empty) of purpose on the island of Cyprus and it begins to wear on his relationship with his wife.
As a general, he is respected and admitted into Venetian society. As a man he is confused by the role he must play as husband and lover.
THE DANGER OF ISOLATION
The action of Othello moves from Venice to the island of Cyprus. Protected by military fortifications as well as by the forces of nature, Cyprus faces little threat from external forces. Once Othello, Iago, Desdemona, Emilia, and Roderigo have come to Cyprus, they have nothing to do but prey upon one another. Isolation enables many of the play’s most important effects: Iago frequently speaks in soliloquies (speech made while alone on stage); Othello stands apart while Iago talks with Cassio in Act IV, scene i, and is left alone onstage with the bodies of Emilia and Desdemona for a few moments in Act V, scene ii; Roderigo seems attached to no one in the play except Iago. And, most prominently, Othello is visibly isolated from the other characters by his physical stature and the color of his skin.
Iago is an expert at manipulating the distance between characters, isolating his victims so that they fall prey to their own obsessions. At the same time, Iago, of necessity always standing apart, falls prey to his own obsession with revenge.
MOTIFS: Recurring devices that inform the story
SIGHT AND BLINDNESS
Othello is obviously different from those around him. Desdemona, however, sees only the man. She has the power to see him for what he is in a way that even Othello himself cannot.
The beginning of Act II consists entirely of people staring out to sea, waiting to see the arrival of ships, friendly or otherwise. Othello, though he demands “ocular proof” (visible proof), is frequently convinced by things he does not see: he strips Cassio of his position as lieutenant based on the story Iago tells; he relies on Iago’s story of seeing Cassio wipe his beard with Desdemona’s handkerchief (III.iii.437–440); and he believes Cassio to be dead simply because he hears him scream.
The action of the play depends heavily on characters not seeing things: Othello accuses his wife although he never sees her infidelity, and Emilia, although she watches Othello erupt into a rage about the missing handkerchief, does not figuratively “see” what her husband
has done.
SYMBOLS
Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.
The Handkerchief
The handkerchief symbolizes different things to different characters. Since the handkerchief was the first gift Desdemona received from Othello, she keeps it about her constantly as a symbol of Othello’s love. Iago manipulates the handkerchief so that Othello comes to see it as a symbol of Desdemona herself—her faith and chastity. By taking possession of it, he is able to convert it into evidence of her infidelity. But the handkerchief’s importance to Iago and Desdemona derives from its importance to Othello himself. Othello claims that his mother used it to keep his father faithful to her, so, to him, the handkerchief represents marital fidelity.
The Song “Willow”
As she prepares for bed in Act V, Desdemona sings a song about a woman who is betrayed by her lover. She was taught the song by her mother’s maid, Barbary, who suffered a misfortune similar to that of the woman in the song; she even died singing “Willow.” The song’s lyrics suggest that both men and women are unfaithful to one another. To Desdemona, the song seems to represent a melancholy and resigned acceptance of her alienation from Othello’s affections, and singing it leads her to question Emilia about the nature and practice of infidelity.
THE INCOMPATIBILITY OF
MILITARY HEROISM AND LOVE
Othello is a great warrior who is clumsy when it comes to love. He wins Desdemona’s heart through tales of military heroism. He is happy when she is at his side, but he is lost when the war is called off. He is bereft (empty) of purpose on the island of Cyprus and it begins to wear on his relationship with his wife.
As a general, he is respected and admitted into Venetian society. As a man he is confused by the role he must play as husband and lover.
THE DANGER OF ISOLATION
The action of Othello moves from Venice to the island of Cyprus. Protected by military fortifications as well as by the forces of nature, Cyprus faces little threat from external forces. Once Othello, Iago, Desdemona, Emilia, and Roderigo have come to Cyprus, they have nothing to do but prey upon one another. Isolation enables many of the play’s most important effects: Iago frequently speaks in soliloquies (speech made while alone on stage); Othello stands apart while Iago talks with Cassio in Act IV, scene i, and is left alone onstage with the bodies of Emilia and Desdemona for a few moments in Act V, scene ii; Roderigo seems attached to no one in the play except Iago. And, most prominently, Othello is visibly isolated from the other characters by his physical stature and the color of his skin.
Iago is an expert at manipulating the distance between characters, isolating his victims so that they fall prey to their own obsessions. At the same time, Iago, of necessity always standing apart, falls prey to his own obsession with revenge.
MOTIFS: Recurring devices that inform the story
SIGHT AND BLINDNESS
Othello is obviously different from those around him. Desdemona, however, sees only the man. She has the power to see him for what he is in a way that even Othello himself cannot.
The beginning of Act II consists entirely of people staring out to sea, waiting to see the arrival of ships, friendly or otherwise. Othello, though he demands “ocular proof” (visible proof), is frequently convinced by things he does not see: he strips Cassio of his position as lieutenant based on the story Iago tells; he relies on Iago’s story of seeing Cassio wipe his beard with Desdemona’s handkerchief (III.iii.437–440); and he believes Cassio to be dead simply because he hears him scream.
The action of the play depends heavily on characters not seeing things: Othello accuses his wife although he never sees her infidelity, and Emilia, although she watches Othello erupt into a rage about the missing handkerchief, does not figuratively “see” what her husband
has done.
SYMBOLS
Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.
The Handkerchief
The handkerchief symbolizes different things to different characters. Since the handkerchief was the first gift Desdemona received from Othello, she keeps it about her constantly as a symbol of Othello’s love. Iago manipulates the handkerchief so that Othello comes to see it as a symbol of Desdemona herself—her faith and chastity. By taking possession of it, he is able to convert it into evidence of her infidelity. But the handkerchief’s importance to Iago and Desdemona derives from its importance to Othello himself. Othello claims that his mother used it to keep his father faithful to her, so, to him, the handkerchief represents marital fidelity.
The Song “Willow”
As she prepares for bed in Act V, Desdemona sings a song about a woman who is betrayed by her lover. She was taught the song by her mother’s maid, Barbary, who suffered a misfortune similar to that of the woman in the song; she even died singing “Willow.” The song’s lyrics suggest that both men and women are unfaithful to one another. To Desdemona, the song seems to represent a melancholy and resigned acceptance of her alienation from Othello’s affections, and singing it leads her to question Emilia about the nature and practice of infidelity.
PERIOD 5: ENGLISH 4 HONORS JAN-JUNE 2010
ANTHEM by Ayn Rand
Each response must be at least 50 words long.
J1: Describe the perfect world. Does language affect thought?
HW1: How much freedom would you be willing to give up to live safely?
J2: What is more important; the individual or society?
HW2: What makes Equality and International different from the others?
J3: Why is "choice" so important in life?
HW3: How are Equality and Liberty similar?
J4: How do you feel about the Yankees' 2009 Championship?
HW4: Why would baseball not exist in the world of Anthem?
J5: Are there positive features of the life depicted in Anthem?
HW5: Why are expressions of happiness forbidden?
J6: Did Equality's society fail to achieve greatness or did they forget greatness?
HW6: Would Equality call our society great?
J7: What is our most important invention?
HW7: Why does Equality doubt himself?
J8: Why are some products more successful than others?
HW8: What is the role of women in society?
J9: Should inventions improve society?
HW9: What does the light symbolize?
J10: Is the conflict in Anthem internal, external or both?
HW10: Why does Equality escape to Nature?
J11: Why don't you like tests?
HW11: What is a fair way to evaluate people?
J12: Free Write
HW12: Free Write
J13: Are you troubled by Liberty's subservience?
HW13: Is the ending a surprise?
J14: Should we censor speech?
HW14: Free Write
J15: What happens to Equality and Liberty next?
HW15: Which elements of Anthem are like our world?
J16: Do you believe you control your life?
HW16: Which elements of Pleasantville are like Anthem?
J17: Why is Utopia impossible?
HW17: What is wrong in Pleasantville?
J18: Is change always for the better?
HW18: What role does change play in Pleasantville?
J19: Why was the end of Pleasantville so unclear?
HW19: Would you live in Pleasantville?
MACBETH by William Shakespeare
J20: Is power a good or bad thing to have?
HW20: How does power change people?
J21: Do the witches need to be real?
HW21: Is Macbeth a good guy?
J22: What is the difference between a king and a tyrant?
HW22: Why does one evil act often require a second evil act?
J23: How are women viewed in Macbeth?
HW23: Is Lady Macbeth a stronger character than Macbeth?
J24: Why can't Lady Macbeth kill Duncan?
HW24: Why is Banquo a threat to Macbeth?
J25: What does blood symbolize in this play?
HW25: Are the visions real or hallucinatory?
J26: How do morality and ambition interact?
HW26: Free Writing
J27: How do the porter's words mirror the play?
HW27: How have Macbeth and Lady Macbeth traded roles?
J28: PREDICT: Will Macbeth be successful?
HW28: Is Macbeth responsible for his actions?
J29: Do you ever repeat past mistakes?
HW29: How come Horoscopes seem accurate ?
J30: Is Macbeth "power unchecked?"
HW30: What does Macduff mean when he says: “I shall do so, / But I must also feel it as a man”
J31: How do blood and hallucinations haunt the Macbeths?
HW31: What protects Macbeth from death: self-belief or a charm?
J00: How can Macbeth not have seen the end coming?
HW00: Did you enjoy the play?
MEN OF RESPECT
J32: Why does violence fascinate us?
HW32: How does the filmmaker heighten the violence?
J33: If you send someone to do your dirty work, who’s responsible?
HW33: Who is a more powerful character: Mike or his wife (Ruth)?
Each response must be at least 50 words long.
J1: Describe the perfect world. Does language affect thought?
HW1: How much freedom would you be willing to give up to live safely?
J2: What is more important; the individual or society?
HW2: What makes Equality and International different from the others?
J3: Why is "choice" so important in life?
HW3: How are Equality and Liberty similar?
J4: How do you feel about the Yankees' 2009 Championship?
HW4: Why would baseball not exist in the world of Anthem?
J5: Are there positive features of the life depicted in Anthem?
HW5: Why are expressions of happiness forbidden?
J6: Did Equality's society fail to achieve greatness or did they forget greatness?
HW6: Would Equality call our society great?
J7: What is our most important invention?
HW7: Why does Equality doubt himself?
J8: Why are some products more successful than others?
HW8: What is the role of women in society?
J9: Should inventions improve society?
HW9: What does the light symbolize?
J10: Is the conflict in Anthem internal, external or both?
HW10: Why does Equality escape to Nature?
J11: Why don't you like tests?
HW11: What is a fair way to evaluate people?
J12: Free Write
HW12: Free Write
J13: Are you troubled by Liberty's subservience?
HW13: Is the ending a surprise?
J14: Should we censor speech?
HW14: Free Write
J15: What happens to Equality and Liberty next?
HW15: Which elements of Anthem are like our world?
