Additional Questions - A brief thought

Hello, I hope that you are finding your way through the novel and making some sense out of Camus' style and philosophical ideology. One thought to convey as we work through the book. Part of preparing for college is finding a way to organize your time effectively. Although college is a time of personal growth, learning, and of gaining self-awareness, it is primarily a test of how well you can manage your time and prioritize your obligations and assignments. You have to look at all you have to do and determine the actual amount of time required by each assignment. You do yourself a disservice to merely look at the work and judge it based on the amount of space it takes up on a page. Ask yourself, "what is it really asking me to do?" "How can I organize my time?" "How much work/time is it really?" Often, you will find that it can be done in less time than you initially think. In short, time management is the one essential skill that you will need t0 get through you undergraduate degree and this is good practice for you. 

Some additional questions:

1. (Ch. 3) "I noticed that everyone ... that strange impression of being odd man out, a kind of intruder. Why is this an ironic statement? 

2. (Ch. 5) ... "Well, so I'm going to die ... In fact, nothing could be clearer." How does this reflect Camus' theme?

3. (Ch. 2) After a while, you could get used to anything." How does this statement capture the essence of the dark tone of the novel and Camus' beliefs about human nature? 

More Questions/Thoughts

Here are some other points to consider:

1. How is the novel existential in nature? Can you make connections? 

2. "If you go slowly, you risk getting sunstroke.  But if you go too fast, you work up a sweat and then catch a chill inside the church. She was right. There was no way out." How is this quote representative of the existential mood permeating the novel?

3. How do Salamano's responses to marriage and life, reflect the narrator's philosophy on life? Is the narrator an extension of Camus or merely a removed, lead character in the novel?

5. Last line of chapter 6, "And it was like knocking four quick times on the door of unhappiness." What is the meaning here? What does the statement indicate about most human actions in life?

6. What elements of existentialism are darkly and discernibly evident in the passage about Salamano and his dog in chapter 3?

These are some random questions to consider from various parts of the book. You can use them as a guide. I will post other questions soon. Hope all is well.

Some Guided Questions for the Reading

Hello. I hope you are all enjoying your break so far. Here is a brief thought and a few questions to consider while reading.

First, let me address the concerns that have been expressed by some of the members of our class. I do appreciate the fact that this is a lot of work and many of you are in need of a vacation. While planning this break work, I tried to find a book and  an assignment that could be completed within the two week time period. Please keep in mind that as an AP teacher there is a tremendous amount of pressure to get through an extensive variety of literary works. In order to accomplish this lofty goal, I must use every opportunity to introduce new novels and to take advantage of the breaks afforded by the school system. To make things easier, I will eliminate the need to answer questions. You can use them as a guide. The vocabulary should not take more than two hours. The passage is written for you; you just need to type it. The essay is a short 4 paragraph AP style task. It should not take too long, and you need not spend days writing it. The reading is the biggest time commitment, and even that can be accomplished in the time off with 10 pages dedicated per night. The writing assignments are likely less intense than they appear, and can be completed with minimal effort. In short, do your best. I am a reasonable person. This is, after all, an extra assignment. If it is too much, I will take your word for it. Do not stress over it. Have fun. Read the book. Write the paper. 

Some questions:

1. After being placed in a nursing home, why does Meursault visit his mother so infrequently?

2. What is the value of Madam Meursault desiring a religious burial?

3. Does Meursault give an explanation for wanting/not wanting to see the open casket? What is significant about this?

4. What is important about Meursault's last thoughts at the Burial?

5. What is important about the vigil?

6. What does Meursault do on Sunday's? What does this say about him?

7. What does Meursault mean when he says, "It occurred to me ... nothing had changed."?

More to follow. Post any other comments if necessary.

Break Homework

First I would like to take this time to wish you all a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. I hope you get some much needed rest and have a chance to spend some quality time with family and friends. Now that that is out of the way, let's get the "heart" of the matter - no pun "intended" - I could go on all day.

Now, there is one quick point to address. I believe that there may have been one or two people who read The Stranger for the first I.R. assignment. For those students, please read the book - closely - again. This is an opportunity to really get to know the nuances of a text and its rhetorical devices.

For the break, the assignment will consist of several parts. Each part (except the book notes of course) should be typed and turned in together on the 5th. 

