Dinner Speech Topics:
Bob Dylan
Johnny Cash
Grace Kelly
Josephine Baker
Diana Ross or one of Supremes
Clara Bow--1920s flapper
Marilyn Monroe
Groucho Marx
Lucille Ball
Elizabeth Taylor
Sophia Loren
Martin Scorcese
Dick Clark
Johnny Carson
Jimmy Stewart
Kathryn Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn
Bette Davis
Joan Crawford
Charlie Chaplin
Dorothy Dandridge
Billie Holiday
Mae West
Ray Charles
Elvis Presley
Etta James
Doris Day
Ava Gardner
Barbara Streisand
Ginger Rogers
Gene Kelly
Shirley Temple
Jane Fonda
Sammy Davis Jr.
Ed Sullivan
***
MODERN AMERICAN POETS
Gwendolyn Brooks Harlem Renaissance
Sandra Cisneros Famouse for "The House on Mango Street"
Marilyn Chin "How I got my Name"
Claude McKay Harlem Renaissance
Sylvia Plath "Daddy"
Maya Angelou "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"/"Phenomenal Woman"
Gary Snyder BEAT Poet
Lawrence Ferlinghetti BEAT Poet
Allen Ginsberg--"America" BEAT Poet
Rita Dove Inspired by the Harlem Renaissance Poets "Adolescence"
Amiri Baraka Radical Political Poet
Denise Levertov Anti War Poet of '60s and '70s
Langston Hughes Harlem Renaissance
Theodore Roethke "My Papa's Waltz"
ee. Cummings Pioneer of a new "Modern" American style
Emily Dickinson "I cannot Live without You"
Dorothy Parker Feminist Poet "Resume"
Louis Bogan "Medusa"
Charles Bukowski BEAT Poet
Ana Castillo "Women Don't Riot"
Paul Lawrence Dunbar Groundbreaking African American poet
Ann Sexton "The Truth the Dead Know"
Amy Lowell Struggles to find herself
Bob Kaufman--for Jazz lovers "Jazz Chicks"
Ai Humanitarian/political poet
Countee Cullen Harlem Renaisance Poet
***
American Short Stories:
Fall of the House of Usher
The Monkey's Paw
The Black Cat
Luck
Different Seasons--collection of short stories by Stephen King includes
Shawshank Redemption
You were Perfectly Fine
A Dark Brown Dog
Elephant's Child
The Slump
The Last Leaf
The Story of a Mother
The Sniper
Flight
Elaine
Scarlet Stockings
The California's Tale
Secret Window
The Making of a New Yorker
The Skylight Room
Connor Jenny
The Most Dangerous Game
The Yellow Wallpaper
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
The Gift of the Magi
To Build a Fire
Look at Me Go
Coffee vs. Brandy
Where are you going, where have you been?
A Good Man is Hard to Find
A Clean, Well-Lighted Place
Everything's Eventual
The Cask of Amantillado
Descent into the Maelstrom
The Oblong Box
Springtime a La Carte
Flower
Million Dollar Bank Note
The Life You Save Could Be Your Own
The Last Leaf
The Moonlit Road
The Swimmer
The Lady or the Tiger
Soothsayer
The Gold Bug
The Lightning Rod Man
Young Goodman Brown
The Minister's Black Veil
Literary Terms and Literary ideas:
Allegory--remember the Adam & Eve allegory
Literary Allusion
The American Dream
Man vs. The Machine
Gothic genre
Metaphor
Symbolism
Simile
Alliteration
Personification
Hyperbole
The Speaker
Stanza
Genre
Mood/Tone
Diction
Tragic hero
Tragic Flaw
catharsis
Hubris
point of view
Omniscient narrator
Limited omniscient narrator
First person point of view
Aristotle's Theory of Tragedy
Arthur Miller's theory of "Tragedy and the Common Man"
Theocracy
Transcendentalism
The American Romantic philosophy--a personalized form of literature focusing
on the individual and using the first person narrative style. Think
Whitman's "Song of Myself" or Emily Dickinson's "I'm nobody!--Who are you?"
The Utilitarian vs. the Intuitionist Philosophy
Satire
Rhyming couplet
Sonnet--Shakespearean sonnets: 14-line love song using rhyming iambic
pentameter and ending with a rhyming couplet.
Blank Verse--Form of un-rhymed verse utilized in Shakespeare's tragedies
such as "Macbeth"
Dramatic Irony--a moment in when the main character such as Macbeth lacks
insight and understanding. Remember the witches scene (ACT 5) in which
Macbeth has no idea that he is really being fooled or duped.
*****
Narrative Verse has Six Key Elements:
Topic: The subject matter must have a beginning, middle and end. Action is
required. The simpler the action, the smaller the poem.
