Wishing you a very happy holiday season!

Christmas is a time of year when people come to act as they should have all year.  I hope that you have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

You are what you read...

There is an old adage that states, "You are what you eat."  I believe that people are WHAT they read because once you read a poem, a story, a play, or a novel, it becomes a part of your thoughts and if you are lucky enough to find something that touches you emotionally, it becomes a part of your soul.  We have read so much this semester.  Which pieces will be a part of you forever?  Why?  How did these pieces affect you?  (This is our last blog for this semester; the deadline to post is midnight Monday, December 12, 2011.)

Something That Happened...

When Steinbeck first wrote Of Mice and Men, he titled it Something That Happened.  Remembering the Robert Burn's poem (that we read), he retitled the book.  Do you think he made the right decision?  Why?  Also, please look at this picture and tell what you think of it.  Which aspect of the novel do you think this illustration best depicts?  Why?  (The deadline to post a reponse to this blog is midnight Thursday, December 8, 2011.)

"I tell you a person gets sick..."

We read Chapter 4 of OF MICE AND MEN today.  In this chapter, Steinbeck shows the many effects of loneliness and lost dreams. Explain how loneliness has affected Curley's wife, Crooks, and Candy.  (The deadline to post a reponse to this question is midnight, Sunday, December 4, 2011)

If these whitewashed walls could talk...

Today in Of Mice and Men, three important events occurred as the men sat in the bunkhouse: Candy's dog was shot, Candy, George and Lennie decided to buy their dream ranch, and Curley attacked Lennie.  Select one of these events and write about how Steinbeck created mood/tone of the scene.  Explain how this scene made you feel.  (The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight, Friday, December 2, 2011.)

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

Look at the picture next to this passage.  Based upon your reading of Ambrose Bierce's "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," does this picture capture the mood of the story?  Explain your stance with specifics from the story.  (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight Thursday, December 1, 2011.)

Giving Thanks

As we approach the end of the semester and Thanksgiving Day, I would like to tell you how much I have enjoyed having each of you in my class.  I hope that something we read inspired or interested you.  Therefore, of all the things we have read, which work are you most "thankful" for having read?  Why?  (The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight Friday, November 25, 2011.)

Voices from Beyond

Today, we read "Mrs. Charles Bliss" by Edgar Lee Masters. Read now the epitaph of Reverend Wiley. Compare their views and tones. (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight Friday, November 18, 2011.)
Rev. Lemuel Wiley
I preached four thousand sermons,
I conducted forty revivals,
And baptized many converts.
Yet no deed of mine
Shines brighter in the memory of the world,
And none is treasured more by me:
Look how I saved the Blisses from divorce.
And kept the children free from that disgrace,
To grow up into moral men and women,
Happy themselves a credit to the village.
Edgar Lee Masters

Prove it!

Now that you have completed 5 days of research, what will you prove/justify/defend in your paper?  Why have you selected this as your thesis? (The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight, Monday, November 7, 2011.)

RESEARCH**RESEARCH

We have begun our research projects.  Tell us something you have learned about your topic that you have found interesting.  (The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight, Wednesday, November 2, 2011.)

Looking for a hero...

Today, we read an excerpt from The Deerslayer, entitled "A Rescue." We had the opportunity to meet America's first literary hero:  Natty Bumppo.  We saw many traditional "superhero/adventure hero" aspects in the story.  Which element commonly found in adventure tales did you enjoy most?  Why? (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight, Friday, October 28, 2011.)

A Touch of Crimson

Today, we spoke briefly about "The Birthmark" by Nathaniel Hawthorne being an allegory--a story in which the characters, events, setting, objects, etc., are all symbols of something larger than themselves.  For example, the crimson hand upon Georgianna's check represents the flaw that is in all humanity.  Select one of the following and explain what you think it symbolizes:  Alymer, Georgianna, Aminadab, the laboratory, the red geranium.  (The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight Wednesday, October 26, 2011.)

"What was it that so unnerved me...as I came into view of the House of Usher..."

Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher contains many themes, including morality, madness, fear, balance (two parts making a whole), friendship, the arts (music, literature, painting) as healers, etc.  Which of these themes did you find most interesting?  Why?  What does Poe seem to be saying about this topic?  Explain.  (The deadline to post a response to this questio is midnight Saturday, October 22, 2011.)

What can I research?

