• Nov292009
    discussing chapters 13-16 of Huck Finn

    POSTED AT 01:06 PM

    Use this space to discuss these chapters. As always, the best comments will employ textual evidence and/or respond to other posts. The following questions may help you:

    1) Consider the interplay between Jim and Huck in chapter 14. How do they compare to each other?
    2) How is the character of Jim developed in these chapters?
    3) What from these chapters might offend readers?
    4) Think back to our Tom vs. Huck discussion and look closely at Jim's consideration of the King Solomon story (89-90).  How does Jim's reading of the story change it's intent of the story? What about Solomon's logic does Jim find offensive? How might that story relate to our on-going discussion of socially accepted behaviors?
    5) Huck's trick? Jim's response? What does Huck learn?
    6) Why would Jim believe the tale of Huck being lost?
    7) Page 98, arguably, is a turning point in the novel. Discuss the seeming growth in Huck's character. How does he change?  
    8) Chapter 16 is one of the most important chapters in this text. Discuss the challenge Huck faces, his moral conflict and his ultimate decision.
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    Oct202009
    Thoreau: "Civil Disobedience" (1849)

    POSTED AT 11:35 AM

    Use this space to comment on the essay.
     
    Remember, the best entries will have textual references as well as personal understandings. You must have one comment of your own before our class discussion, and at least one comment in repsonse to a classmate afterward. Use the questions below as guides as necessary.
     
    Think. Be insightful.
     
    1) Expalin his example of the Mexican War.
    2) Why, according to Thoreau, is the American Government a "wooden gun"?
    3) Why is our government in power, according to Thoreau? What would he have replace that?
    4) Law or right? Why and how?
    5) We are machines. Explain.
    6) Thoreau is anti-slavery in his time, hence, he cannot follow his government. Agree?
    7) What should honest men do in an unjust country? True place for a just man?
    8) Thoreau on voting? On political candidates?
    9) Rhys and Ben: our discussion after class the other day - chack out page 6, "It is not a man's duty . . . " Also, page 8: "I came into this world . . ." And pages 15 and 16: " . . . to change the nature of rocks and trees . . . "
    10) Opinions do what? Instead, Thoreau calls for?
    11) Government's answer to dissenters? Why is it worse to dissent?
    12) When do we meet government?
    13) What is the "purest right?"
    14) "The best thing a man can do for his culture when he is rich is to endeavour to carry out those schemes which he entertained when he was poor." Discuss.
    15) Being locked up. Important to Thoreau?
    16) On page 17: tracing the root of morality to a document is flawed. Why?
    17) Who gives the government its power over you?
     
     
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    Sep172009
    The Gatsby - Chapter Six

    POSTED AT 03:17 PM

    Use this space to discuss chapter six of 'The Great Gatsby.' Textual evidence is encouraged!
     
    These are guide questions.
    1) Note: this chapter again begins with Gatsby's legend. It has grown. How?
    2) We learn the true beginnings of Gatsby. Summarize his early life. How would you describe it?
    3) In contrast to his surroundings, how did Gatsby visualize himself?
    4) Gatsby's experience with college?
    5) In what form does Gatsby's destiny arrive? Don't miss it's earlier mention back on page 93.
    6) Five years with Cody gave Gatsby . . .?
    7) Think. We have seen the theme of gossip make its appearance in multiple chapters. That in mind, why might Mr. Sloane be such an ungracious host?
    8) Why does Gatsby take time to escort the Buchanan's through his party?
    9) Important" what is Gatsby expecting from Daisy?
    10) Nick reminds Gatsby that he "can't repeat the past." Gatsby's reaction? Why?
     
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    Sep172009
    The Gatsby - Chapter Five discussion

    POSTED AT 03:06 PM

    Use this space to discuss chapter five of Fitzgerald's novel. Page citations are encouraged.
     
    Some questions you might consider:
    1) Fitzgerald references the World's Fair on 81. What was it and why would it be important in this text?
    2) Why does Gatsby want the meeting to be at Nick's cottage?
    3) Response to Gatsby's reacquaintance with Daisy?
    4) Page 87: "Five years next November" confirms what about Gatsby's character?
    5) Note how the weather matches the conversation. Elucidate.
    6) What happens when we achieve a dream? What hollowness exists in elation?
    7) The chapter builds in crescendo as they tour the house. Why the shirts? What is the result?
    8) Nick internally mocks that he was about to "ask to see the rubies." This is referential - look back at 67. To what is Nick alluding? What has this evening confirmed for him?
    9) Note Gatsby's treatment of Ewing, the piano player. Note Ewing's behavior toward Gatsby.
    10) How would you feel if you were Daisy at the end of this chapter?
     
     
     
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