1. You will need to conduct a close reading of the book. Take notes and use post-it notes to   isolate important passages, quotes, words, character, conflict, themes, setting, rhetorical devices, syntax, diction, etc.

2. Vocabulary. You should make a list of 20 words you do not know. Give the definition of the word, write the sentence that the word appears in from the text, write your own sentence, and give the pronunciation. This can all be done on the computer. You do not have to do these on index cards.

3. I will post some guided questions on the blog by Christmas Eve. These questions should be answered completely and turned in.

4. Finally, I would like you to isolate one passage and type it up (it can be short). Then, write a 4 paragraph essay on a topic of your choice. In other words, why did you isolate this passage?What, in the passage, made you feel it had rich literary merit? Was it a rhetorical device, diction, syntax, structure, imagery, etc.?  This will be the basis for your essay. Feel free to email me or comment on the blog if you have a question or concern.  I want you to use your knowledge of the AP exam and write an essay about something appropriate for the exam. I know this is not easy, but it is important that you gain some confidence in your own understandings of the text and its rhetorical devices. The essay is AP style, so it does not have to be excruciatingly long - nor should it be. 

Have a great break, I know I will. I will leave you with words from Benjamin Franklin and Socrates:

"Energy and persistence conquer all things."

- B.F.

"The way to gain a good reputation, is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear."

- Socrates

Weekend Homework: 12/19 - 12/21

Sorry for not posting earlier. I have been traveling and without internet. Fortunately, we discussed the homework in class. Just to reiterate, read up to page 66. Complete and type the essay from passage 1. 

For our short week I am trying to consider how to get through everything I need to get through before break. The reading for the break will be Camus' The Stranger. I will hand out books tomorrow and post the assignment on the blog during the break. I want to give another close reading for Heart, and a multiple choice diagnostic as well. 25 questions and a few passages. I would love to show Apocalypse Now, but that may have to wait until we return from break as a separate assignment. As far as Independent Reading goes, We will postpone the due date for the project to January 16th. This should allow you time to get through both books. I would also like to assign another close reading/essay for Heart. I know this is a lot. Good thing you are are young. 

Homework 12/18

Hello. For this evening, please read to the end of part 2 in the book. I would like you to continue to isolate passages that we can use in small group discussions. You should also complete the vocabulary for the week. Tomorrow we will use the remainder of the period to discuss the reading and work on our essays. You will complete the essay at home and bring it in typed on Monday, 12/22. Have a good night. 

Homework: 12/17

For this evening, you should read the next 6 pages of the book. Please come in tomorrow with at least 3 discussion points or questions you wish to address in small groups. We will also work on the essay in class, as I enjoy having a chance to see your work while still in the process. It helps me work individually with students and provide some guidance for your writing. 

We will work on the essays for one more day in class, then you will complete them at home and turn them in. 

The next four days look something like this:

Reading for homework. At 6 pages per night (including weekends) I am estimating that we finish the book by Next Tuesday. 

We will do another essay on Friday. A close reading of passage 2 and that will be do on Monday, 12/22. 

In thinking about the independent reading assignment, I would really like to assign another book over the holiday break. I was thinking that we would be reading two books if we were in class during that time anyway, and being off gives us additional time to read and write. I'm sure that as students in an AP Lit class, you feel the same way. If that means we need to adjust the I.R due dates, I can live with that. I will get some feedback tomorrow. 

Have a good night.

Homework: 12/15

For this evening's homework, I would like you to try to read the next 6 pages. I am hoping to have all of you up to page 36 (class edition) by tomorrow. Please look at today's handout as a guide for your reading and complete the questions as you come across them. I will have you work in groups at some point to compare answers, or to answer the questions together. 

Looking forward, there are a few things coming up: the reading cards are due on Wednesday, we will have a timed write this week at some point, vocabulary is listed in this email - due Friday. 

In addition you have worked on two paragraphs for me in class. These paragraphs should be kept in your writing portfolio and brought with you to class. These should be completed. If you did not do the assignment in class, you need to do at home. 

Vocabulary:

Pestilence 

Deplorable

Impudence

Edifying

Languidly

Sententious

Prodigious

Fecundity

Propensity

Ascetic

Sunday 12/14

I apologize for not posting earlier. As a result, Homework will be limited to the assignments you have due. For reading, you should try to read at least three pages, but if you don't get to it, I will understand. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

Homework: 12/11

Good evening. For tonight you should read the rest of part 1 of the book. Do your vocabulary and come prepared for a quiz on  the words - regardless of whether we have one or not. We will spend the last hour of the class taking an AP diagnostic. Copies should be ready by 5th period. This is a one hour, 55 question, multiple choice practice test. There is no essay. 