If you are having difficulty selecting a topic for your research paper, try looking at the topics on this site.  Remember you must PROVE something about your topic rather than just report on things about this topic.  http://www.usd273.org/hslibrary/Topic%20Lists/Controversial%20Topics.htm

There is more to this story than plot...

Poe uses much symbolism and irony in "The Cask of Amontillado."  Select some symbol or element of irony in the story that drew your interest or helped you to understand the story more.  Tell us about and explain what it revealed and why you were drawn to it.  (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011.)

Tell me a story

Since the beginning of time, people have said to one another, "Tell me a story."  Many of these stories have been folktales. Most folktales contain common elements, such as subtle humor, stereotypical or stock characters, moral themes, eerie or strange settings, and rumor-based or word-of-mouth information. "The Devil and Tom Walker" is classified as an American folktale. Select any two elements of folktales and explain how the incorporation of these elements added to the story. How did these elements help the story?  (This post closes at midnight on Friday, October 14, 2011.)

Montag: The Man and The Book

Ray Bradbury ends Fahrenheit 451 with this passage from Revelations : "And on either side of the river was there a tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month; And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."  How does this passage, now part of the "book" that Montag is, reveal his metamorphosis in the novel?  (The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight Sunday, October 2, 2011.)

Sand through a Sieve

In part two of Fahrenheit 451, Faber asserts that books are feared because they "show the pores in the face of life" and make people uncomfortable. What the world needs, according to Faber, is quality of information like that found in books, the leisure to analyze and understand it, and the right to act on that understanding. To what extent do you agree or disagree with Faber's statements? Do all books provide "quality" of information? Do all people take time to analyze and understand what they read? Have you ever read a book that made you want to "act" based upon your understanding of that book's message? Share with us. (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight Friday, September 30, 2011.)

See No Evil***Speak No Evil***Hear No Evil

At the end of Part One of Fahrenheit 451, Beatty tells Montag that the firemen are "The Happiness Boys." This futuristic society is driven to be happy at all costs--including the loss of thought.  Which of their many actions and changes do you find most disturbing?  How has this desire to be happy hurt these people?  (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight, Saturday, September 24, 2011.)

The Wheels Stop Turning...

Now that we have finished The Crucible, I would like your honest opinion.  How does it rank as a work of literature?  What central theme/message did  you take from your reading?  Would you recommend this to others?  Justify.  (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight, Sunday, September 18, 2011.)

Don't forget

Remember to get your copy of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. We will start reading it this coming week now that we have finished reading The Crucible.

A Moment with Miller

Read the essay on the following link. Then, comment on what you believe to be the point of the essay. Cite a line that you think really shows the focus of the essay. (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight Monday, September 12, 2011.)http://www.writing.upenn.edu/~afilreis/50s/miller-mccarthyism.html

Could I have a moment of your time...

Imagine that you have the opportunity to speak with any character from the play. You have 2 minutes to talk to him or her. What would you like to tell this person? Why? HERE'S THE CATCH: YOU CAN NOT PICK THE SAME CHARACTER AS THE PERSON WHO POSTED BEFORE DIRECTLY BEFORE YOU AND IF YOU PICK THE SAME CHARACTER A PREVIOUS POSTER DID, YOU CAN NOT SAY THE SAME THING AS THE PREVIOUS POSTER. (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight Thursday, September 8, 2011)

Wheels Within Wheels...

Ann Putnam's statement in Act One of The Crucible that "...there are wheels within wheels and fires within fires" in Salem village present one of the major themes of the novel--selfishness/self-directed society. Which character do you feel is most self-directed and why? How does his/her self-motivation "spin" the wheels of others? In this blogging, you must read the responses given by your fellow classmates who posted before you. Not only must you add to the conversation, you must reply to their responses. I will start this comments. The person who comments after me can not write about the same person I did and must make some comment about what I said.(The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight Tuesday, September 6, 2011.)

The Master...

You have read two excerpts from Franklin's Autobiography, which is considered to the be masterpiece of the Colonial Literature period. From your readings, why do you think this is considered the prime writing of the time? What is its theme? What is Franklin's purpose? How can it relate to us today? (The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight Tuesday, August 30, 2011.)

And it shall come down...

In "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," Jonathan Edwards creates via great imagery the wrath of God upon sinners. Which image, metaphor, simile, personification, etc., did you find to be most effective in conveying Edwards' message? Explain how it made you feel and how you think the members of the congregation must have felt hearing this. (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight, Saturday, August 27, 2011.)

