Summing up the Stranger

Here is the assignment we are working on Monday and Tuesday  in class.

It is due 5/22/17, no exceptions.

Please email me if you have any questions or problems.

Call my friend Ishmael

If you want extra credit.

It's pretty simple:  20 points that will go ANYWHERE You need it.  Just call Ishmael and leave a message about a book you love, explaining what you love so much about it.

The link to the site is here and the number is at the top of the page.  Once you call, send me a text or email and I'll search it up, listen, and give you the points.  Here is ONE from last year.  Here's one that I did.

Simple.

8th period: your question

I had to leave half day, so this question was already answered by period 2.  Here it is:

After your read chapters 1 and 2 of The Stranger, answer the following question:

What is Mersault's view of death and its rituals? In what ways does he see this as absurd?  How do you know this from his behavior during his mom's funeral? In what ways do the people at the home do "what is expected" when someone dies instead of perhaps what they really feel?

Do you think Mersault is sad about his mother's passing?  Why or why not?

Eternal Sunshine and Other Reminders

**I accidentally posted this on the freshman blog yesterday.  Sorry!

If you didn't finish watching Eternal Sunshine, please do.  A link to watch is here.

The quote that inspired the title, by the way, is by Alexander Pope. (Kirsten Dunst actually says it in the movie).

“How happy is the blameless vestal’s lot!
The world forgetting, by the world forgot.
Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind!
Each pray’r accepted, and each wish resign’d”

Today, I gave you a calendar for our last novel, The Stranger, by Albert Camus.

We also watched this(in 8th), which I felt again stressed our theme of the year: connection.

Please read the remainder of chapter 1 for tomorrow.

Rock

Personal Philosophy

This weekend, you should write your personal philosophy in full.


This will include how you will live your life, treat others, your responsibilities, and any other bits of information you feel are relevant.  (basic beliefs, approach to living life)

Think about:

-What do you get up each and every morning wanting to do?

-What directs your actions and decisions, especially the impulsive ones?

-What gives you a sense of satisfaction at the end of the day?

-What feeling is in the core of your soul that you know to be self-evident?

-Why are your beliefs important to you?

-How does your philosophy measure up to higher standards or ideals?

This should be approximately 250-300 words.  Of course, it may be more, but there's no need to be wordy.

Due Monday by the start of class.  You may email it to me if you would like.

Othello/Fences Essay: Due Monday by 11:59PM

Looking at the fences of Troy Maxson and the fences of Othello, respond to the following prompt:

Compare and contrast the main characters of Fences and Othello, taking into account the following questions:

In what ways did these characters use metaphorical fences to shield themselves from the world?  In what ways did they use them to keep people in?  Why do you think they did this?  How did their psychological worldview affect their lives, and in the end, cause their tragic endings?  How are these characters similar? (In other words, what is the psychology behind them?) 

This should be a well-organized, 4-6 paragraph essay that is well-developed.  It should include original thought, ideas, and textual analysis. Quotes from the text are welcome, but not necessary.  Specific examples are important.

Fences assignment: Due Monday

Part 1.  Complete the” Life Fences” assignment.

Part 2. Essay

Looking at your own personal fences, the ones you have chosen to create to keep things both close and far, respond to the following prompt:

In what ways have you used metaphorical fences to shield yourself from the world?  In what ways have you used them to keep people in?  Which character in the story most closely mirrors your behavior?  Explain why.

This should be a well-organized, 4-6 paragraph essay that is well-developed.  It should include original thought, ideas, and personal revelation.

Your observations about the characters in Fences is part of this assignment; anyone who uses the internet as a resource will receive a ‘0.’

This is due on Monday, January 30^th by 11:59PM to my inbox, or may be given to me in class that day.

 A link to all of this can be found here.

This weekend...

Please read this and answer the last question on this for Tuesday.

We will talk about Marquez, his connection to August Wilson, and the story itself.

The question:

What, exactly, is Marquez saying about society in his story?  His style is magical realism; he uses magical elements to reveal a truth.  How does he illustrate this truth in the story?  Do you agree with his point of view?