Make sure you choose a book for the independent reading assignment. Reading cards due soon (17th) and your reading schedule due on the (15th). We will work on more paragraphs as we move on. I will give you an official schedule for Heart of Darkness and due dates for the I. R. assignment on Monday. 

The reading schedule should be a typed, formal breakdown of the five sections of the book with a reading schedule and plan for completing the book by January 5th, 2009. 

Homework: 12/10

Please read the next 6 pages of the book this evening. Continue to isolate passages of particular interest/relevance/significance. Tomorrow we will spend the first part of the class allowing Tanya, Marcia, and Jeffery to present their group analysis of the text. They have decided to do a close reading of the first part of the book. They will discuss Conrad's use of language to convey larger ideas and provide some insight into the meaning of the words. Please come prepared to contribute to the presentation having read and taken notes on the readings so far.

Two Comments. I must say that I was happy with some of the paragraphs I read today in class. I noticed a definite improvement in structure and organization of your ideas. The key to good writing - at least on school-based assignments - is clarity and organization. A clear thesis leads to solid topic sentences, which in turn leads to well-structured and well-organized essays. Let's continue to work toward that end.

Lastly, there is still too much talking during our writing assignments. Writing is a key component to AP Literature and COMPOSITION, and therefore should be taken seriously. It is very difficult to write effectively and organize one's thoughts without absolute quiet. Please do not force me to become the teacher I do want to be. I am asking you all to self-govern and show academic respect and maturity. I know that many of you are legitimately discussing the text, but an individually assigned writing task is not the time to do so. I have a lot of respect for all of you and I ask that you respect the class and your classmates. I want to avoid classroom confrontation as that only serves to weaken a class and creates a negative tone. I can handle a little talking, but please pick appropriate times. I am confident that this will be all that is necessary to solve this minor issue.

Homework: 12/09

Good evening, 

Please read the next 6 pages of the book. Then, I would like you to once again bring in at least two passages for discussion. You should also make notes of the specific use of literary devices, elements, etc. Have a good night.

Homework: 12/08

I hope that you are all finding the book manageable at this point. I will not require any additional reading tonight, but you should go back and take a look at the selection from the weekend reading. You should also read the handouts distributed in class today to gain some context and understanding of the author, time period, history, etc.

Please come prepared to work in small groups and discuss the reading from the first 10 pages. Please bring in questions for the discussion, as well as a brief passage that you found difficult, significant, meaningful, or insightful. These passages - which need not be long -  will fuel the group discussions and allow for a vibrant discourse between group members.

I will set a date of Monday, December 15th for your Reading schedule for the new independent reading assignment. I will give you a due date for the book, but you can count on a similar schedule with staggered due dates for each individual component. I will change the assignment for the next I.R. project, but we will keep it the same for this one. 

Also, we need to begin to make up the writing conferences for those who missed or were rescheduled, and schedule meetings for those who have not done so yet. 

One last thing. The school is doing a canned food drive for the less fortunate. They have decided to run it through the English department this year. The winning class get some kind of a prize. I keep forgetting to mention it, so remind me tomorrow. Let's all think about bringing in cans to help the cause. 

Weekend Homework: 12/05 - 12/06

For this weekend I would like you to do two things. First, Read the first 10 pages of the book. While reading, begin to take note of the motifs found in the book. Exploration, light and dark imagery, trade, imperialism, colonialism, race. Be aware that there is some racism in the book, so we must understand its significance as well. You should also take note of the use of the "framing narrative," essentially the the name we use for books that have a story within a story. How does the narration allow for critical interpretation? Begin to use post-it notes and read closely and carefully.

Second, Read and annotate the poem, "The Hollow Men," by T.S. Eliot. We will discuss on Monday in class. 

Homework: 12/04

Hello. For this evening, you should complete the vocabulary homework assignment and be prepared for a quiz tomorrow. Words are included in this email.

A few things to consider:

We will begin Conrad's Heart of Darkness  this weekend and do some preliminary work with the book starting tomorrow. We will also spend some time working to perfect the paragraphs for Roethke's poem. The next five reading cards are due on Wednesday, December 17th. As per request, the next independent reading list is found at the end of this email. Same assignment, but we will go over that in class. Next week we will have a multiple choice diagnostic. 