Theme: An undercurrent of meaning runs through the narrative poem. The
narrative poem usually features scenes that also imply or foreshadow the
theme. Any action within the narrative is there to illustrate the theme. If
for example your theme centers around forgiveness, each scene must show or
echo that feeling or indicate that a change associated with with feeling is
imminent.
After you have identified the topic and theme, break the story into
beginning, middle and end and identify how many scenes you will need to
convey the theme. Then rank order those scenes so that they build to the
ending.
Voice: The voice of a narrative should align with the subject matter. In
addition you must decide the point of view from which the story will be told
(eg. first person, third person limited).
If you have a significant role in the story chances are you will need to use
a narrator. If you are telling the story secondhand, you may want to use a
storyteller or someone who might have heard the tale or know the person(s)
involved. Be careful not to slip into a factual voice that simply retells
events. Make your storyteller filter events and the tone of the narrative
voice reveal his/her unseen personality.
Viewpoint: Each person or character who could convey the drama or conflict
in a narrative poem does so from a different viewpoint. Use the viewpoint to
obtain the maximum impact but asking yourself, "From whose eyes is the story
best depicted?"
If you can't decide which character best depicts the drama or conflict in a
narrative, write a poem from each perspective and compare them.
Moment: Moment is not the ontological time of the event. It is the best
possible point in time to relate events in a story. There are three
possibilities: Now-- close to when the event happened so that the details
and scenes are fresh and unravel as if we were there to see them; Now and
Then--relatively close to when an event happened, so we have some
perspective about the meaning of the details and scenes; Then--removed from
when an event happened so our perspective is more important than the details
or scenes of the story. If you tell a story from the now moment, you cannot
comment on the events. When you tell a story from the now and then moment,
you relate and comment on the events. When you tell a story from the then
moment, you must comment or filter events and put them into perspective for
the reader.
Endings: There are two types of endings you may use. The first, or open
ending does not spell out or explain but illustrated with an image or scene
that implies the ending. The second, or closed ending, concludes the
narrative by wrapping up all loose ends.
Ask yourself if you want the reader to be left with a lingering presence,
image or feeling or if you want them to feel a sense of satisfaction and
resolution. An open ending must evoke emotions while a closed ending should
satisfy the reader and allow him/her to feel closure. If your closed ending
feels too pat or forced try an open ending. If your open ending seems too
obscure, try a closed ending.
****
_____________________________________________________________________________
1. Does the world belong to the strong?
2. What does Nurse Ratched's strict running of the ward cause?
3. Is there such a thing as individualism?
4. Why does society always seem to support the rebel?
5. Can Chief Bromden's fog machine metaphor be taken literally?
6. Define "normal" and "insane". Can these two interact?
7. Is perspective the deciding factor of insanity?
8. Is McMurphy's "rabbit and wolf" situation representive of something
deeper than shown?
9. Is treatment truly occuring on the ward?
***
Every normal person, in fact, is only normal on the average. His ego
approximates to that of the psychotic in some part or other to a greater or
lesser extent --Sigmund Freud
Would Kesey agree or disagree with this statement? In a 4-5 paragraph
essay, support your thesis statement by discussing One Flew Over the
Cuckoos Nest. Be specific and persuasive. You will need a clear and
concise thesis statement. Your examples from the text MUST support and
develop your thesis effectively. And you MUST quote from the critical essay
as well. Do NOT use the first person narrative. And dont spend the entire
introduction using vague language. For your thesis statement, I suggest
that you focus on one character and build the essay around a character
analysis.
Here is how you will be scored:
Effective and clear Thesis Statement____________
Effective Thesis Development with specific examples from the text_________
Ability to avoid a repetition of ideas___________
Ability to consider Keseys deeper meaning and/or the Freudian motifs (USE
the CRITICAL ESSAY!!!)___________________
An effective conclusion that highlights your thesis in an interesting
way____________
Good
Luck!!!
Glossary of Terms for "THE SUN ALSO RISES"
Aficionado: someone who is passionate about bull-fighting (Spanish)
Apéritif: pre-dinner drink (French)
Cornada: horn (Spanish)
Corrida: running of the bulls (Spanish)
Encierro: the corralling of the bulls (Spanish)
Fine: type of brandy; fine à l'eau -- brandy with water (French)
Matador: bull-fighter (Spanish)
Muleta: scarlet cloth laid over a stick used to attract the attention of the
bull (Spanish)
Patronne: head of a club (French)
Picador: horse-breaker, horse-trainer (Spanish)
Poule: pejorative slang for a woman, a "broad" (French)
V.A.D.: Voluntary Aid Detachment, or a nurse in the war
***
Whats on the minds of Americas youth today?
