Literature and Life

Flowers for Algernon and Literature Circles

2006-04-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

Please comment with one significant idea per topic, each supported with a well written paragraph.
1. What is one "big idea" that you think Daniel Keyes was attempting to develop in the novel, Flowers for Algernon?
2. As we discussed in class, Literature Circles was designed to prompt you to read with different sets of lenses on, as demanded of you by the various roles. What other ways can you think of to accomplish this without the accompanying nuisance of filling out a booklet? (Remember, it has be something that can be fairly and consistently evaluated. I know, aren't marks a pain?)
Thanks,
Mr. Odland

Twelfth Night Presentation

2006-02-14T12:50:00.000-08:00

So, now that you've had a chance to see a Shakespeare play performed live, please answer ONE of the following prompts in a well developed paragraph.
1. The actors chose to retain Shakespeare's original language, even though they did not dress in costume for that period. Why do think they chose to do that, and what was its impact on you as an audience member?
2. Disguised identity is a key strategy in this play. What idea do you think Shakespeare was trying to develop by having a central character disguise her identity?

Remember, you can compose your response in word and then cut and paste if you prefer - but do make sure that you answer whichever question you choose in good detail.

Mr. O

Penny in the Dust

2005-12-15T07:40:00.000-08:00

1. Why do you suppose the narrator left the penny in his father's vest at the end of the story?
2. The penny is symbolic on a number of levels. Describe at least two ways in which it represents something more than its literal meaning.
3. The narrator and the father each experience an epiphany in the story. (Look it up!) What is it that each of them learn?
4. Write a paragraph describing an epiphany you have had about either a parent or a grandparent.
Mr. O

X: A Fabulous Child's Story

2005-12-12T13:22:00.000-08:00

1. Identify 3 ways in which X's parents were deliberately trying to change a stereotype of what a boy vs a girl should do.
2. While the example is obviously exaggerated, do you think society would respond with hostility if something like this were to happen now?
3. Where do you think we are currently at, that is Calgary's society in 2005, regarding gender-based stereotypes and prejudice? Give one detailed example of why you answered as you did.
Mr. O

Essay writing - introductions

2005-12-05T18:58:00.000-08:00

OK, now that you are well on your way to writing your first formal essay for this class, please feel free to post your introduction as a comment to this post. I didn't have a chance to read everyone's in class today, so if you post them here anyone in the class can read and give you some feedback. Go for it!

Remember, the finished product is due on Monday, December 12.

Mr. O

The Tell-Tale Heart

2005-11-18T11:00:00.000-08:00

Strange story, hey!? The author, Edgar Allan Poe, is a well known author whose personal life certainly had a strong impact on his stories and poetry. For this one, I'd like you to do some research on his life. Find out who he was, and what about his life might have shaped a story like this. Your comment should be a speculation about the connection between an author's personal life and her/his work. Comment on how you feel this was the case for E.A. Poe, and feel free to speculate as to whether or not that is always the case. (eg Does an author's personal life always have such a dramatic impact on his/her work?)
Mr. O

Charles

2005-11-18T10:55:00.000-08:00

After reading the short story called, "Charles", open up the document I sent you last week called Theme Chart. Take a look at the examples on the sheet, then take another stab at writing a theme for this story. You might want to follow the format on the sheet, looking at a brief plot summary, then bullet points about topics, and finally a sentence that communicates a complete thought regarding theme. Feel free to speak with each other about it as you are going through this exercise.
Mr. O

Luke Baldwin's Vow

2005-11-14T07:44:00.000-08:00

After reading the short story called "Luke Baldwin's Vow", and the handout on theme that I emailed to you last week, please complete the following two-step response as a "comment" to this post.
A. Using the guidelines in the handout, write a statement of theme for "Luke Baldwin's Vow."
B. Give at least three details from the story that defend your answer to A.
Thanks,
Mr. O

PS. Feel free to read each others' comments and reply to the ideas expressed!

Just Lather, That's All

2005-11-11T11:27:00.000-08:00

Today (assuming you read this on Monday!) you read the short story, "Just Lather, That's All". As I'm sure you noticed, the author was very vague about many of the details regarding setting. Feel free to discuss this with a classmate, do some research if you like, and then respond to the following questions:
1. Where and when do you think this story took place?
2. Why do you think the author was so vague about those details?
3. Did your view of Torres change at the very end?
4. What idea do you suppose the author was developing through this unusual story?

Check in and check it out!

2005-11-10T08:52:00.000-08:00

Hi gang! I'm going to be on the road for a bit these next couple weeks, and this strikes me as a good way for us to keep the discussions going. First I want to make sure you can all access this blog, and read and respond to the posts.

Give it a try - and remember that the world can read what we're putting up here. Exercise your very best judgement in creating and responding to posts.

Go Buchan!

Mr. O