J16: Do you believe you control your life?
HW16: Which elements of Pleasantville are like Anthem?
J17: Why is Utopia impossible?
HW17: What is wrong in Pleasantville?
J18: Is change always for the better?
HW18: What role does change play in Pleasantville?
J19: Why was the end of Pleasantville so unclear?
HW19: Would you live in Pleasantville?
MACBETH by William Shakespeare
J20: Is power a good or bad thing to have?
HW20: How does power change people?
J21: Do the witches need to be real?
HW21: Is Macbeth a good guy?
J22: What is the difference between a king and a tyrant?
HW22: Why does one evil act often require a second evil act?
J23: How are women viewed in Macbeth?
HW23: Is Lady Macbeth a stronger character than Macbeth?
J24: Why can't Lady Macbeth kill Duncan?
HW24: Why is Banquo a threat to Macbeth?
J25: What does blood symbolize in this play?
HW25: Are the visions real or hallucinatory?
J26: How do morality and ambition interact?
HW26: Free Writing
J27: How do the porter's words mirror the play?
HW27: How have Macbeth and Lady Macbeth traded roles?
J28: PREDICT: Will Macbeth be successful?
HW28: Is Macbeth responsible for his actions?
J29: Do you ever repeat past mistakes?
HW29: How come Horoscopes seem accurate ?
J30: Is Macbeth "power unchecked?"
HW30: What does Macduff mean when he says: “I shall do so, / But I must also feel it as a man”
J31: How do blood and hallucinations haunt the Macbeths?
HW31: What protects Macbeth from death: self-belief or a charm?
J00: How can Macbeth not have seen the end coming?
HW00: Did you enjoy the play?
MEN OF RESPECT
J32: Why does violence fascinate us?
HW32: How does the filmmaker heighten the violence?
J33: If you send someone to do your dirty work, who’s responsible?
HW33: Who is a more powerful character: Mike or his wife (Ruth)?
J34: Who are the good guys?
HW34: Describe the strange behavior of Mike and his wife.
J35: Do you believe in visions?
HW35: Is Mike insane or just feeling guilty?
J36: Can the truth hurt as well as help?
HW36: Discuss: Mike is more to blame than Ruth.
J37: Do you believe in charms and amulets?
HW37: How do the predictions come true?
=
=
SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson
J38: Describe your first day of high school.
HW38:Can you keep a secret? Are there clues that Melinda is keeping a secret?
J39: How does your room express who you are?
HW39: Does your family communicate? How does Melinda's family communicate?
J40: Do you have school spirit?
HW40: Would Melinda be your friend?
J41: How do you express yourself?
HW41: Why do we sometimes not like people who are good at things?
J42: Why are some people "joiners" and others are not?
HW42: Are we the same on the outside as we are on the inside? Is Melinda?
J43: Free Writing
HW43: What is a real American? Is Mr. Neck a real American?
J44: Are the Marthas good friends to Heather or not?
HW44: What qualities are important in a person?
J45: Was being a child better than being a teenager?
HW45: Do you know anyone like Melinda?
J46: Have you ever felt used by others?
HW46: Is Melinda using Heather or is Heather using Melinda?
J47: Can you learn about love from a book?
HW47: Do guidance counselors really help?
J48: How closely do you notice your teachers' lives?
HW48: Are teachers always right?
J49: Free Writing
HW49: Free Writing
J50: Have you ever been dumped or dumped another?
HW50: Do suspensions really help?
J51:"Art is about making mistakes." What else is like that?
HW51: Do you ever cut school?
J52: What is a "total loser"?
HW52: Do you have a safe haven?
J53: Use the same categories Melinda uses and grade yourselves.
HW53: Were you caught by surprise by Melinda's revelation?
J54: What lies were you told in school?
HW54: Have you or your friends ever been in major trouble?
J55: Free Writing
HW55: Free Writing
J56: Which did you prefer: book or movie
HW56: What are your favorite movies?
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
NIGHT: The Project
DIRECTIONS: Choose one of the topics below and write only the body of an essay (at least two paragraphs).
1. One of the most tragic themes in Night is Eliezer’s discovery of the way that atrocities and cruel treatment can turn good people into brutes. Does he himself escape this fate?
2. In the midst of the dying men in Gleiwitz, the violinist Juliek plays a fragment of music written by the German composer Beethoven. Before and after the Holocaust, many people wondered how the Germans, cultured Europeans, could commit such barbaric acts. Does Wiesel suggest any rationale behind the Holocaust in Night? Does he speculate as to the motives of the perpetrators? What, for Wiesel, are those motives, if they exist?
3. It is possible to look at Night as the story of Eliezer’s loss of innocence. It might be argued, too, that innocence is impossible after the Holocaust. Is this true?
Important Quotation
DIRECTIONS: Interpret the quote below. In one paragraph, explain why Elie Wiesel chooses to end the memoir here.Why doesn’t Wiesel tell us what happens after his liberation?
In a second paragraph, explain how this quote applies to Elie himself. How has Elie changed from the beginning until now? How does he view himself? The world?
“One day I was able to get up, after gathering all my strength. I wanted to see myself in the mirror hanging on the opposite wall. I had not seen myself since the ghetto.From the depths of the mirror, a corpse gazed back at me.The look in his eyes, as they stared into mine, has never left me.”
The Interview
DIRECTIONS: Imagine you can interview Elie Wiesel today. You get to ask him ten questions. What are your questions and what are his answers. His answers must be based on information from the novel.
INTERVIEWER: I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Wiesel.
ELIE WIESEL: Thank you.
I:_________________________________________
E:_________________________________________
1. One of the most tragic themes in Night is Eliezer’s discovery of the way that atrocities and cruel treatment can turn good people into brutes. Does he himself escape this fate?
2. In the midst of the dying men in Gleiwitz, the violinist Juliek plays a fragment of music written by the German composer Beethoven. Before and after the Holocaust, many people wondered how the Germans, cultured Europeans, could commit such barbaric acts. Does Wiesel suggest any rationale behind the Holocaust in Night? Does he speculate as to the motives of the perpetrators? What, for Wiesel, are those motives, if they exist?
3. It is possible to look at Night as the story of Eliezer’s loss of innocence. It might be argued, too, that innocence is impossible after the Holocaust. Is this true?
Important Quotation
DIRECTIONS: Interpret the quote below. In one paragraph, explain why Elie Wiesel chooses to end the memoir here.Why doesn’t Wiesel tell us what happens after his liberation?
In a second paragraph, explain how this quote applies to Elie himself. How has Elie changed from the beginning until now? How does he view himself? The world?
“One day I was able to get up, after gathering all my strength. I wanted to see myself in the mirror hanging on the opposite wall. I had not seen myself since the ghetto.From the depths of the mirror, a corpse gazed back at me.The look in his eyes, as they stared into mine, has never left me.”
The Interview
DIRECTIONS: Imagine you can interview Elie Wiesel today. You get to ask him ten questions. What are your questions and what are his answers. His answers must be based on information from the novel.
INTERVIEWER: I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Wiesel.
ELIE WIESEL: Thank you.
I:_________________________________________
E:_________________________________________
Friday, May 28, 2010
speak: the notes
THEMES
ALIENATION AS A FORM OF SELF-PROTECTION
Melinda Sordino, through no fault of her own, feels alienated from her peers. She furthers this problem by closing herself off from her closest friends and her parents. Her physical appearance does not invite approach by any except the somewhat clueless Heather who has no previous knowledge of Melinda or her life. Another method she uses to alienate herself is to hide in her secret closet thus physically and psychologically giving herself a safe haven.
THE PAINFULNESS OF GROWING UP
Melinda is an unusual character in that she doesn’t do much to alleviate the painfulness of growing up. She was introduced to the painfulness in the harshest of ways, but she has shut herself off from others and, as a result, the pain is increased many times.
When her parents give her pastels and a drawing pad she nearly speaks up, but then she retreats to the safety of her silence. She never says anything about the summer party to her friends, her parents or to Heather.
As the novel progresses, she begins to heal and communicate, but her initial communications are rebuffed. She works through the pain and by novel’s end leaves us with the belief that the worst is over.
DISTRUST OF ADULTS
Melinda exhibits a basic distrust of the adults who can help her: parents, guidance counselors, therapists, teachers (except Mr. Freeman. Even Mr. Freeman is not privy to Melinda’s secret. However, he is trusted more than the others and he does detect the pain in Melinda).
This distrust is the impetus for remaining silent even with friends. If she shares this pain with her friends, how long before her parents find out and the judgment begins?
The world is not as simple as Melinda would like it to be and thus she must eventually share her secret with others.
MOTIFS
Motifs are recurring structures, contrasts, and literary devices that can help to develop and inform the text’s major themes
LONELINESS
Melinda’s loneliness, a more concrete manifestation of her alienation problem, is a driving force throughout the book. Much of the novel describes her need for companionship even as she befriends Heather. While her behavior indicates loneliness, Melinda fails to embark on the one course of action that could end her loneliness and isolation: speaking.
MIRROR
Melinda uses mirrors a few times in the novel. At first, her reflection appalls her as she gazes at her mouth and awkward body. She has a mirror in her closet-hideout at school which she covers with a poster of Maya Angelou. This mirror helps her at the end of the novel and is part of her recovery. The mirror at Effert’s slices her into hundreds of Melindas-reminiscent of Picasso’s cubist paintings.
APPEARANCE
Melinda is concerned about her appearance at several points in the novel. She regularly notes her scabby lips, the blood that falls when she bites through her lips, peels skin from a finger or uses the edge of a paper clip to cut herself.
She notes the changes in her body are not always for the better; that her hair seems to need washing at unexpected moments, and that shopping for clothes is an unpleasant task because of all this.
Her awareness of this situation is actually positive since it denotes a longing for a proper self-image.
RELATIONSHIPS, INTIMACY AND LOVE
Relationships, intimacy, and sexuality are also recurring motifs relating to the larger theme of alienation. Melinda fears closeness with boys because of the rape she suffered. She thinks David Petrakis is cute but shies away when he asks her over for pizza. Two parts of her personality battle over whether or not she should have accepted the invitation.
LYING AND DECEPTION
Melinda leads a double life internally and externally, lying to herself and to the world. She realizes that she needs help and even seeks help in a cursory way by visiting a hospital, but she never truly acts with intent to find a cure. Externally, no one knows of her hiding place or the secret she carries within her. Her friendship with Heather is mostly for others to see her as a normal girl and maybe even to convince herself of that.
Symbols
Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.
TREE
The most obvious symbol in the novel is the tree that Melinda must turn into art for Mr. Freeman’s class. The tree is a symbol of Melissa herself. As Melinda gains strength her trees show life replete with flaws and imperfections. Her final tree is her masterpiece, symbol of her new found strength and recovery.