Words for vocabulary:

Ostentatious, Iridescent, Attenuate, Recrudescent, Cajole, Venerable, Punctilious, Temerity, Obstreperous, Fractious.

Independent Reading Assignment List:

1. Arthur Miller - Death of a Salesman

2. Ken Kesey- One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

3. Tim O'Brien - The Things They Carried 

4. Richard Wright - Native Son 

5. Henry James - Portrait of a Lady

6. Leslie Marmon Silko - Ceremony

7. Khaled Hosseinii - The Kite Runner

8. Louise Erdich - Love Medicine

9. Thomas Hardy - Tess of the D'urbervilles

10. Miguel de Cervantes - Don Quixote

Thanksgiving Homework

First, let me wish you all a safe, happy, and healthy Thanksgiving weekend. Take some time to enjoy family and friends and relax. And of course, indulge in the spirit of the holiday by eating to your heart's content.

Now, after you have accomplished the above, you need to focus on the work for your classes. Like you, I fully intend to enjoy the weekend, however, I also have to shift focus and utilize the time off to get caught up on my grading, lessons, and calculating marking period grades. The lives of teachers and students aren't easy, and the workload never seems to ease - at least not until June. 

To that end, I will spend much of my time working. I would like you to do the same. Rather than assign additional work, which would render you further behind, I would like you to focus on getting your work for AP Lit caught up. If you are missing assignments, complete them. The only thing that I will require of you is to complete the book. I can accept late assignments until Monday, but no later. My grades are due Tuesday. I am going to enter in your independent reading assignment grade as is. If you are missing the questions, you miss 100 points. If you turn them in late, I will give you credit - late points deducted. 

Next week, we will have a final assignment, a close reading, and final discussions about the themes. You will also have a timed write and a multiple choice diagnostic. We will also begin a new book, assign more reading cards, and begin another independent reading assignment. A lot to do I know. Let's get caught up and begin fresh next week. As Pope said, "Hope springs eternal in the human breast." Truer words have rarely been spoken.

Homework: 11/24

Please read chapter 21 for homework. We will continue to work on your group assignments in class for the next two days. Please keep up with the reading as we will not have time to discuss these chapters until after the Thanksgiving break. 

Homework: 11/21 - 11/22

For this weekend, please read chapters 18, 19, and 20.

While reading look for Ellison's use of symbolism, irony, and allusion throughout these chapter. I would like to discuss what you find in class, so make sure you take good notes this weekend. Consider the letter he receives as it seems to recapitulate this idea of "running on a treadmill" for African Americans. Also, Consider the role Frederick Douglass played as an advocate for the Women's Suffrage Movement. How does that connect to the Invisible Man?

Have fun.

Homework 11/19

Hello. Tonight I would like you to read chapter 17 in the novel. We will not have an opportunity to discuss in class, so please make sure that you take notes for discussion on Friday.

I do feel that it is incumbent upon me to mention something. As I look around the room, I see more and more students with their heads down, or outright sleeping. While I realize that we are keeping late hours of late, there is never an excuse for sleeping in your classes. It is rude inappropriate. I find that I am allowing my AP class to do things that I would never allow in my other classes. While I tend to give you more freedom and approach your class with a level of flexibility not afforded other classes, I believe that this is doing you a disservice. Sleeping in a college course will deeply offend professors and tarnish your reputation as a serious, dedicated student. In addition, as interesting as I am, why would any of you be anything other than riveted and captivated by my lectures. And if you aren't, you should pretend that you are. Since I have been accused of late of not having a "heart," I do not want to call anyone out in front of the class. Please make every effort to get your rest at home, and come to school rested and prepared to work. Part of life is putting on a smile and pretending to enjoy something even when you don't.

Homework: 11/18

Hello, for tonight, please read chapter 16 for homework. Tomorrow we will discuss the chapter and talk briefly about the midterm on Thursday. 

I know that many of you are still working diligently to complete you college application requirements. I do understand that this is a chaotic and emotionally draining time for you. However, I do want to make sure that we are giving the required attention and time to the novel. It is an important novel, and I would hate to think that we aren't doing it justice. Please make sure that you are annotating the novel and taking the time to consider the text in an analytical way. You should - at the very least - be prepared each day to discuss the text in a critical and sophisticated manner. Also, I really need more people to contribute to the class discussions. I am working on a way to get more of you involved. That will follow soon. 