The Heart Speaks

"Each stroke of the pen echoes the beat of the poet's heart." We read three Puritan poems, all a message from their poet's heart. Which poem, "Upon the Burning of Our House," "To My Dear and Loving Husband," or "Huswifery," did you find most appealing? Why? (The deadline to respond to this post is midnight, Friday, August 26, 2011.)

The Creation of a Dream

Which of the aspects of the American Dream (abundant land, veritable wealth, religious fortitude, open hospitality, laborious work ethic, etc. ), established by the early American writers and explorers, do you feel was best conveyed in the writings of Columbus, Smith, and Bradford? Give specifics from the selections to support your claim. (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011.)

Books Needed

You will need to purchase your own copy of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. Here is a link to the book that I will be using. Please have your copy by September 13, 2011.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fahrenheit-451-ray-bradbury/1100383286?ean=9780345342966&itm=1&usri=fahrenheit%2b451

Welcome 2011-2012

Another school year has come to the Hancock High campus. You are a student in my 31st year of teaching, so I will bring all my experience to helping you learn new and exciting things about literature, writing, and research. I look forward to getting to know each and everyone of you and the unique aspects of your personality. Next to this post, you will see a picture of a butterfly. As the year progresses, you will get accustomed to seeing lots of butterflies in my room and in my jewelry. The butterfly is a special symbol to me. It means change, rebirth, joy, and self-discovery. It is a beautiful gift that comes from a difficult challenge. At times, my class may seem challenging and difficult, but I promise you that if you apply yourself, you will emerge at the end of the course with wonderful knowledge. This is going to be a great year!

You must do the thing you thing you can not do.

Well, you have done it now. You have finished AP English III and have done a wonderful job. It has been a great semester and I have loved every minute with you. From this moment on,you are to check KPAPENGLISH.blogspot.com. There you will find a listing of which books have been taken by whom for summer reading. See you in the fall.

Daisy!Daisy!Daisy!

Discuss the role of Daisy in The Great Gatsby. Is she really just a symbol of the illusive American dream or is she more? Defend your position. (The deadline to post a response is midnight Wednesday, May 18, 2011)

Something happened to blogger and the comments posted were lost. I know that 6 of you posted on the "relive the past" question below. However, they were lost in the bloger problem; therefore, I have changed the deadline for posting. If you posted, please post again; otherwise, you won't get credit. Sorry.

Of course you can, old sport.

When Nick tells Gatsby, "You can't repeat the past, " Gatsby replies, "Of course you can, old sport." Do you agree with Nick or Gatsby? Based upon the actions of the novel thus far, does Fitzgerald support Nick or Gatsby? Give proof. (The deadline to post a respone to this blog is midnight Thursday, May 16, 2011.)

Tell me where you live and I will tell you who you are...

F. Scott Fitzgerald is known for having said,"Rich people aren't like you and me." Chapter One of The Great Gatsby focuses a great deal on the homes and the actions in the homes of the rich. What is revealed via the setting about rich people? (The deadline to post to this question is midnight Sunday, May 8, 2011.)

Crystal Stairs...

We have read "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes and discussed how Hansberry's original title for A Raisin in the Sun was Crystal Stair, which comes from this Hughes' poem. Recall the message of the mother in the poem. Today, we learned Walter had lost the family money. Do you think Mama/Lena believes Walter has failed her? How does this poem reflect Mama's actions thus far in the play? (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight Wednesday, May 4, 2011.)

"Will Somebody LISTEN to me?"

At the end of Act One, Walter and Mama present their differing views on life and what is important in life. What are these views and with whose view do you most connect/understand/empathize? Why? (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight Friday, April 29, 2011.)

The Magic Beneath

Symbolism, I believe, is the magic beneath. It is the beauty of life, it is essence of being, it is that gasp of the heart when you read that perfect line. So much of the full meaning of The Glass Menagerie comes from the symbols Williams weaves into this poignant story. Which symbol--the unicorn, the candelabrum, the fire escape, electricity, Jim and Laura's waltz, the Paradise Dance Hall, Blue Roses, jonquils, the photograph of Mr. Wingfield, light, Laura's limp, etc--was the magic beneath the lines of the play for you? Explain what this symbol means and how it helped you to fully understand the many messages of the play. (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight Sunday, April 24, 2011.)