CLOSET
The abandoned janitor’s closet becomes an accessory to Melinda’s deceptions. She decorates it with her artwork, afraid to show her inner feelings anywhere else. As she strengthens, Melinda abandons the closet. Ironically, the closet that represents her deception and fear is the scene of her greatest triumph as she fights off her rapist and exposes him for the criminal he is.
ALIENATION AS A FORM OF SELF-PROTECTION
Melinda Sordino, through no fault of her own, feels alienated from her peers. She furthers this problem by closing herself off from her closest friends and her parents. Her physical appearance does not invite approach by any except the somewhat clueless Heather who has no previous knowledge of Melinda or her life. Another method she uses to alienate herself is to hide in her secret closet thus physically and psychologically giving herself a safe haven.
THE PAINFULNESS OF GROWING UP
Melinda is an unusual character in that she doesn’t do much to alleviate the painfulness of growing up. She was introduced to the painfulness in the harshest of ways, but she has shut herself off from others and, as a result, the pain is increased many times.
When her parents give her pastels and a drawing pad she nearly speaks up, but then she retreats to the safety of her silence. She never says anything about the summer party to her friends, her parents or to Heather.
As the novel progresses, she begins to heal and communicate, but her initial communications are rebuffed. She works through the pain and by novel’s end leaves us with the belief that the worst is over.
DISTRUST OF ADULTS
Melinda exhibits a basic distrust of the adults who can help her: parents, guidance counselors, therapists, teachers (except Mr. Freeman. Even Mr. Freeman is not privy to Melinda’s secret. However, he is trusted more than the others and he does detect the pain in Melinda).
This distrust is the impetus for remaining silent even with friends. If she shares this pain with her friends, how long before her parents find out and the judgment begins?
The world is not as simple as Melinda would like it to be and thus she must eventually share her secret with others.
MOTIFS
Motifs are recurring structures, contrasts, and literary devices that can help to develop and inform the text’s major themes
LONELINESS
Melinda’s loneliness, a more concrete manifestation of her alienation problem, is a driving force throughout the book. Much of the novel describes her need for companionship even as she befriends Heather. While her behavior indicates loneliness, Melinda fails to embark on the one course of action that could end her loneliness and isolation: speaking.
MIRROR
Melinda uses mirrors a few times in the novel. At first, her reflection appalls her as she gazes at her mouth and awkward body. She has a mirror in her closet-hideout at school which she covers with a poster of Maya Angelou. This mirror helps her at the end of the novel and is part of her recovery. The mirror at Effert’s slices her into hundreds of Melindas-reminiscent of Picasso’s cubist paintings.
APPEARANCE
Melinda is concerned about her appearance at several points in the novel. She regularly notes her scabby lips, the blood that falls when she bites through her lips, peels skin from a finger or uses the edge of a paper clip to cut herself.
She notes the changes in her body are not always for the better; that her hair seems to need washing at unexpected moments, and that shopping for clothes is an unpleasant task because of all this.
Her awareness of this situation is actually positive since it denotes a longing for a proper self-image.
RELATIONSHIPS, INTIMACY AND LOVE
Relationships, intimacy, and sexuality are also recurring motifs relating to the larger theme of alienation. Melinda fears closeness with boys because of the rape she suffered. She thinks David Petrakis is cute but shies away when he asks her over for pizza. Two parts of her personality battle over whether or not she should have accepted the invitation.
LYING AND DECEPTION
Melinda leads a double life internally and externally, lying to herself and to the world. She realizes that she needs help and even seeks help in a cursory way by visiting a hospital, but she never truly acts with intent to find a cure. Externally, no one knows of her hiding place or the secret she carries within her. Her friendship with Heather is mostly for others to see her as a normal girl and maybe even to convince herself of that.
Symbols
Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.
TREE
The most obvious symbol in the novel is the tree that Melinda must turn into art for Mr. Freeman’s class. The tree is a symbol of Melissa herself. As Melinda gains strength her trees show life replete with flaws and imperfections. Her final tree is her masterpiece, symbol of her new found strength and recovery.
CLOSET
The abandoned janitor’s closet becomes an accessory to Melinda’s deceptions. She decorates it with her artwork, afraid to show her inner feelings anywhere else. As she strengthens, Melinda abandons the closet. Ironically, the closet that represents her deception and fear is the scene of her greatest triumph as she fights off her rapist and exposes him for the criminal he is.
PERIOD 6: ENGLISH 2 HONORS JAN-JUNE 2010
SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson
Each response must be at least 50 words long.
J1: Describe your first day of high school.
HW1:Can you keep a secret? Are there clues that Melinda is keeping a secret?
J2: How does your room express who you are?
HW2: Does your family communicate? How does Melinda's family communicate?
J3: Do you have school spirit?
HW3: Would Melinda be your friend?
J4: How do you express yourself?
HW4: Why do we sometimes not like people who are good at things?
J5: Why are some people "joiners" and others are not?
HW5: Are we the same on the outside as we are on the inside? Is Melinda?
J6: Free Writing
HW6: What is a real American? Is Mr. Neck a real American?
J7: Are the Marthas good friends to Heather or not?
HW7: What qualities are important in a person?
J8: Was being a child better than being a teenager?
HW8: Do you know anyone like Melinda?
J9: Have you ever felt used by others?
HW9: Is Melinda using Heather or is Heather using Melinda?
J10: Can you learn about love from a book?
HW10: Do guidance counselors really help?
J11: How closely do you notice your teachers' lives?
HW11: Are teachers always right?
J12: Free Writing
HW12: Free Writing
J13: Have you ever been dumped or dumped another?
HW13: Do suspensions really help?
J14:"Art is about making mistakes." What else is like that?
HW14: Do you ever cut school?
J15: What is a "total loser"?
HW15: Do you have a safe haven?
J16: Use the same categories Melinda uses and grade yourselves.
HW16: Were you caught by surprise by Melinda's revelation?
J17: What lies were you told in school?
HW17: Have you or your friends ever been in major trouble?
J18: Free Writing
HW18: Free Writing
J19: Which did you prefer: book or movie
HW19: What are your favorite movies?
OF MICE AND MEN by John Steinbeck
J20: Describe George and Lennie
HW20: Why are George and Lennie friends?
J21: Describe the ranch chararcters.
HW21: How are Curley and Slim different?
J22: Should past accomplishments make a difference today?
HW22: How are Candy and his dog similar?
J23: Describe the loneliness felt by various characters.
HW23: Are George and Lennie lonely or not?
J24: Why are dreams so often unfulfilled?
HW24: What is the happiest moment in the novel.
J25: How are women portrayed in Of Mice and Men?
HW25: Why doesn't Curley's wife have a name?
J26: What is "strength"?
HW26: Who are the strongest characters in the book?
J27: Free Writing
HW27: Free Writing
J28: PREDICT: What will happen next?
HW28: COMPARE / CONTRAST: Lennie and George
J29: Did you like the end?
HW29: What happens to George after the novel ends?
J30: Write a letter to George
HW30: Write a letter to Lennie from George.
J31: Are George and Lennie in the movie as you envisioned them?
HW31: Is Curley's wife as you imagined her?
J32: Free Writing
HW32: Is the "Hand Scene" more exciting in the movie or tne book?
J33: Why don't we feel sorry for Curley?
HW33: Which did you prefer: book or movie?
J34: What is the best advice you ever followed?
HW34: What is the best advice you wish you had followed?
J35: Who are you on the outside?
HW35: Who are you on the inside?
J36: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
HW36: What is your Plan B for life?
OTHELLO by Shakespeare
J37: Who are the characters
HW37: Why is reputation so important?
J38: Why don't we trust Iago?
HW38: Why is jealousy so foolish?
J39: How is Desdemona a "modern" woman?
HW39: How did Othello win Desdemona's heart?
J40: Read Iago, pages 69 & 70: Do Iago's lines make you feel sympathy for Roderigo? Explain.
HW40: Is Roderigo a victim or a "willing" victim of Iago's deceptions?
J41: Which kind of torture is worse: psychological or physical?
HW41: Which jealousies motivate Iago's actions?
J42: What are the advantages to being alone?
HW42: Discuss Roderigo's "invisibility."
J43: What is justice?
HW43: Is Iago trying to enforce justice?
J44: Define LOVE
HW44: Do Othello and Desdemona fit your definition of love?
J45: Free Writing
HW45: Free Writing
J46: Are you easily fooled?
HW46: How does Iago keep fooling everyone?
J47: How are Iago and Othello reverse images of each other?
HW47: Is Roderigo necessary for the play?
J48: What is more important: truth or the appearance of truth?
HW48: Would you tell a lie to hurt another?
J49: How does Iago lie without actually lying?
HW49: Why is marital fidelity so important?
J50: Respond: The best way to answer a bad deed is with a good one.
HW50: Respond: "There are none so blind as those who refuse to see."
J51: Free Writing
HW51: Free Writing
J52: Why does Act V, Scene 1 occur at night?
HW52: What does Desdemona mean when she says: "Alas, he is destroyed and I am betrayed." What does Othello believe these words to mean?
J53: Why does Emilia want her body placed on the bed next to Desdemona's?
HW53: Why doesn't Iago confess or explain himself in the final scene?
J54: Why doesn't Iago die in the final scene?
HW54: Did you enjoy this play?
Each response must be at least 50 words long.
J1: Describe your first day of high school.
HW1:Can you keep a secret? Are there clues that Melinda is keeping a secret?
J2: How does your room express who you are?
HW2: Does your family communicate? How does Melinda's family communicate?
J3: Do you have school spirit?
HW3: Would Melinda be your friend?
J4: How do you express yourself?
HW4: Why do we sometimes not like people who are good at things?
J5: Why are some people "joiners" and others are not?
HW5: Are we the same on the outside as we are on the inside? Is Melinda?
J6: Free Writing
HW6: What is a real American? Is Mr. Neck a real American?
J7: Are the Marthas good friends to Heather or not?
HW7: What qualities are important in a person?
J8: Was being a child better than being a teenager?
HW8: Do you know anyone like Melinda?
J9: Have you ever felt used by others?
HW9: Is Melinda using Heather or is Heather using Melinda?
J10: Can you learn about love from a book?
HW10: Do guidance counselors really help?
J11: How closely do you notice your teachers' lives?
HW11: Are teachers always right?
J12: Free Writing
HW12: Free Writing
J13: Have you ever been dumped or dumped another?
HW13: Do suspensions really help?
J14:"Art is about making mistakes." What else is like that?
HW14: Do you ever cut school?
J15: What is a "total loser"?
HW15: Do you have a safe haven?
J16: Use the same categories Melinda uses and grade yourselves.
HW16: Were you caught by surprise by Melinda's revelation?
J17: What lies were you told in school?
HW17: Have you or your friends ever been in major trouble?
J18: Free Writing
HW18: Free Writing
J19: Which did you prefer: book or movie
HW19: What are your favorite movies?