More than 30 years ago, young people across the country staged sit-ins for
civil rights, got up and protested against a misguided, undelcared war, and
actually gave a damn if the president lied to them. Although a lot has
changed since then, there are still racial divides, and America is once
again mired in a largely controversial war. Back in the 1960s and 70s, a
similar climate motivated great numbers of young people to act, organize,
and take to the streets in defiance. Today it seems as if younger Americans
are content to watch their MTV, fiddle with their game players, follow the
love lives of Brad, Jen, Jessica and Paris, and assume the hard work is
being done for them by others. What has changed? It is simply that we do not
have motivating factors such as a draft or Kent State to bring us together,
to anger us? What is it going on inside the minds of American youth today?
***
American Short Stories:
Fall of the House of Usher
The Monkey's Paw
The Black Cat
Luck
Shawshank Redemption
You were Perfectly Fine
A Dark Brown Dog
Elephant's Child
The Slump
The Last Leaf
The Story of a Mother
The Sniper
Flight
Elaine
Scarlet Stockings
The California's Tale
Secret Window
The Making of a New Yorker
The Skylight Room
Connor Jenny
The Most Dangerous Game
The Yellow Wallpaper
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
The Gift of the Magi
To Build a Fire
Look at Me Go
Coffee vs. Brandy
Where are you going, where have you been?
A Good Man is Hard to Find
A Clean, Well-Lighted Place
Everything's Eventual
The Cask of Amantillado
Descent into the Maelstrom
The Oblong Box
Springtime a La Carte
Flower
Million Dollar Bank Note
The Life You Save Could Be Your Own
The Last Leaf
The Moonlit Road
The Swimmer
The Lady or the Tiger
Soothsayer
The Gold Bug
The Lightning Rod Man
Young Goodman Brown
The Minister's Black Veil
Grading Rubric for Symposiums:
Each Symposium is worth a possible 10 points. Here is the breakdown:
10 Superior Scholar; the material is well organized; the delivery is
thoughtful as well as insightful.
7 Student meets the basic requirements of the assignment. The material
is organized; the delivery is solid but may lack depth and
insightfulness.
5 Student falls below the basic requirements of the assignment. The
material is unorganized; the delivery lacks confidence and clarity.
Extension Questions
19. What motivates Abigails love/lust for John?
20. How does the power of accusation sweep through Salem? What are the
largest accusations? Who does the accusing and why? What does this say about
human nature?
21. Analyze the ulterior motives for each of the following people: Putnam,
Mrs. Putnam, Abigail, Betty, and Parris.
22. What is truth? Which character handles truth the best?
23. What character has the highest set of morals and values? Why?
24. What is a theocracy? What role did this play in the hysteria that
occurred in Salem?
25. What are two themes that emerge in Act I? Explain.
26. Exposition is the part of a play that is not presented dramatically (in
play format). What role does the exposition play in The Crucible?
27. Who is the most important character in the play so far? Why?
iuniverse book project
Dear Parent or Guardian:
Mrs. Kopples Honors English III students are about to embark on a unique
literary opportunity. We will be publishing our own original collection of
poetry, short stories, and plays through the iuniverse.com self-publishing
company. This reputable self-publishing opportunity provides writers with
professional editorial oversight and a professionally bound book that will
be available to all friends and family via on-line ordering at a reasonable
cost. The editors at iuniverse offer their services at reasonable rates as
well. The cost for your son/daughter to take part in this exciting
educational experience is $25. We want to move forward with this
opportunity as soon as possible. So we are asking each student to submit
his/her portion no later than February 1, 2007. We are looking forward to
each students literary contribution. Each student will be allowed 10 full
pages of original text, and each student will write creative and original
literary pieces as part of the Honors III English curriculum. Thank you
for your support and enthusiasm for this exciting project that encourages
students to take their writing to a whole new level.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at
(203) 838-4481 ext. 1710 or email me at koppled@ norwalkpublicschools.net
NOTE: $25 in cash or check is acceptable. Please make checks payable
to Cash or to Deborah Kopple, Norwalk High School. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Kopple
Honors English III
Symposium Reflection Assignment:
1) Identify Eric Lotts thesis in your own words (paraphrase). Do you
agree or disagree with this critical point of view regarding Mark Twain and
race? Pick out one key quote from the piece to argue your point. Feel free
to use 1 key quote or passage from Huck Finn to dispute or support this
critic.
2) Identify Anne Copelands thesis in your own words (paraphrase). Do
you agree or disagree with this critical point of view regarding Hucks
sense of morality. Pick out one key quote from the piece to argue your
point. Feel free to use 1 key quote or passage from Huck Finn to dispute or
support this critic.
3) Select one other topic that we have discussed during the Symposium that
you have not already identified. Do you agree or disagree with this point
of discussion and analysis? Why or why not?
