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.

Act I Scene I-III

After you have completed the first three scenes, respond to the following prompt:

Discuss the atmosphere of the play. Reflect on the relationships (mother/son, mother/daughter, brother/sister) in the household. How does each character act/react differently to situations? Last, discuss which character you enjoy the most at this point in the play. Do you think your opinions will change as we read?


You must respond to the prompt in 3 paragraphs by Friday, November 27th at Midnight. You must then respond to at least two of your classmates by Sunday, November 29th at midnight.

The Glass Menagerie Part I

DUE MONDAY @ MIDNIGHT

At the beginning of Act I, Tom opens the scene by introducing the production. After reading the introduction, studying Williams' past, and historical context, analyze Tom's character. Using direct quotes from the first scene, discuss Tom's personality, his tone, and perhaps how he may embody Williams himself.

You must respond in no less than 2 paragraphs, and respond to at least 1 of your classmates by tomorrow, Tuesday, November 24th at midnight.