OF MICE AND MEN by John Steinbeck
J20: Describe George and Lennie
HW20: Why are George and Lennie friends?
J21: Describe the ranch chararcters.
HW21: How are Curley and Slim different?
J22: Should past accomplishments make a difference today?
HW22: How are Candy and his dog similar?
J23: Describe the loneliness felt by various characters.
HW23: Are George and Lennie lonely or not?
J24: Why are dreams so often unfulfilled?
HW24: What is the happiest moment in the novel.
J25: How are women portrayed in Of Mice and Men?
HW25: Why doesn't Curley's wife have a name?
J26: What is "strength"?
HW26: Who are the strongest characters in the book?
J27: Free Writing
HW27: Free Writing
J28: PREDICT: What will happen next?
HW28: COMPARE / CONTRAST: Lennie and George
J29: Did you like the end?
HW29: What happens to George after the novel ends?
J30: Write a letter to George
HW30: Write a letter to Lennie from George.
J31: Are George and Lennie in the movie as you envisioned them?
HW31: Is Curley's wife as you imagined her?
J32: Free Writing
HW32: Is the "Hand Scene" more exciting in the movie or tne book?
J33: Why don't we feel sorry for Curley?
HW33: Which did you prefer: book or movie?
J34: What is the best advice you ever followed?
HW34: What is the best advice you wish you had followed?
J35: Who are you on the outside?
HW35: Who are you on the inside?
J36: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
HW36: What is your Plan B for life?
OTHELLO by Shakespeare
J37: Who are the characters
HW37: Why is reputation so important?
J38: Why don't we trust Iago?
HW38: Why is jealousy so foolish?
J39: How is Desdemona a "modern" woman?
HW39: How did Othello win Desdemona's heart?
J40: Read Iago, pages 69 & 70: Do Iago's lines make you feel sympathy for Roderigo? Explain.
HW40: Is Roderigo a victim or a "willing" victim of Iago's deceptions?
J41: Which kind of torture is worse: psychological or physical?
HW41: Which jealousies motivate Iago's actions?
J42: What are the advantages to being alone?
HW42: Discuss Roderigo's "invisibility."
J43: What is justice?
HW43: Is Iago trying to enforce justice?
J44: Define LOVE
HW44: Do Othello and Desdemona fit your definition of love?
J45: Free Writing
HW45: Free Writing
J46: Are you easily fooled?
HW46: How does Iago keep fooling everyone?
J47: How are Iago and Othello reverse images of each other?
HW47: Is Roderigo necessary for the play?
J48: What is more important: truth or the appearance of truth?
HW48: Would you tell a lie to hurt another?
J49: How does Iago lie without actually lying?
HW49: Why is marital fidelity so important?
J50: Respond: The best way to answer a bad deed is with a good one.
HW50: Respond: "There are none so blind as those who refuse to see."
J51: Free Writing
HW51: Free Writing
J52: Why does Act V, Scene 1 occur at night?
HW52: What does Desdemona mean when she says: "Alas, he is destroyed and I am betrayed." What does Othello believe these words to mean?
J53: Why does Emilia want her body placed on the bed next to Desdemona's?
HW53: Why doesn't Iago confess or explain himself in the final scene?
J54: Why doesn't Iago die in the final scene?
HW54: Did you enjoy this play?
Thursday, May 27, 2010
speak: the project
PART A
Melinda Sordino is destined to express her changing emotions through the tree. You have each chosen an object listed on a slip of paper. This object, your destiny, is your personal responsibility, your "tree" if you will. For your object or idea you must:
1. define it. DO NOT USE A DICTIONARY! Make up your own creative definition. Make me laugh.
2. write five diary entries describing a day in the life of
that object or idea. Each entry must be at least 50 words long. You will need to
PERSONIFY your object
3. write a radio commercial to sell your object or idea. The commercial must be at least 20 seconds long
4. EXTRA CREDIT: A PIECE OF ORIGINAL ART THAT BRINGS YOUR OBJECT OR IDEA TO LIFE
Creativity counts! Make me laugh! Make me think!
PART B:
Respond to the following statement as it applies to Melinda. Your response must be at least three paragraphs long. Use your notes about themes, motifs and symbols to assist your answer.
“When a woman suffers in silence, she is in critical condition.”
Melinda Sordino is destined to express her changing emotions through the tree. You have each chosen an object listed on a slip of paper. This object, your destiny, is your personal responsibility, your "tree" if you will. For your object or idea you must:
1. define it. DO NOT USE A DICTIONARY! Make up your own creative definition. Make me laugh.
2. write five diary entries describing a day in the life of
that object or idea. Each entry must be at least 50 words long. You will need to
PERSONIFY your object
3. write a radio commercial to sell your object or idea. The commercial must be at least 20 seconds long
4. EXTRA CREDIT: A PIECE OF ORIGINAL ART THAT BRINGS YOUR OBJECT OR IDEA TO LIFE
Creativity counts! Make me laugh! Make me think!
PART B:
Respond to the following statement as it applies to Melinda. Your response must be at least three paragraphs long. Use your notes about themes, motifs and symbols to assist your answer.
“When a woman suffers in silence, she is in critical condition.”
Thursday, May 13, 2010
PERIOD 1: ENGLISH 6 JAN-JUNE 2010
THE CATCHER IN THE RYE by JD Salinger
Each response must be at least 50 words long
J1: Is life a game?
HW1: Describe the best educational experience you ever had.
J2: Describe an annoying friend.
HW2: What makes someone popular?
J3: Describe your first crush.Was it really love?
HW3: Have you ever been jealous about anything?
J4:Have you ever lied or been the victim of a lie?
HW4: Do you put off tasks or do you do them right away?
J5: Is casual sex acceptable?
HW5: Have you ever faked your age?
J6: Why is it not good to have no friends?
HW6: Why hasn't Holden formed lasting friendships?
J7: What is most important in a relationship?
HW7: Have you ever made a fool of yourself?
J8: Are daydreams good for you? Is there a downside?
HW8: How are Sunny and Jane different?
J9: What is unresolved guilt?
HW9: Why does Holden feel the need to spend a lot of money?
J10: What part does religion play in your life?
HW10: How do the nuns differ from Holden's view of adults?
J11: Free Writing
HW11:Free Writing
J12: How do you know when you have matured?
HW12: Would you rather have a meaningful gift or an expensive one?
J13: Have you ever felt "great" and soon after, "awful"?
HW13: Describe an argument you had with a friend.
J14: What makes a bad date so bad?
HW14: When did you first learn about sex?
J15: How do psychologists help people?
HW15: What would you do if you could spend a night out in New York?
J16: Why are there funerals?
HW16: What would you want said at your funeral? OR Free Write
J17: What does "home" mean to you?
HW17: Name one thing you like and why you like it.
J18: What is the meaning of life?
HW18: Which teacher had the MOST positive effect on your life?
J19: If you could meet any past relative, who would it be?
HW19: Who is your closest relative? Why?
J20: Do you see yourself in Holden?
HW20: What does Stekel's quote mean to Holden?
J21: What are some positives about Holden?
HW21: Would you want to be Holden for a day?
J22: Do you know anyone like Holden?
HW22: Is Holden a hero?
J23: Is Holden going to recover?
HW23: How would you help Holden?
J24: Did you enjoy this book?
HW24:What is your favorite book? Why?
THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION by Stephen King
J25: What is friendship?
HW25: How do you feel about our criminal justice system?
J26: How does the filmmaker heighten the tension?
HW26: Are you enjoying the film so far?
J27: What is more important: Character or Conflict?
HW27: Describe Andy's world.
J28: Free Writing
HW28: Free Writing
J29: Fact or Opinion: Red is a good guy.
HW29: Fact or Opinion: Prisons are effective.
J30: What lesson does Andy teach us?
HW30: COMPARE/CONTRAST: Red and Brooks
JULIUS CAESAR by William Shakespeare
J31: Who are the main characters in the play?
HW31: Why is Brutus more important than Caesar to the play?
J32: Why do military heroes often become political leaders?
HW32: Is power evil?
J33: Are Brutus's arguments convincing?
HW33: Why are people so fickle?
J34: Are you political?
HW34: Is it OK to cheat on taxes?
J35: How do Brutus's and Cassius's ideas differ?
HW35: How does Antony sway the crowd?
J36: Are there ANY good guys in the play ?
HW36: How do Antony's people compare to the conspirators?
J37: Is your life governed by fate or free will?
HW37: Do you believe in ghosts?
J38: How is Caesar still influential?
HW38: How is Cassius's death similar to Caesar's?
J39: Contrast the deaths of Cassius and Brutus.
HW39: What was Brutus's big mistake?
J40: Why are the omens ignored?
HW40: Do the omens mean there is no free will?
J41: Did you prefer the play or the movie?
HW41: Free Write
NIGHT by Elie Wiesel
J42: Why are humans so cruel?
HW42: Why don't they believe Moshe the Beadle's story?
J43: Is it possible to escape your fate?
HW43: How can evil and good exist side by side?
J44: What was the best gift you ever received?
HW44: Free Write
J45: Are you always good to everyone?
HW45: Are you a religious person?
J46: What are your New Year's resolutions?
HW46: Did you keep last year's resolutions?
J47: Free Write
HW47: Free Write
J48: How do the Nazis dehumanize the prisoners?
HW48: Why do the Nazis dehumanize the prisoners?
J49: When does Elie show a loss of his humanity?
HW49: How is Elie's father important to his survival?
J50: What does "Night" symbolize?
HW50: What does "Fire" symbolize?
J51: Free Write
HW51: Free Write
J52: How has Eli changed?
HW52: Why are shoes and gold teeth so valuable?
J53: Could you survive this ordeal?
HW53:Does luck play a part in Elie's survival?
J54: Free Write
HW54: Free Write
Each response must be at least 50 words long
J1: Is life a game?
HW1: Describe the best educational experience you ever had.
J2: Describe an annoying friend.
HW2: What makes someone popular?
J3: Describe your first crush.Was it really love?
HW3: Have you ever been jealous about anything?
J4:Have you ever lied or been the victim of a lie?
HW4: Do you put off tasks or do you do them right away?
J5: Is casual sex acceptable?
HW5: Have you ever faked your age?
J6: Why is it not good to have no friends?
HW6: Why hasn't Holden formed lasting friendships?
J7: What is most important in a relationship?
HW7: Have you ever made a fool of yourself?
J8: Are daydreams good for you? Is there a downside?
HW8: How are Sunny and Jane different?
J9: What is unresolved guilt?
HW9: Why does Holden feel the need to spend a lot of money?
J10: What part does religion play in your life?
HW10: How do the nuns differ from Holden's view of adults?
J11: Free Writing
HW11:Free Writing
J12: How do you know when you have matured?
HW12: Would you rather have a meaningful gift or an expensive one?
