Final Blog of the Year! Of Mice and Men

Hello all, your final assignment has arrived! Thank you for utilizing this blog this year, this component has been fun to watch and read.

DUE TUESDAY, MAY 4TH

Construct a 2-3 page paper discussing one of the following themes in the novel. Be sure to use the text for evidence, and provide specific examples/symbols/events that project the theme. Then, after completing your paper, post a brief synopsis of your paper and respond to two of your classmates.

It's the final dialogue, let's make it good!

Themes:

1. Discuss specifically John Steinbeck's writing style in relation to the historical context and pressures of the time. Thematically, how does the time period project a theme of depression/fight/dissatisfaction amongst characters. How is this revealed throughout the novel?

2. Discuss the theme of the American Dream falling short? Define the connotation of the word/idea, and how it was a driving force, despite its probability to fail. Does the dream still exist by the end of the novel?

3. Discuss the importance of weakness and strength. Describe specific characters, their interactions, and their personalities. Describe the journey they are taking, and the presence/absence of strength and weakness. Locate specific incidences, places, etc. that illustrate this theme/idea.

Othello Assignment--Due Monday, April 12th

Please choose one of the following prompts to discuss in a well-developed, well-structured, 2-3 page essay. Be sure to use the text for support, and speak only in third person. Essays will be collected on Monday.

After you have completed your essay, post a brief synopsis of your paper for others to post comments.

Please respond to at least two of your peers' posts.


Prompts:

1) Some have said that the focus of Othello is not the title character, as is the case with Shakespeare's other great tragedies, Macbeth, King Lear, and Hamlet. Is Othello simply too one-dimensional to be considered a great tragic hero? Does his seemingly unrealistic gullibility lessen our interest in him and his suffering?

2) Why does Othello not investigate Iago's accusations? Why does Othello not seek his own proof of Desdemona's betrayal?

3) Samuel Taylor Coleridge once wrote that Iago's soliloquies are the "motive-hunting of motiveless malignity." Is this an accurate observation? Does Iago have a motive or motives for his hatred of Othello?

4) Examine the role of jealousy, love, and/or betrayal in the play. You may want to pick one character (Iago or Othello perhaps?) and focus on one issue.

**check out this funny Othello Rap**
Copy and paste the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UC-f0drvdmM

Matthew Arnold's "Dover Beach"

We read Arnold's poem in class, and located devices, rhythm, and meter within the poem. Reread the poem below and answer the questions below. Be sure to respond in at least one paragraph, and comment on at least one of your classmate's responses. Your responses are due by Sunday, March 7th, at midnight.

The sea is calm to-night.
The tide is full, the moon lies fair
Upon the straits; on the French coast the light
Gleams and is gone; the cliffs of England stand;
Glimmering and vast, out in the tranquil bay.
Come to the window, sweet is the night-air!
Only, from the long line of spray
Where the sea meets the moon-blanched land,
Listen! you hear the grating roar
Of pebbles which the waves draw back, and fling,
At their return, up the high strand,
Begin, and cease, and then again begin,
With tremulous cadence slow, and bring
The eternal note of sadness in.

Sophocles long ago
Heard it on the A gaean, and it brought
Into his mind the turbid ebb and flow
Of human misery; we
Find also in the sound a thought,
Hearing it by this distant northern sea.

The Sea of Faith
Was once, too, at the full, and round earth's shore
Lay like the folds of a bright girdle furled.
But now I only hear
Its melancholy, long, withdrawing roar,
Retreating, to the breath
Of the night-wind, down the vast edges drear
And naked shingles of the world.


Ah, love, let us be true
To one another! for the world, which seems
To lie before us like a land of dreams,
So various, so beautiful, so new,
Hath really neither joy, nor love, nor light,
Nor certitude, nor peace, nor help for pain;
And we are here as on a darkling plain
Swept with confused alarms of struggle and flight,
Where ignorant armies clash by night.



1. What do you believe to Arnold's most central message? How did you reach your conclusion? Can you make any parallels to society today? Give examples.

2. How does this poem reflect Arnold's style, and tone, in "The Buried Life?" Make comparisons.

The Awakening--Final Essay Questions

The following questions may be on the exam. Be prepared to discuss the prompt in a well-developed essay.

1. Chapter 36 outlines Edna's and Robert's last interactions. Discuss the high points, and any low points of their encounter. How is this "visit" different than previous visits, and how does is symbolize "closure" for Edna?


2. Chapter 37 captures Edna's visit to the Ratignolle house. Madame Ratignolle is sick. Discuss how their relationship and friendship has changed. Reflect on Edna's internal conflict while being at the Ratignolle house. Lastly, discuss the importance of Madame Ratignolle's words, "Think of the children, Edna. Oh think of the children! Remember them!" (Chopin, 149).

3. Reflect on the repetition provided in chapter 39. What is its importance? What words, passages, are repeated, and to what purpose? Use these repetitions to reflect on Edna's journey, and her final escape.

Sunday, February 7th

Enjoy a weekend off. I want to discuss in class tomorrow. Please read through chapter 26 and complete the vocabulary.

The Awakening

Please respond to the following prompt by Sunday, January 24th at midnight. Then, respond to at least one of your classmates by Monday, January 25th at midnight. Be prepared to go over responses on Tuesday, January 26th. Your responses should be at least 2 paragraphs.

After reading and reflecting on Robinson's introduction, and reading through chapter 8, do you think you are able to locate Mrs. Pontellier's true struggle? If so, how? If not, why not? Based on what you know about the protagonist, what would you say is her true inner struggle? Explain.

The Glass Menagerie Assignment

The following assignment is due Thursday, December 10th.

Please complete a 3-5 page essay focusing on symbolism within the play. You may discuss the play itself being a symbol for life, focus on an individual character, or focus on the Wingfield family as a symbol.

3rd person only, and use quotes to back up your argument. 50 points.