Something That Happened...

When he first wrote this novel, Steinbeck titled it Something That Happened.  Then, he remembered the poem "To a Mouse,"which we read in class.  From that poem he took the title Of Mice and Men.  Which title Something that Happened or Of Mice and Men do you think is the better title?  Why?  Give specific reasons.  (The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight January 25, 2012.)

"They left all the weak ones here..."

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 January 22, 2012.)

"That dog ain't good to nobody..."

We have discussed the friendship shared by George and Lennie. Today, we read about a different type of friendship--Candy and his dog. In what ways is the friendship parallel to the one shared by George and Lennie? ( This blog closes at midnight on Thursday, January 19, 2012.)

"I got you and you got me"

We have just met George Milton and Lennie Small, the main characters in Of Mice and Men. These men are very different,but have a friendship.  Why do you think Steinbeck has made these men foils, character opposites?  What keeps them together?  (The deadline to post a comment to this blog question is midnight, Friday, January 13, 2012.)

Welcome to English III with KP

George Eliot once wrote "It is never too late to be what you might have been."  This is one of my all time favorite quotes because it echoes my belief that anyone at anytime has the power to choose his destiny.  This semester as we journey through composition writing and American literature, I hope that you will find something that will inspire to choose the right destiny for yourself.  I hope that you will enjoy the class and let me help you improve and enhance your writing, grammar, and reading skills.  I look forward to getting to know each of you and making this a successful semester.  My first questions to you are "What would you like me to help you with this semester?  Why do you feel you need improvement in this area?  What would the best way(s) for me to teach you?"  (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight, Sunday, January 8, 2012.  Remember if you post to use your initials and the block to indicate who you are.)