J13: Have you ever felt "great" and soon after, "awful"?
HW13: Describe an argument you had with a friend.
J14: What makes a bad date so bad?
HW14: When did you first learn about sex?
J15: How do psychologists help people?
HW15: What would you do if you could spend a night out in New York?
J16: Why are there funerals?
HW16: What would you want said at your funeral? OR Free Write
J17: What does "home" mean to you?
HW17: Name one thing you like and why you like it.
J18: What is the meaning of life?
HW18: Which teacher had the MOST positive effect on your life?
J19: If you could meet any past relative, who would it be?
HW19: Who is your closest relative? Why?
J20: Do you see yourself in Holden?
HW20: What does Stekel's quote mean to Holden?
J21: What are some positives about Holden?
HW21: Would you want to be Holden for a day?
J22: Do you know anyone like Holden?
HW22: Is Holden a hero?
J23: Is Holden going to recover?
HW23: How would you help Holden?
J24: Did you enjoy this book?
HW24:What is your favorite book? Why?
THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION by Stephen King
J25: What is friendship?
HW25: How do you feel about our criminal justice system?
J26: How does the filmmaker heighten the tension?
HW26: Are you enjoying the film so far?
J27: What is more important: Character or Conflict?
HW27: Describe Andy's world.
J28: Free Writing
HW28: Free Writing
J29: Fact or Opinion: Red is a good guy.
HW29: Fact or Opinion: Prisons are effective.
J30: What lesson does Andy teach us?
HW30: COMPARE/CONTRAST: Red and Brooks
JULIUS CAESAR by William Shakespeare
J31: Who are the main characters in the play?
HW31: Why is Brutus more important than Caesar to the play?
J32: Why do military heroes often become political leaders?
HW32: Is power evil?
J33: Are Brutus's arguments convincing?
HW33: Why are people so fickle?
J34: Are you political?
HW34: Is it OK to cheat on taxes?
J35: How do Brutus's and Cassius's ideas differ?
HW35: How does Antony sway the crowd?
J36: Are there ANY good guys in the play ?
HW36: How do Antony's people compare to the conspirators?
J37: Is your life governed by fate or free will?
HW37: Do you believe in ghosts?
J38: How is Caesar still influential?
HW38: How is Cassius's death similar to Caesar's?
J39: Contrast the deaths of Cassius and Brutus.
HW39: What was Brutus's big mistake?
J40: Why are the omens ignored?
HW40: Do the omens mean there is no free will?
J41: Did you prefer the play or the movie?
HW41: Free Write
NIGHT by Elie Wiesel
J42: Why are humans so cruel?
HW42: Why don't they believe Moshe the Beadle's story?
J43: Is it possible to escape your fate?
HW43: How can evil and good exist side by side?
J44: What was the best gift you ever received?
HW44: Free Write
J45: Are you always good to everyone?
HW45: Are you a religious person?
J46: What are your New Year's resolutions?
HW46: Did you keep last year's resolutions?
J47: Free Write
HW47: Free Write
J48: How do the Nazis dehumanize the prisoners?
HW48: Why do the Nazis dehumanize the prisoners?
J49: When does Elie show a loss of his humanity?
HW49: How is Elie's father important to his survival?
J50: What does "Night" symbolize?
HW50: What does "Fire" symbolize?
J51: Free Write
HW51: Free Write
J52: How has Eli changed?
HW52: Why are shoes and gold teeth so valuable?
J53: Could you survive this ordeal?
HW53:Does luck play a part in Elie's survival?
J54: Free Write
HW54: Free Write
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Critical Lens Essay
Steps to follow
PARAGRAPH ONE: Introduction
1. Write the quote verbatim( word for word) beginning with the name of the person being quoted. For example:
Marcus Aurelius stated: “Whoever does wrong, wrongs himself.”
2. Interpret the quote: Explain what the quote means.
3. Agree or disagree with the quote. (You may use a personal
anecdote here).
4. Cite two works of literature you will use to support your agreement or disagreement. (Title, genre, author). Underline titles of novels, biographies, autobiographies, full-length plays. Use “quotation” marks for poems and short stories.
RIOT: Restate, Interpret, Opinion, Two works of lit.
PARAGRAPH TWO: First Work of Literature
1. Briefly retell the story.
2. Emphasize the parts of the story that illustrate the critical
lens statement
PARAGRAPH THREE: First Work of Literature
Literary Elements
Choose a literary element that expresses the novel’s critical lens statement.
PARAGRAPH ONE: Introduction
1. Write the quote verbatim( word for word) beginning with the name of the person being quoted. For example:
Marcus Aurelius stated: “Whoever does wrong, wrongs himself.”
2. Interpret the quote: Explain what the quote means.
3. Agree or disagree with the quote. (You may use a personal
anecdote here).
4. Cite two works of literature you will use to support your agreement or disagreement. (Title, genre, author). Underline titles of novels, biographies, autobiographies, full-length plays. Use “quotation” marks for poems and short stories.
RIOT: Restate, Interpret, Opinion, Two works of lit.
PARAGRAPH TWO: First Work of Literature
1. Briefly retell the story.
2. Emphasize the parts of the story that illustrate the critical
lens statement
PARAGRAPH THREE: First Work of Literature
Literary Elements
Choose a literary element that expresses the novel’s critical lens statement.
PARAGRAPH FOUR: Second Work of Literature
1. Briefly retell the story.
2. Emphasize the parts of the story that illustrate the critical
lens statement
PARAGRAPH FIVE: Second Work of Literature
Literary Elements
Choose a literary element that expresses the novel’s critical lens statement.
PARAGRAPH SIX: Conclusion (see example below)
The following is a template you may use to write your essay:
(P1) Marcus Aurelius stated: “Whoever does wrong, wrongs himself.” This quote is an example of karma. Karma means that what you do to someone else will come back to you. If you hurt someone or get someone into trouble, you will get hurt and into trouble. I agree with this quote because of an incident that happened to me (personal anecdote added here). Two works of literature that illustrate this idea are Holes, a novel by Louis Sachar and Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, a short novel by Stephen King.
(P2) Holes is a novel about Stanley Yelnats, a teenager who is wrongfully convicted of a crime he did not commit.
Make the following points:
1. discuss how the camp is run by the warden for her personal gain
2. explain that she is hurting others but ultimately hurts herself
(P3) The irony in Holes mirrors the irony of the critical lens statement.
Make the following points:
1. the CL is itself ironic
2. Camp Greenlake is in a desert
3. Stanley is a good kid sent to boot camp
4. The people running the camp are the true criminals
5. Stanley ends the family curse by carrying Zero up the mountain thus fulfilling what his great-great grandfather did not
(P4) Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption is about Andy Dufresne, a banker, who is wrongfully convicted of double murder and sentenced to two life sentences.
Make the following points:
1.discuss the warden’s corruption
2.discuss how the warden uses Andy’s financial expertise to hide the money he is earning illegally through prison labor
(P5) The critical lens quote is an ironic one. It would seem that if you hurt someone else that you do not get hurt. The truth is you do. The same irony is true in Shawshank.
Make the following points:
1.Andy is not a criminal but he becomes one in prison
2.The warden is supposed to be guarding the criminals but he is a criminal
(P6) “Whoever does wrong, wrongs himself.”
1.Briefly explain the wrongs in Holes and how those who committed the wrongs were hurt themselves
2.Briefly explain the wrongs in Shawshank
and how those who committed the wrongs were hurt themselves
3. State a lesson that these works teach about life
Friday, May 7, 2010
speak: vocabulary
Section 1
Burrow: a hole animals use to take shelter; a hideout
Demerit: a mark against someone for misconduct
Errant: straying from the right course
Flounder: act clumsily
Incite: to stir; encourage
Inconspicuous: not noticeable; invisible
Indoctrination: teaching someone to accept an idea or principle
Pseudo: pretend; fake; false
Sanctuary: a sacred place offering refug e or safety
Wan: dark; gloomy; pale in color; sickly
Section 2
Degrade: humiliate; dishonor
Demure: shy, modest
Dormant: inactive; asleep
Drone: a mindless worker
Refurbish: to renovate
Retreat: to withdraw; go back
Revolutionary: a radical change or innovation
Sensibilities: emotions; feelings
Subjectivity: decisions based on personal feelings rather than facts
Xenophobia: fear or hatred of foreigners
Section 3
Asphyxiate: choke; suffocate; smother
Bigoted: intolerant of other beliefs
Conundrum: a difficult problem; a dilemma
Dense: slow-witted; thinking in a dull manner
Dynamics: the forces that characterize a system or group
Imbeciles: a group of stupid or silly people
Reluctance: unwillingness; resistance
Submission: surrendering to another
Vespiary: a nest of social wasps
Wistful: thoughtful in a sad way; longing, yearning
Section 4
Conscience: the inner sense of what is right or wrong
Consistency: practicing the same behavior or principles
Delinquency: failure to fulfill an obligation
Foster: nourishe; encourage
Genetics: science of heredity
Incriminate: to make someone appear guilty
Momentum: force or speed of movement; motion
Muse: inspiration
Recessive: unexpressed; not dominant
Tenacious: persistent; stubborn; vicious
Section 5
Alleged
: something described but not proven
Banish: force to leave; drive away; expel
Coax: to persuade by pleading or flattery
Devious: not straightforward; shifty; crooked
Hazing: abuse of newcomers with humiliating tricks
Leper: an outcast
Maladjusted: poorly adjusted in one’s social circumstances
Pruning: to cut off; remove
Reputation: public views of an individual
Vague: not clear or definite
Burrow: a hole animals use to take shelter; a hideout
Demerit: a mark against someone for misconduct
Errant: straying from the right course
Flounder: act clumsily
Incite: to stir; encourage
Inconspicuous: not noticeable; invisible
Indoctrination: teaching someone to accept an idea or principle
Pseudo: pretend; fake; false
Sanctuary: a sacred place offering refug e or safety
Wan: dark; gloomy; pale in color; sickly
Section 2
Degrade: humiliate; dishonor
Demure: shy, modest
Dormant: inactive; asleep
Drone: a mindless worker
Refurbish: to renovate
Retreat: to withdraw; go back
Revolutionary: a radical change or innovation
Sensibilities: emotions; feelings
Subjectivity: decisions based on personal feelings rather than facts
Xenophobia: fear or hatred of foreigners
Section 3
Asphyxiate: choke; suffocate; smother
Bigoted: intolerant of other beliefs
Conundrum: a difficult problem; a dilemma
Dense: slow-witted; thinking in a dull manner
Dynamics: the forces that characterize a system or group
Imbeciles: a group of stupid or silly people
Reluctance: unwillingness; resistance
Submission: surrendering to another
Vespiary: a nest of social wasps
Wistful: thoughtful in a sad way; longing, yearning
Section 4
Conscience: the inner sense of what is right or wrong
Consistency: practicing the same behavior or principles
Delinquency: failure to fulfill an obligation
Foster: nourishe; encourage
Genetics: science of heredity
Incriminate: to make someone appear guilty
Momentum: force or speed of movement; motion
Muse: inspiration
Recessive: unexpressed; not dominant
Tenacious: persistent; stubborn; vicious
Section 5
Alleged
: something described but not provenBanish: force to leave; drive away; expel
Coax: to persuade by pleading or flattery
Devious: not straightforward; shifty; crooked
Hazing: abuse of newcomers with humiliating tricks
Leper: an outcast
Maladjusted: poorly adjusted in one’s social circumstances
Pruning: to cut off; remove
Reputation: public views of an individual
Vague: not clear or definite
Thursday, April 8, 2010
PERIOD 8: The Art of Film
J1: What is friendship?