For those who have fallen a little behind, all I ask is for you to make an earnest effort to get the assignments completed and turned in at your earliest convenience. If that cannot happen before Thanksgiving, then perhaps that weekend will provide you with the requisite time to do so. 

Homework: 11/17

For tonight, read the rest of 14 and complete chapter 15. We will discuss tomorrow in class. We will likely do a close reading, or do some writing. 

Homework: 11/15 - 11/16

For this weekend,  you can work on your stories. No reading. College apps are done. Have some fun writing. Complete your stories. 

Homework 11/13

For tonight, take the night off from reading. Work on your stories, or anything else you may need to finish. Tomorrow, we will conduct a close reading of the speech and the conversation with the man in the cafe. 

The folders I gave out yesterday, should house your essay-related work for AP Literature. This will be an informal portfolio and will be used to track your progress throughout the year. 

Reading.

You can limit your reading to chapter 12 for tomorrow. Don't worry about 13. 

Sunday 11/9

Today is a late post, but really I just need to give an update on where we stand. You should all have read chapters 10,11 in the text and completed the close reading. If you don't get to complete the close reading, I will give some time in class tomorrow. The final part of your independent reading assignment is due tomorrow. That includes your typed passage and multiple choice questions. Some of you are falling behind and really need to get caught up - quickly. I don't need to remind you that this is an AP class. While I will try to reasonably accommodate your temporary negligence, it is important to keep up with all assigned work and adhere to the due dates. If this seems like an insurmountable task, then we need to have a discussion as to why. I will suspend much of the outside work for this week (except reading) to let you all complete your college application requirements. In fact, let me further extend the short story due date to Monday, 11/17 (I'm not sure, but we may have already decided this) to relieve some additional pressure. 

This week I will begin to schedule writing conferences to discuss your writing. The first meeting will be an informal conversation and a brief discussion about goals. We will then follow up with a more formal discussion about your strengths and weaknesses. The conferences will begin next week. 

Sadly, "Tale of Two Cities," is closing today. Sorry we did not get to see it. I will try to plan something for us at a later date. 

No school this Tuesday.

Homework 11/3

There is a lot going on this week and so I want to make sure everyone is clear on assignments and due dates. This should bring us up to date.

Reading cards - let's make it 10 - are due on Wednesday.

The short story is due on 11/17.

The essay I assigned today is due on Friday, 11/7. This should be 2 pages, typed, 12 font, etc.

You need to read chapters 7 and 8. 

Make sure to blog your multiple choice question if you did not turn it in today. 

Looks like the play is looking like 11/18.

Did I miss anything? Let me know. 

"Tale of Two Cities" poll

Use the voting link to the right to let me know which date you would prefer to attend the play. I need to know soon, so that I can make arrangements. Thanks for your prompt attention. Check with you parents and let me know. Tickets are 39.00 for the show. Also, if any of you have parents/guardians who would like to attend, they are welcome as well.

Weekend homework: 10/31 - 11/2

First of all, have a fun and safe Halloween tonight, and good luck to all who are taking the SAT tomorrow. I know you will do well. 

For homework, please read chapter's 5 and 6 for the weekend. Complete your journal entries and hand them in on Monday. Also, you need to give me the chapter two work for the novel. You should begin to consider the m/c questions for the independent reading, as they are due Monday, the 10th. I want to give a due date of November, 14th for the short story. I will try to give you some class time, but it still needs to be done. I will not assign another independent reading until that assignment is complete. Have a good weekend. 

Homework 10/30

For tonight, please read chapter 4 of the novel. Please bring the work you did on chapter two, as I never collected it. Do your vocabulary for the week and bring tomorrow for checking. There will be an essay assigned as well. I know you have your journal entries to do this weekend, so I will try to be reasonable with the essay. Any concerns, please let me know. Good multiple-choice discussion today.

Homework 10/29

For tonight, you should read chapter 3 of the novel. Please answer questions 7 and 8 from today's assignment and be prepared to discuss tomorrow. We will have some time to work on our short stories. Perhaps a timed write. We'll see.