"You manufacture illusions..."

The characters in The Glass Menagerie live in the same apartment, but in very different worlds. Tom seeks a world of adventure in his movie going while Laura lives in a world of old phonograph records and tiny glass figures. What about their mother? In what world does she live? How does this world comfort or protect her from her reality? What is Tennessee Williams saying about her illusive world? (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight April 20, 2011.)

Voices from Beyond...

Today, we read "Mrs. Charles Bliss" by Edgar Lee Masters. Read now the epitaph of Reverend Wiley. Compare their views and tones. (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight Friday, April 15, 2011.)
Rev. Lemuel Wiley
I preached four thousand sermons,
I conducted forty revivals,
And baptized many converts.
Yet no deed of mine
Shines brighter in the memory of the world,
And none is treasured more by me:
Look how I saved the Blisses from divorce.
And kept the children free from that disgrace,
To grow up into moral men and women,
Happy themselves a credit to the village.
Edgar Lee Masters

The Heart Knows...

Today, we read Emily Dickinson's poem "Not with a Club the Heart is Broken." Now read this poem by Stephen Crane, and answer this prompt: "What is Crane's tone about love? Compare his view and the view of Dickinson. Which poem do you prefer? Why?" (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight Thursday, April 14, 2011.)

LOVE WALKED ALONE
Love walked alone.
The rocks cut her tender feet,
And the brambles tore her fair limbs.
There came a companion to her,
But, alas, he was no help
For his name was heart's pain.

By Any Other Name?

When Steinbeck first wrote this novel, he titled it "Something That Happened." Then, he remembered Robert Burn's poem "To a Mouse," from which he took the title. Which is the better title for this work? Why? (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight Sunday, April 3, 2011.)

"We're on the island of misfit toys..."

Chapter Four provides a look at the "misfits" of the ranch. Even among "their kind," these four-Crooks, Lennie, Curley's wife, and Candy--show both the human need for acceptance and the desire for dominance. Explain how so. Through which of these characters did Steinbeck best convey these conflicts in the human condition? Explain specifically. (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight April 1, 2011.)

"Guys like us.."

The ranch is a microcosm (miniature world) in which each character represents an archetype (a type) person. Which character has interested you the most? Why? What type/archetype does he/she represent? What do you think Steinbeck is saying about this type of person? (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight Wednesday, March 30, 2011).

He who fails to learn fails to grow...

Remember when you were in elementary school? Every day you came home and one of the first things your mother asked was "What did you learn today?" You are researching your own self-picked topic. Tell us something you learned about that topic today. (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight Friday, March 25, 2011.)

The Great Depression

We are about to begin discussing works from The Great Depression as we read Of Mice and Men. One piece of poetry that appeared during this time was Lament by Randolph Goodman. Read this poem and then share your feelings on its theme and the line the lines that best express this theme.

LAMENT

Sweet the water—
Bitter to taste
In a world submerged
In a maelstrom of haste . . .

Fair the sun-rays—
Dark to see
From workaday deeps,
Depths unhappy, unfree . . .

Sweet the blossom—
Acrid to smell
From an earth encrusted
With the Patines of Hell . . .

Fair the breezes—
Harsh to hear;
Discordantly blowing,
With the discord of Fear . . .

Sweet this Life—
God! to feel
Held tight to a Rack,
Fettered fast to a Wheel.

(The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight Sunday, March 13, 2011.)

And it shall come down...

In Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, Jonathan Edwards creates via great imagery the wrath of God upon sinners. Which image, metaphor, simile, personification, etc., did you find to be most effective in conveying Edwards' message? Explain how it made you feel and how you think the members of the congregation must have felt hearing this. (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight Saturday, March 5, 2011.)

Research! Research! Research!

After Spring Break, we will begin working on learning the research process and methods of documentation. For your research project, you will need the following supplies.
1. a legal pad with spiral binding at top (any color) but it needs to be 8 1/2 by 11 3/4. NO SMALLER.
2. 200 white 3x5 index cards with lines on one side
3. 3 different color highlighters
4. a roll of scotch tape (I recommend the type on a plastic dispenser)
5. black ink pens
6. Liquid Paper/correction fluid.

Remember we are researching topic of social controversy or concern. Here is a website that is help in finding a broad topic and in narrowing it down to one possible aspect of research.

http://www.valenciacc.edu/lrcwest/kaysmith.html