HW1: How do you feel about our criminal justice system?
J2: How does the filmmaker heighten the tension?
HW3: Are you enjoying the film so far?
J3: What is more important: Character or Conflict?
HW3: Describe Andy's world.
J4: Free Writing
HW4: Free Writing
J5: Fact or Opinion: Red is a good guy.
HW5: Fact or Opinion: Prisons are effective.
J6: Fact or Opinion: Movies are a waste of precious time
HW6: Fact or Opinion: Movie stars are overpaid
J7: Why don't we believe that Jamal is cheating?
HW7: How do the flashbacks help us?
J8: What are the examples of the greed inherent in society?
HW8: Why do we feel that Jamal is NOT greedy?
J9: Is Slumdog Millionaire a realistic film?
HW9: Describe a few ways the film maker creates tension.
J10: What is a Dystopia?
HW10: Are some elements of "V" in existence today?
J11: Do you see elements of Dystopia in "V"?
HW11: Is V a murderer?
J12: Free Writing
HW12: Free Writing
NARNIA CHRONICLES
J13: What is adventure?
HW13: Describe the main characters.
J14: How does Narnia mirror WWII?
HW14: Why is Edmond's gluttony an issue?
J15: What elements of fantasy exist here?
HW15: Why is Narnia so easy to enter?
J16: Why does Winter represent evil?
HW16: Explain: Narnia is really a biblical allusion.
J17: Why is Narnia populated by animals and not humans?
HW17: Why is Lucy the first one to see and believe this world?
J18: Free Writing
HW18: Free Writing
J19: What makes a story believable?
HW19: Why was "The Town Where No One Got Off" so believable?
MEN OF RESPECT
J18: Why does violence fascinate us?
HW18: How does the filmmaker heighten the violence?
J19: If you send someone to do your dirty work, who’s responsible?
HW19: Who is a more powerful character: Mike or his wife (Ruth)?
J20: Why is Mike losing his grip?
HW20: What is the difference between a leader and a tyrant?
J21: Who are the good guys?
HW21: Describe the strange behavior of Mike and his wife.
J22: Should ambition be checked by morality?
HW22: Free Writing
J23: Do you believe in visions?
HW23: Is Mike insane or just feeling guilty?
J24: Can the truth hurt as well as help?
HW24: Discuss: Mike is more to blame than Ruth.
J25: Do you believe in charms and amulets?
HW25: How do the predictions come true?
HW1: How do you feel about our criminal justice system?
J2: How does the filmmaker heighten the tension?
HW3: Are you enjoying the film so far?
J3: What is more important: Character or Conflict?
HW3: Describe Andy's world.
J4: Free Writing
HW4: Free Writing
J5: Fact or Opinion: Red is a good guy.
HW5: Fact or Opinion: Prisons are effective.
J6: Fact or Opinion: Movies are a waste of precious time
HW6: Fact or Opinion: Movie stars are overpaid
J7: Why don't we believe that Jamal is cheating?
HW7: How do the flashbacks help us?
J8: What are the examples of the greed inherent in society?
HW8: Why do we feel that Jamal is NOT greedy?
J9: Is Slumdog Millionaire a realistic film?
HW9: Describe a few ways the film maker creates tension.
J10: What is a Dystopia?
HW10: Are some elements of "V" in existence today?
J11: Do you see elements of Dystopia in "V"?
HW11: Is V a murderer?
J12: Free Writing
HW12: Free Writing
NARNIA CHRONICLES
J13: What is adventure?
HW13: Describe the main characters.
J14: How does Narnia mirror WWII?
HW14: Why is Edmond's gluttony an issue?
J15: What elements of fantasy exist here?
HW15: Why is Narnia so easy to enter?
J16: Why does Winter represent evil?
HW16: Explain: Narnia is really a biblical allusion.
J17: Why is Narnia populated by animals and not humans?
HW17: Why is Lucy the first one to see and believe this world?
J18: Free Writing
HW18: Free Writing
J19: What makes a story believable?
HW19: Why was "The Town Where No One Got Off" so believable?
MEN OF RESPECT
J18: Why does violence fascinate us?
HW18: How does the filmmaker heighten the violence?
J19: If you send someone to do your dirty work, who’s responsible?
HW19: Who is a more powerful character: Mike or his wife (Ruth)?
J20: Why is Mike losing his grip?
HW20: What is the difference between a leader and a tyrant?
J21: Who are the good guys?
HW21: Describe the strange behavior of Mike and his wife.
J22: Should ambition be checked by morality?
HW22: Free Writing
J23: Do you believe in visions?
HW23: Is Mike insane or just feeling guilty?
J24: Can the truth hurt as well as help?
HW24: Discuss: Mike is more to blame than Ruth.
J25: Do you believe in charms and amulets?
HW25: How do the predictions come true?
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Spring Break Assignment: PERIODS 2, 5, 6, 8
Hi Everyone!
Did you think I'd forget to give you a Break Assignment? This one will be fairly simple to do and will earn you 10 EXTRA CREDIT POINTS averaged in to your grade. It could translate into a MAJOR BOOST TO YOUR GRADE. If you order today, I'll throw in an extra project at half price !!!
NOTE: THE PROJECT IS DUE WHEN WE RETURN.
NO PROJECT, NO POINTS!!!
1. Pick a movie that is based on a work of literature.
Do not use a movie we have already seen in class.
2. Retell the story. Be sure to include:
· title
· main characters
· setting
· themes
· motifs
· symbols
FOR EXTRA CREDIT:
3. Read your report aloud to the class
4. Accept the praise or criticism of your classmates
HAVE FUN!
Did you think I'd forget to give you a Break Assignment? This one will be fairly simple to do and will earn you 10 EXTRA CREDIT POINTS averaged in to your grade. It could translate into a MAJOR BOOST TO YOUR GRADE. If you order today, I'll throw in an extra project at half price !!!
NOTE: THE PROJECT IS DUE WHEN WE RETURN.
NO PROJECT, NO POINTS!!!
1. Pick a movie that is based on a work of literature.
Do not use a movie we have already seen in class.
2. Retell the story. Be sure to include:
· title
· main characters
· setting
· themes
· motifs
· symbols
FOR EXTRA CREDIT:
3. Read your report aloud to the class
4. Accept the praise or criticism of your classmates
HAVE FUN!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
PERIOD 2: ELA REGENTS PREP
ANTHEM by Ayn Rand
Each response must be at least 50 words long.
J1: Describe the perfect world. Does language affect thought?
HW1: How much freedom would you be willing to give up to live safely?
J2: What is more important; the individual or society?
HW2: What makes Equality and International different from the others?
J3: Why is "choice" so important in life?
HW3: How are Equality and Liberty similar?
J4: How do you feel about the Yankees' 2009 Championship?
HW4: Why would baseball not exist in the world of Anthem?
J5: Are there positive features of the life depicted in Anthem?
HW5: Why are expressions of happiness forbidden?
J6: Did Equality's society fail to achieve greatness or did they forget greatness?
HW6: Would Equality call our society great?
J7: What is our most important invention?
HW7: Why does Equality doubt himself?
J8: Why are some products more successful than others?
HW8: What is the role of women in society?
J9: Should inventions improve society?
HW9: What does the light symbolize?
J10: Is the conflict in Anthem internal, external or both?
HW10: Why does Equality escape to Nature?
J11: Why don't you like tests?
HW11: What is a fair way to evaluate people?
J12: Free Write
HW12: Free Write
J13: Are you troubled by Liberty's subservience?
HW13: Is the ending a surprise?
J14: Should we censor speech?
HW14: Free Write
J15: What happens to Equality and Liberty next?
HW15: Which elements of Anthem are like our world?
J16: Do you believe you control your life?
HW16: Which elements of Pleasantville are like Anthem?
J17: Why is Utopia impossible?
HW17: What is wrong in Pleasantville?
J18: Is change always for the better?
HW18: What role does change play in Pleasantville?
J19: Why was the end of Pleasantville so unclear?
HW19: Would you live in Pleasantville?
OF MICE AND MEN by John Steinbeck
J20: Describe George and Lennie
HW20: Why are George and Lennie friends?
J21: Describe the ranch chararcters.
HW21: How are Curley and Slim different?
J22: Should past accomplishments make a difference today?
HW22: How are Candy and his dog similar?
J23: Describe the loneliness felt by various characters.
HW23: Are George and Lennie lonely or not?
J24: Why are dreams so often unfulfilled?
HW24: What is the happiest moment in the novel.
J25: How are women portrayed in Of Mice and Men?
HW25: Why doesn't Curley's wife have a name?
J26: What is "strength"?
HW26: Who are the strongest characters in the book?
J27: Free Writing
HW27: Free Writing
Each response must be at least 50 words long.
J1: Describe the perfect world. Does language affect thought?
HW1: How much freedom would you be willing to give up to live safely?
J2: What is more important; the individual or society?
HW2: What makes Equality and International different from the others?
J3: Why is "choice" so important in life?
HW3: How are Equality and Liberty similar?
J4: How do you feel about the Yankees' 2009 Championship?
HW4: Why would baseball not exist in the world of Anthem?
J5: Are there positive features of the life depicted in Anthem?
HW5: Why are expressions of happiness forbidden?
J6: Did Equality's society fail to achieve greatness or did they forget greatness?
HW6: Would Equality call our society great?
J7: What is our most important invention?
HW7: Why does Equality doubt himself?
J8: Why are some products more successful than others?
HW8: What is the role of women in society?
J9: Should inventions improve society?
HW9: What does the light symbolize?
J10: Is the conflict in Anthem internal, external or both?
HW10: Why does Equality escape to Nature?
J11: Why don't you like tests?
HW11: What is a fair way to evaluate people?
J12: Free Write
HW12: Free Write
J13: Are you troubled by Liberty's subservience?
HW13: Is the ending a surprise?
J14: Should we censor speech?
HW14: Free Write
J15: What happens to Equality and Liberty next?
HW15: Which elements of Anthem are like our world?
J16: Do you believe you control your life?
HW16: Which elements of Pleasantville are like Anthem?