3) Define 5 of the following words for 1 point each. These points will be
added to the in-class essay test on Wednesday, December 6th.
Note: Please turn in your chapter annotations (36-43) for an additional 5-
10 points toward this Symposium Reflection Assignment.
In-Class American Romantics Symposium assignment
1) In your own words, write a descriptive and creative narrative moment
in the life of Ralph Waldo Emerson or Henry David Thoreau. Think about one
defining moment in Emerson or Thoreaus life. Use the first person and
include vivid imagery. Include one key quote from the writers life (the
Emerson poem Threnody or the political essay of ThoreauResistance to
Civil Government).
Every normal person, in fact, is only normal on the average. His ego
approximates to that of the psychotic in some part or other to a greater or
lesser extent --Sigmund Freud
Do you agree or disagree with the above statement? In a 4-5 paragraph
essay, support your position by discussing examples from One Flew Over the
Cuckoos Nest. Be specific and persuasive. You will need a clear and
concise thesis
statement. Your examples from the text MUST support and development your
thesis effectively. Dont lost sight of the above quote. This is a timed
testso plan accordingly!!!
Here is how you will be scored:
Effective and clear Thesis Statement____________
Effective Thesis Development with specific examples from the text_________
Ability to avoid a repetition of ideas___________
Ability to consider Keseys deeper meaning (theme)
As it relates to the above quote_____________________________.
An effective conclusion that highlights your thesis in an interesting
way____________
Good
Luck!!!
2) Write down one poem from Emily Dickinson. What is the poem about?
Think about Emily Dickinsons life and the themes that inspired her to
write. She was not afraid to seclude her self from society, and she was
obsessed with the idea of death. So identify the overall meaning of this
poem based on your understanding of her Emily Dickinsons life and
relationship to her father (or God). Note: The voice of the poet is always
referred to as the speaker rather than the term the narrator.
3) Extra Credit: In Edgar Allen Poes famous poem entitled The Raven
what does the Raven symbolize? What is the gothic genre?
The American Dream is dead!(author unknown).
Do you agree or disagree with the above statement? In a 4-5 paragraph
essay, support your position by discussing examples from The Great
Gatsby. Be specific and persuasive. You will need a clear and concise
thesis statement. Your examples from the text MUST support and development
your thesis effectively. Dont lost sight of the above quote. This is a
timed testso plan accordingly!!!
Here is how you will be scored:
Effective and clear Thesis Statement____________
Effective Thesis Development with specific examples from the text_________
Ability to avoid a repetition of ideas___________
Ability to consider F. Scott Fitzgeralds deeper meaning (theme)
As it relates to the above quote_____________________________.
An effective conclusion that highlights your thesis in an interesting
way____________
Good
Luck!!!
SAT ESSAY GUIDELINES
It seems like everybody has a different opinion about how to do well on the
SAT essay. Some people say you should write a strict five-paragraph essay,
with an introduction, a conclusion, and three specific examples. Some people
say you should read well-known books like The Great Gatsby or The Scarlet
Letter and refer to them as often as you can. Some people say that the real
key is to write as much as humanly possible. Some say you should do all of
these at once!
We want students to know that there are no short cuts to success on the SAT
essay. The high school and college teachers who will score your essay have
seen it all before. These teachers are not going to give high scores to an
essay just because it is long, or has five paragraphs, or uses literary
examples. The scorers are experts at identifying truly good writing--essays
that insightfully develop a point of view with appropriate reasons and
examples and use language skillfully.
So what can you do to write a successful SAT essay? Here are some strategies
the College Board would like you to consider:
Read the entire assignment. It's all there to help you. Every essay
assignment contains a short paragraph about the issue, usually from a
specific author or book. Don't ignore this important information in your
rush to answer the question. Imagine that you are talking to the author of
the paragraph about the issue. What would you say to him or her? Would you
argue or agree? What other ideas or examples would you bring up? Answering
these questions will help you develop your own point of view.
Don't oversimplify. Developing your point of view doesn't mean coming up
with as many examples as you can. Sometimes students cut a great example
short to move on to something else, and end up oversimplifying. Take the
time to really explain an example; that's the best way to fully develop your
point of view. An essay with one or two thoughtful, well-developed reasons
or examples is more likely to get a high score than an essay with three
short, simplistic examples.
There's nothing wrong with "I." You are asked to develop your point of view
on the issue, not give a straight report of the facts. This is your opinion,
so feel free to use "I," and give examples that are meaningful to you, even
ones from your personal life or experiences. Of course you need to support
your ideas appropriately, and show that you can use language well, but
remember: the essay is an opportunity for you to say what you think about an
important issue that's relevant to your life. So relax and be yourself, and
you will do just fine.