Homework 10/28

For tonight, you should read the second chapter of the novel. Focus on the road as a metaphor, diction and syntax  esp.  the trustees' arrival at founder's day, Trueblood's tone, and Mr. Norton's 100.00 gift. Consider the points above. Tomorrow we will have an abbreviated group activity, as I want to give you some time to write creatively during the second part of the course. 

I want you to continue to work on your short stories. I would like to get these completed within the next two weeks. So, I will dedicate a few class periods to working on them.

Homework 10/27

For tonight, you should read the prologue and chapter one of "Invisible Man." At this point, you should have purchased the book, or you should have purchased post-it notes. Either way, you should read critically and practice marginalia, or post-it(talia) and take critical notes. Be prepared to work in groups tomorrow. While reading, consider the significance of the grandfather's advice, racial suggestions, and signs of assimilation. In addition, look for effective use of figurative language, plot, setting, structure, etc.

Words for the week:

Avocation,  Ascertain,  Remunerative , Pursy,  Countenance,  Evinced

Benighted,  Vacillating,  Grist,  Vaunted,  Nebulous,  Extol

Index Cards: Definition, Pronunciation, Sentence, and Synonym. Due Friday

Homework 10/25

Sorry for the late post. Since, you are getting this late, I will not require Invisible Man reading this weekend. You should, however, read the story, "Owl Creek." After reading please answer the following question:

Farqhuar experiences a heightened sensitivity to his surroundings right before he is to be executed. How might one account for this? In other words, explain the significance from a human perspective, not necessarily a literary perspective. You should integrate textual evidence. This can be accomplished in two paragraphs. Typed is best. Use your discretion. 

Homework 10/23

Read the introduction to  "Invisible Man." Vocabulary is due, and there will be a quiz tomorrow. Short day. 38 minutes. 

Vocabulary

Admixture

Ape

Fop

Corroborate

Eclectic

Asunder

Mercurial 

Cleave

Saturnine

Parsimonious

Homework 10/21

For tonight, I would like you to work on your short stories. Thinking about the dates, I would like a rough draft of your story to be ready Monday 10/27. This gives you a little time to work on them. I would like you to brainstorm some ideas this evening. What do you want to say? Is there a particular theme that you would like to convey? Do you have an idea for an interesting character? Is there story you have always wanted to tell? We will spend some time writing in class, but continue to work on these at home. 

For the novel, I have chosen Invisible Man. It is a relevant book, that makes sense for us. Please feel free to purchase a copy if you like to keep your books and mark in them. I will also work in Heart of Darkness, but more on that later. We will begin some pre-reading activities tomorrow and hand out the books for those that choose not to buy it. 

As far as the multiple choice, we will do some more practice and go over some of the questions you got wrong. Don't worry too much if you did poorly on this one; it was a bit harder. 

Some things I need to give you: the dates for the "Tale of Two Cities," Reading schedule for the novel, additional handouts for the written part of the AP exam. A lot to do I know...

Homework 10/17 - 10/19

For this weekend, you should take some time to catch up on your independent reading assignment. Check the handout for due dates and make sure that you are staying on schedule. These things have a way of creeping up on us. Work on college essays.

Some things to look forward to:

We will begin a new unit next week. I am considering the the following novels for deeper study:

Huck Finn

Crime and Punishment

Pride and Prejudice

The Invisible Man

We will also spend some time going over the multiple choice questions and working on some writing. In addition, I will assign an essay for the short story unit.

Homework 10/16

Okay, let's all take a deep breath. You have all worked hard this marking period and we have reached the end. The next unit will begin shortly. In order to wrap up marking period one, I want to spend a little time gathering final assignments and tying up loose ends. We need to discuss the final story, complete the college essay, and have a culminating assignment to the short story unit. I hope that you found the stories interesting, if nothing else. We read some great authors and you were introduced to some of the most influential writers in literary history. Remember, this is a survey of literature. One of my goals is to expose you to authors, ideas, genres, and philosophies, and to give you a well-rounded introduction to the literary canon. I hope that you had a little time to appreciate the literature as literature. I know it can be difficult when you are constantly asked to analyze for meaning. 

For homework, you should spend a little time working on your independent reading assignment. Read last night's story. Come prepared for a group activity and timed write for part 2. Check Snapgrades. 

Homework 10/15

Please read "A Good Man is Hard to Find." Concentrate on character as you read the story. We will discuss tomorrow. I have attached the story in the literature links. 