J17: Why is Utopia impossible?
HW17: What is wrong in Pleasantville?
J18: Is change always for the better?
HW18: What role does change play in Pleasantville?
J19: Why was the end of Pleasantville so unclear?
HW19: Would you live in Pleasantville?
OF MICE AND MEN by John Steinbeck
J20: Describe George and Lennie
HW20: Why are George and Lennie friends?
J21: Describe the ranch chararcters.
HW21: How are Curley and Slim different?
J22: Should past accomplishments make a difference today?
HW22: How are Candy and his dog similar?
J23: Describe the loneliness felt by various characters.
HW23: Are George and Lennie lonely or not?
J24: Why are dreams so often unfulfilled?
HW24: What is the happiest moment in the novel.
J25: How are women portrayed in Of Mice and Men?
HW25: Why doesn't Curley's wife have a name?
J26: What is "strength"?
HW26: Who are the strongest characters in the book?
J27: Free Writing
HW27: Free Writing
Thursday, January 14, 2010
PERIOD 5: SEPT 2009
JOURNALS AND HOMEWORKS
J1: Describe your first day of high school (9th grade).
HW1:Can you keep a secret?
J2: How does your room express who you are?
HW2: Does your family communicate?
J3: Do you mhave school spirit?
HW3: Is Melinda your friend?
J4: How do you express yourself?
HW4: Why do we sometimes not like people who are good at things?
J5: Why are some people "joiners" and others are not?
HW5: Are we the same on the outside as we are on the inside?
J6: Free Writing Friday.
HW6: What is a real American?
J7: Are the Marthas good friends to Heather or not?
HW7: What qualities are important in a person?
J8: Was being a child better than being a teenager?
HW8: Do you know anyone like Melinda?
J9: Free Writing
HW9: Free Writing
J10: Can you learn about love from a book?
HW10: Do guidance counselors really help?
J11: How closely do you notice your teachers' lives?
HW11: Are teachers always right?
J12: Free Writing
HW12: Free Writing
J13: Have you ever been dumped or dumoed another?
HW13: Do suspensions really help?
J14:"Art is about making mistakes." What else is like that?
HW14: Do you ever cut school?
J15: What is a "total loser"?
HW15: Do you have a safe haven?
J16: Use the same categories Melinda uses and grade yourselves.
HW16: Were you caught by surprise by Melinda's revelation?
J17: What lies were you told in school?
HW17: Have you or your friends ever been in major trouble?
J18: Free Writing
HW18: Free Writing
J19: Should students be allowed to record classes?
HW19: Will Melinda and David become better friends?
J20: What is running through Andy's mind?
HW20: Have you seen signs of strength in Melinda?
J21: Has Melinda found her soul?
HW21: Why is Spring important to the novel?
J22: Why did you like the book?
HW22: Why did you like the movie?
THE PIGMAN
J23: Describe your best friend and explain why you value his friendship.
HW23: What is the "Oath" and why do they agree to it?
J24: Free Writing
HW24: Free Writing
J25: What are your impressions of John and Lorraine
HW25: Would you ever befriend an old person?
J26: Describe the prank J and L play on Mr. Pignati.
HW26: Why is Lorraine horrified by the prank?
J27: How would you respond if you had no phone privileges?
HW27: Is Mr. Pignati a believable character?
J28: Describe John's relationship with his parents.
HW28: How do you express individuality?
J29: Describe Lorraine's mother (looks and behavior).
HW29: How are J&L's lives like a zoo?
J30: Free Write
HW30: Free Write
J31: Have you ever hurt a friend?
HW31: Do apologies help?
J32: What is the most meaningful thing you own?
HW32: What would you like to own?
J33: Should the truth always be told?
HW33: What does the confession do to their friendship?
J34: How is John changing?
HW34: How is Lorraine changing?
J35: How are a house and home different?
HW35: What does "magic" mean to John and Lorraine?
J36: Why is John so concerned about his appearance?
HW36: How are J and L helpful to the Pigman?
J37: How will I improve my grades?
HW37: Best excuses ever!
J38: What was the wildest party you've heard about?
HW38: Who is most to blame for the party?
J39: What did John learn from this experience?
HW39: What did Lorraine learn from this experience?
J40: Free Writing
HW40: Free Writing
CHRONICLE OF A DEATH FORETOLD
J41: Who are your favorite writers?
HW41: What are your thoughts about the new book?
J42: Are you a good listener?
HW42: Are you a good note-taker?
J43: What is honor?
HW43: Does your family have holiday rituals?
J44: What are your earliest memories?
HW44: What does it mean to be a man?
J45: Free Write
HW45: Free Write
J46: Why are stories difficult to repeat?
HW46: What are the difficulties in telling Chronicles?
J47: Free Write
HW47: Free Write
J48: How is the essay coming along?
HW48: What is the hardest part about writing?
J49: Is there much change in your life from day to day?
HW49: Can a lie last forever?
NIGHT
J50: Why are humans so cruel?
HW50: Why don't they believe Moshe the Beadle's story?
J51: Is it possible to escape your fate?
HW51: How can evil and good exist side by side?
J52: What was the best gift you ever received?
HW52: Free Write
J53: Are you always good to everyone?
HW53: Are you a religious person?
J54: What are your New Year's resolutions?
HW54: Did you keep last year's resolutions?
J55: Free Write
HW55: Free Write
J56: How do the Nazis dehumanize the prisoners?
HW56: Why do the Nazis dehumanize the prisoners?
J57: When does Elie show a loss of his humanity?
HW57: How is Elie's father important to his survival?
J58: What does "Night" symbolize?
HW58: What does "Fire" symbolize?
J59: Free Write
HW59: Free Write
J60: How has Eli changed?
HW60: Why are shoes and gold teeth so valuable?
J61: Could you survive this ordeal?
HW61:Does luck play a part in Elie's survival?
J62: Free Write
HW62: Free Write
J1: Describe your first day of high school (9th grade).
HW1:Can you keep a secret?
J2: How does your room express who you are?
HW2: Does your family communicate?
J3: Do you mhave school spirit?
HW3: Is Melinda your friend?
J4: How do you express yourself?
HW4: Why do we sometimes not like people who are good at things?
J5: Why are some people "joiners" and others are not?
HW5: Are we the same on the outside as we are on the inside?
J6: Free Writing Friday.
HW6: What is a real American?
J7: Are the Marthas good friends to Heather or not?
HW7: What qualities are important in a person?
J8: Was being a child better than being a teenager?
HW8: Do you know anyone like Melinda?
J9: Free Writing
HW9: Free Writing
J10: Can you learn about love from a book?
HW10: Do guidance counselors really help?
J11: How closely do you notice your teachers' lives?
HW11: Are teachers always right?
J12: Free Writing
HW12: Free Writing
J13: Have you ever been dumped or dumoed another?
HW13: Do suspensions really help?
J14:"Art is about making mistakes." What else is like that?
HW14: Do you ever cut school?
J15: What is a "total loser"?
HW15: Do you have a safe haven?
J16: Use the same categories Melinda uses and grade yourselves.
HW16: Were you caught by surprise by Melinda's revelation?
J17: What lies were you told in school?
HW17: Have you or your friends ever been in major trouble?
J18: Free Writing
HW18: Free Writing
J19: Should students be allowed to record classes?
HW19: Will Melinda and David become better friends?
J20: What is running through Andy's mind?
HW20: Have you seen signs of strength in Melinda?
J21: Has Melinda found her soul?
HW21: Why is Spring important to the novel?
J22: Why did you like the book?
HW22: Why did you like the movie?
THE PIGMAN
J23: Describe your best friend and explain why you value his friendship.
HW23: What is the "Oath" and why do they agree to it?
J24: Free Writing
HW24: Free Writing
J25: What are your impressions of John and Lorraine
HW25: Would you ever befriend an old person?
J26: Describe the prank J and L play on Mr. Pignati.
HW26: Why is Lorraine horrified by the prank?
J27: How would you respond if you had no phone privileges?
HW27: Is Mr. Pignati a believable character?
J28: Describe John's relationship with his parents.
HW28: How do you express individuality?
J29: Describe Lorraine's mother (looks and behavior).
HW29: How are J&L's lives like a zoo?
J30: Free Write
HW30: Free Write
J31: Have you ever hurt a friend?
HW31: Do apologies help?
J32: What is the most meaningful thing you own?
HW32: What would you like to own?
J33: Should the truth always be told?
HW33: What does the confession do to their friendship?
J34: How is John changing?
HW34: How is Lorraine changing?
J35: How are a house and home different?
HW35: What does "magic" mean to John and Lorraine?
J36: Why is John so concerned about his appearance?
HW36: How are J and L helpful to the Pigman?
J37: How will I improve my grades?
HW37: Best excuses ever!
J38: What was the wildest party you've heard about?
HW38: Who is most to blame for the party?
J39: What did John learn from this experience?
HW39: What did Lorraine learn from this experience?
J40: Free Writing
HW40: Free Writing
CHRONICLE OF A DEATH FORETOLD
J41: Who are your favorite writers?
HW41: What are your thoughts about the new book?
J42: Are you a good listener?
HW42: Are you a good note-taker?
J43: What is honor?
HW43: Does your family have holiday rituals?
J44: What are your earliest memories?
HW44: What does it mean to be a man?
J45: Free Write
HW45: Free Write
J46: Why are stories difficult to repeat?
HW46: What are the difficulties in telling Chronicles?
J47: Free Write
HW47: Free Write
J48: How is the essay coming along?
HW48: What is the hardest part about writing?
J49: Is there much change in your life from day to day?
HW49: Can a lie last forever?
NIGHT
J50: Why are humans so cruel?
HW50: Why don't they believe Moshe the Beadle's story?
J51: Is it possible to escape your fate?
HW51: How can evil and good exist side by side?
J52: What was the best gift you ever received?
HW52: Free Write
J53: Are you always good to everyone?
HW53: Are you a religious person?
J54: What are your New Year's resolutions?
HW54: Did you keep last year's resolutions?
J55: Free Write
HW55: Free Write
J56: How do the Nazis dehumanize the prisoners?
HW56: Why do the Nazis dehumanize the prisoners?
J57: When does Elie show a loss of his humanity?
HW57: How is Elie's father important to his survival?
J58: What does "Night" symbolize?
HW58: What does "Fire" symbolize?
J59: Free Write
HW59: Free Write
J60: How has Eli changed?
HW60: Why are shoes and gold teeth so valuable?
J61: Could you survive this ordeal?
HW61:Does luck play a part in Elie's survival?
J62: Free Write
HW62: Free Write
Periods 2 and 3: REGENTS PREP
CATCHER IN THE RYE
J1: Is life a game?
HW1: Describe the best educational experience you ever had.
J2: Describe an annoying friend.
HW2: What makes someone popular?
J3: Describe your first crush.Was it really love?