Tomorrow, we will have a multiple choice practice for the second part of the class, and a timed write on Friday.

Journals due on Tomorrow

Weekend homework: 10/11 - 10/14

For this weekend's homework, there are several things that need to be done. First, complete the timed write on P.O.V. Make sure to give yourself 40 minutes and stop at that point. It does you no good to write longer. Next, you should read Oates' story, "Where are you going, Where have you been." Zineb's group is presenting. Finally, Maggie asked about the first part of the independent reading assignment that is due on the 14th. I forgot that we do not have school Monday . So, here it is. It is a simple task. You need to provide the following:

1. Author

2. Title

3. Publisher and year

4. Your page breakdown of the five sections

5. Your schedule for completing each section

Do your best on this. It is not complicated. 

One last thing about the two trips we talked about today in class. If you are interested in going to the play for 30 dollars, let me know on this post (or in class if you prefer). 

The other trip we discussed in class is a great opportunity if anyone is interested. I know that it is a lot of money, but it might be something to consider. I found out today that it is not necessary to get school permission and parents can come. The cost might be more like 2500, but that includes most of what you will need. They also provide fundraiser ideas if we want to o that route. If you are even remotely interested let me know here. There are other trips that include more countries. In the end, we don't have to do it, but it is worth considering. Let me know what you think.

Homework 10/8

Please read the story, "Roman Fever." We have a group that will present on Friday. Please let me know if you want to see me Friday or Monday to discuss your college essay. I will bring in a sign up sheet. We need to get these essays done. More to follow.

Homework 10/7

Please read "The Guest." Then, using the story and today's discussion, please answer the following questions. Answer them fully and use textual support when possible. 

One thing to consider. Two authors primarily associated with Existentialism are Albert Camus and Jean Paul Satre. The two were contemporaries, in fact friends. Ultimately their friendship would end due to some political disagreements. Satre, unlike Camus who believed that the world is a meaningless place and human actions futile,  believed that one must make meaning for oneself despite the absurdity, and this process of making meaning will bring about an optimism for human existence. Satre also argued that when we make choices, we assert the value of what we choose.

1. How does Camus emphasize through setting that the universe is a random and absurd place?

2. Camus argued that he wasn't an existentialist, does Camus' story reflect his difference with     Satre (see above)? How?

3. What is valuable to Daru? Does he demonstrate an awareness that his behavior may be           serving as a model to others

4. What is ironic about the story?

A quick apology to Anna. I am sorry I missed our appointment. I went a little over with Lorin in the writing center during period 9. I didn't get to my room until 3:05. Sorry again.

Homework 10/6

Hello. Okay, for tonight I would like you to choose one of the poems that we read in class today. Read it again in the quiet solitude of your home. Consider what is going on in the poem. Consider the literary devices that are at work in the poem. Then, write a brief analysis of the poem, in which you discuss how the literary devices impact the work as a whole. Make sure to focus on the one device that applies to the poem from today's activity. If you aren't sure what they are, please let me know through the comments section of the post. I will check the comments by 7, but not after. 

Also, for the 2nd part of the class tomorrow, please choose a story that you feel has strong characters, as this will be the basis for the timed write. Prepare it by using marginal notes, etc. Focus on character. It can be any story from any section, as long as we read it in class. 

Homework 10/4-5

Hello, sorry for the late post, but I had a little trouble this weekend getting onto the site actually posting. In any case, I am not going to assign a reading for this weekend. I would like you to prepare a story for a  character timed write (40 minutes) for tomorrow's 2nd part of the class. You should plan to write something each day for timed write practice. I may also throw a multiple choice in as well.

For the upcoming week, we will be doing a lot of writing, primarily in class, but perhaps one out of class as well. I am preparing the rest of the short stories for the unit and you will have that soon. You should continue to work on your independent reading book. Take a look at the due dates to stay on schedule. 

"The Guest" will be the next story. 

Homework 10/2

Okay, for tonight please complete the first revision of your college essay and bring it tomorrow. I can begin the editing phase and schedule conferences with you. 

You should also read "Enormous Wings." Jasmine's group will present. You should consider the element of fantasy associated with the author. Please bring a few questions you would like to discuss in class tomorrow. 

Update 10/1

Hello all, I must apologize for not posting earlier. I hope you had an enjoyable break over the last two days, or if you are celebrating the holiday, I hope it was a nice one for you and your families. 

I decided to allow you to have a couple days to work on making corrections on your college essays, and to consider a book for your independent reading. I would like to collect college essays on Friday. After which, I would like each of you to schedule an appointment to see me for a personal conference on your writing. At that point you will have to revise your essay and a due date will be set. Since everyone will have a different meeting time, essay due dates will vary. 

For tomorrow we will work in groups to discuss Hawthorne's short story. I didn't want to schedule another story before we discussed that one. 

Weekend homework: 9/26 - 9/28

For this weekend let's work on those college essays, as the first draft is due on Monday. You should also read Hawthorne's story, "Young Goodman Brown." I will post the link to the story on the literature links. Enjoy

Other things to expect:

We will have an opportunity to do some peer editing on our college essays Monday. I will hand out the independent reading assignment sheet as well as the literary key terms I promised you. 

Several short stories slated for next week. I want to work in some multiple choice and timed writes as well. Remember, we have a short week next week, so a lot to do in short period of time. I will try to remember to bring in books from the authors we have read. Okay, have a good weekend. 

Delis, do you still want Gordimer's,  July People?

My absence 9/25

For tomorrow - if you're reading this tonight - you need to read Jackson's story, "The Lottery." You should do so in small groups. I am not sure if this is in all editions of Perrine's, so I have added the link here. Please come prepared with the story and ready to discuss. Have a good day. Vocabulary Friday.

Some thoughts on upcoming work

At this point you need to be aware of what ongoing assignments are happening now and their due dates:

Independent reading book - you should have chosen, or be in the process of choosing, a book by a short story author we read in class. This project will be due in approximately three weeks. More to follow on the assignment and the actual date.

Small group presentation - You will be scheduled for this in the near future. I am always looking for volunteers. 

College essay - First drat is due on Monday 9/29. No exceptions. 

Homework 9/22

For tonight's homework, please read "A Rose for Emily." I have a attached a copy of the story for you in the literature links. Please come up with some questions for the presenters tomorrow. Tomorrow Delis and her group will present. Not sure who the others are. Sorry. 

Homework: 9/19 - 9/21

For homework this weekend, please read "Hills Like White Elephants." It may not be in your book so I will post it in the links. You should also choose a story you have not written about and begin to prepare it for a timed write. By preparing you should read or re-read it. Make notes, highlight, underline, etc., in order to understand how the literary elements function within the text. This will be on character. 

Also, I am posting an article by Peggy Noonan. She is a prolific writer for the Wall Street Journal and NYT. It is not required, but feel free to read it if you are interested. It is a good idea to begin to become familiar with specific writers of op-ed pieces and non-fiction. 

Homework: 9/16

Please read "Gooseberries" and consider the theme(s) of the story. Also, the group presenting tomorrow should prepare for the presentation. Thanks. Group presenting is Janard, Daniel, Chris and Ronald.

Homework: 9/15

Read "Once Upon a Time." Work on the vocabulary. Answer questions 1, 4, and 6.

Weekend Homework: 9/12 - 9/14

For this writing assignment, I would like you to choose a story that we read, or one that you have read outside of class, and write a 500 word essay on how the author uses plot/structure to convey meaning to the reader. In other words, how does the plot/structure function within the story to contribute to the overall meaning? Good Luck. Have a great weekend. Please note; this is not plot summary. I want you to discuss how it functions as a literary element. 

Homework: 9/9

Please Read "Interpreter of Maladies" for homework. Consider the importance of tone as you read. What are the various connotations of maladies in the story? Who is sick? How are the maladies presented? Look for specific details as you think about tone of the descriptions.

Weekend Homework 9/6 - 9/7

Hello,

I have listed - as a link - one of my favorite poems by T.S. Eliot. I believe that two of the saddest lines in all of poetry exist within this poem. Perhaps you will agree. Perhaps you can guess what they are. For homework, please read the poem and annotate the poem to the best of your ability. Discuss Eliot's use of figurative language and how it impacts the work as a whole. Is there a theme or idea you found? Come to class Monday prepared to discuss it in small groups and as a class. First and foremost, enjoy it. Have a great weekend. 

Welcome to AP Literature

Hello. 

I want to tell you how excited I am to work with you this year in AP Literature. I am eager to get started and look forward to reading and discussing some great literature throughout the next 10 months. Let's start a dialogue. Please sign in and leave a comment. Thanks.