HW3: Have you ever been jealous about anything?
J4:Have you ever lied or been the victim of a lie?
HW4: Do you put off tasks or do you do them right away?
J5: Is casual sex acceptable?
HW5: Have you ever faked your age?
J6: Why is it not good to have no friends?
HW6: Do you ever evaluate yourself?
J7: What is most important in a relationship?
HW7: Have you ever made a fool of yourself?
J8: Are daydreams good for you? Is there a downside?
HW8: How are Sunny and Jane different?
J9: What is unresolved guilt?
HW9: Why do some people feel the need to spend a lot of money?
J10: What part does religion play in your life?
HW10: How do the nuns differ from Holden's view of adults?
J11: It’s Free Writing Friday
HW11: It’s Free Writing Friday
J12: How do you know when you have matured?
HW12: Would you rather have a meaningful gift or an expensive one?
J13: Have you ever felt "great" and soon after, "awful"?
HW13: Describe an argument you had with a friend.
J14: What makes a bad date so bad?
HW14: When did you first learn about sex?
J15: How do psychologists help people?
HW15: What would you do if you could spend a night out in New York?
J16: Why are there funerals?
HW16: What would you want said at your funeral? OR Free Write
J17: What does "home" mean to you?
HW17: Name one thing you like and why you like it.
J18: What is the meaning of life?
HW18: Which teacher had the MOST positive effect on your life?
J19: If you could meet any past relative, who would it be?
HW19: Who is your closest relative? Why?
J20: Do you see yourself in Holden?
HW20: What does Stekel's quote mean to Holden?
J21: What are some positives about Holden?
HW21: Would you want to be Holden for a day?
J22: Do you know anyone like Holden?
HW22: Is Holden a hero?
J23: Is Holden going to recover?
HW23: How would you help Holden?
J24: Did you enjoy this book?
HW24:What is your favorite book? Why?
ANTHEM: DYSTOPIA
J25: Describe the perfect world. Does language affect thought?
HW25: How much freedom would you be willing to give up to live safely?
J26: What is more important; the individual or society?
HW26: What makes Equality and International different from the others?
J27: Why is "choice" so important in life?
HW27: How are Equality and Liberty similar?
J28: How do you feel about the Yankees' 2009 Championship?
HW28: Why would baseball not exist in the world of Anthem?
J29: Are there positive features of the life depicted in Anthem?
HW29: Why are expressions of happiness forbidden?
J30: Did Equality's society fail to achieve greatness or did they forget greatness?
HW30: Would Equality call our society great?
J31: What is our most important invention?
HW31: Why does Equality doubt himself?
J32: Why are some products more successful than others?
HW32: What is the role of women in society?
J33: Should inventions improve society?
HW33: What does the light symbolize?
J34: Is the conflict in Anthem internal, external or both?
HW34: Why does Equality escape to Nature?
J35: Why don't you like tests?
HW35: What is a fair way to evaluate people?
J36: Free Write
HW36: Free Write
J37: Are you troubled by Liberty's subservience?
HW37: Is the ending a surprise?
J38: Should we censor speech?
HW38: Free Write
J39: What happens to Equality and Liberty next?
HW39: Which elements of The Pedestrian are like Anthem?
J40: Do you believe you control your life?
HW40: Which elements of Pleasantville are like Anthem?
J41: How did you enjoy your break?
HW41: What is wrong in Pleasantville?
J42: How will you improve your grades?
HW42: What role does change play in Pleasantville?
J43: Is change alaways for the better?
HW43: Would you live in Pleasantville?
J44: Why was the end of Pleasantville so unclear?
HW44: Describe a perfect world.
J45: Free Writing
HW45: Free Writing
JULIUS CAESAR
J46: Why do military heroes often become political leaders?
HW46: Is power evil?
J47: Are Brutus's arguments convincing?
HW47: Why are people so fickle?
J48: Are you political?
HW48: Is it OK to cheat on taxes?
J49: How do Brutus's and Cassius's ideas differ?
HW49: How does Antony sway the crowd?
J50: Are there ANY good guys in the play ?
HW50: How do Antony's people compare to the conspirators?
J51: Is your life governed by fate or free will?
HW51: Do you believe in ghosts?
J52: How is Caesar still influential?
HW52: How is Cassius's death similar to Caesar's?
J53: Contrast the deaths of Cassius and Brutus.
HW53: What was Brutus's big mistake?
J54: Why are the omens ignored?
HW54: Do the omens mean there is no free will?
NIGHT
J55: Why are humans so cruel?
HW55: Why don't they believe Moshe the Beadle's story?
J56: Is it possible to escape your fate?
HW56: How can good and evil exist side by side?
J57: What was the best gift you ever received?
HW57: Free Write
J58: What are your New Year's resolutions?
HW58: Did you keep last year's resolutions?
J59: Are you always good to everyone?
HW59: Are you a religious person?
J60: How do the Nazis dehumanize the prisoners?
HW60: Why do the Nazis dehumanize the prisoners?
J61: When does Elie show a loss of his humanity?
HW61: How is Elie's father important to his survival?
J62: What does "Night" symbolize?
HW62: What does "Fire" symbolize?
J63: Free Write
HW63: Free Write
J64: How has Eli changed?
HW64: Why are shoes and gold teeth so valuable?
J65: Could you survive this ordeal?
HW65:Does luck play a part in Elie's survival?
J66: Free Write
HW66: Free Write
J1: Is life a game?
HW1: Describe the best educational experience you ever had.
J2: Describe an annoying friend.
HW2: What makes someone popular?
J3: Describe your first crush.Was it really love?
HW3: Have you ever been jealous about anything?
J4:Have you ever lied or been the victim of a lie?
HW4: Do you put off tasks or do you do them right away?
J5: Is casual sex acceptable?
HW5: Have you ever faked your age?
J6: Why is it not good to have no friends?
HW6: Do you ever evaluate yourself?
J7: What is most important in a relationship?
HW7: Have you ever made a fool of yourself?
J8: Are daydreams good for you? Is there a downside?
HW8: How are Sunny and Jane different?
J9: What is unresolved guilt?
HW9: Why do some people feel the need to spend a lot of money?
J10: What part does religion play in your life?
HW10: How do the nuns differ from Holden's view of adults?
J11: It’s Free Writing Friday
HW11: It’s Free Writing Friday
J12: How do you know when you have matured?
HW12: Would you rather have a meaningful gift or an expensive one?
J13: Have you ever felt "great" and soon after, "awful"?
HW13: Describe an argument you had with a friend.
J14: What makes a bad date so bad?
HW14: When did you first learn about sex?
J15: How do psychologists help people?
HW15: What would you do if you could spend a night out in New York?
J16: Why are there funerals?
HW16: What would you want said at your funeral? OR Free Write
J17: What does "home" mean to you?
HW17: Name one thing you like and why you like it.
J18: What is the meaning of life?
HW18: Which teacher had the MOST positive effect on your life?
J19: If you could meet any past relative, who would it be?
HW19: Who is your closest relative? Why?
J20: Do you see yourself in Holden?
HW20: What does Stekel's quote mean to Holden?
J21: What are some positives about Holden?
HW21: Would you want to be Holden for a day?
J22: Do you know anyone like Holden?
HW22: Is Holden a hero?
J23: Is Holden going to recover?
HW23: How would you help Holden?
J24: Did you enjoy this book?
HW24:What is your favorite book? Why?
ANTHEM: DYSTOPIA
J25: Describe the perfect world. Does language affect thought?
HW25: How much freedom would you be willing to give up to live safely?
J26: What is more important; the individual or society?
HW26: What makes Equality and International different from the others?
J27: Why is "choice" so important in life?
HW27: How are Equality and Liberty similar?
J28: How do you feel about the Yankees' 2009 Championship?
HW28: Why would baseball not exist in the world of Anthem?
J29: Are there positive features of the life depicted in Anthem?
HW29: Why are expressions of happiness forbidden?
J30: Did Equality's society fail to achieve greatness or did they forget greatness?
HW30: Would Equality call our society great?
J31: What is our most important invention?
HW31: Why does Equality doubt himself?
J32: Why are some products more successful than others?
HW32: What is the role of women in society?
J33: Should inventions improve society?
HW33: What does the light symbolize?
J34: Is the conflict in Anthem internal, external or both?
HW34: Why does Equality escape to Nature?
J35: Why don't you like tests?
HW35: What is a fair way to evaluate people?
J36: Free Write
HW36: Free Write
J37: Are you troubled by Liberty's subservience?
HW37: Is the ending a surprise?
J38: Should we censor speech?
HW38: Free Write
J39: What happens to Equality and Liberty next?
HW39: Which elements of The Pedestrian are like Anthem?
J40: Do you believe you control your life?
HW40: Which elements of Pleasantville are like Anthem?
J41: How did you enjoy your break?
HW41: What is wrong in Pleasantville?
J42: How will you improve your grades?
HW42: What role does change play in Pleasantville?
J43: Is change alaways for the better?
HW43: Would you live in Pleasantville?
J44: Why was the end of Pleasantville so unclear?
HW44: Describe a perfect world.
J45: Free Writing
HW45: Free Writing
JULIUS CAESAR
J46: Why do military heroes often become political leaders?
HW46: Is power evil?
J47: Are Brutus's arguments convincing?
HW47: Why are people so fickle?
J48: Are you political?
HW48: Is it OK to cheat on taxes?
J49: How do Brutus's and Cassius's ideas differ?
HW49: How does Antony sway the crowd?
J50: Are there ANY good guys in the play ?
HW50: How do Antony's people compare to the conspirators?
J51: Is your life governed by fate or free will?
HW51: Do you believe in ghosts?
J52: How is Caesar still influential?
HW52: How is Cassius's death similar to Caesar's?
J53: Contrast the deaths of Cassius and Brutus.
HW53: What was Brutus's big mistake?
J54: Why are the omens ignored?
HW54: Do the omens mean there is no free will?
NIGHT
J55: Why are humans so cruel?
HW55: Why don't they believe Moshe the Beadle's story?
J56: Is it possible to escape your fate?
HW56: How can good and evil exist side by side?
J57: What was the best gift you ever received?
HW57: Free Write
J58: What are your New Year's resolutions?
HW58: Did you keep last year's resolutions?
J59: Are you always good to everyone?
HW59: Are you a religious person?
J60: How do the Nazis dehumanize the prisoners?
HW60: Why do the Nazis dehumanize the prisoners?
J61: When does Elie show a loss of his humanity?
HW61: How is Elie's father important to his survival?
J62: What does "Night" symbolize?
HW62: What does "Fire" symbolize?
J63: Free Write
HW63: Free Write
J64: How has Eli changed?
HW64: Why are shoes and gold teeth so valuable?
J65: Could you survive this ordeal?
HW65:Does luck play a part in Elie's survival?
J66: Free Write
HW66: Free Write
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