And, so it begins...

Although we have read only a few pages of The Crucible, we have encountered the basic premise of the play: some girls can't awake after being caught dancing in the woods.  Rumors are beginning and turning toward "supernatural" causes.  Why do you think people must have "reasons" for actions that they find out of the ordinary or strange?  Why do you think the Puritans have turned toward evil/devilish causes so quickly?  (The deadline to post a response is midnight, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014.)

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, February 21, 2014.)

Land Ho!

Having read two selections by European explorers to America--Christopher Columbus and John Smith--we have discussed their focus upon abundance, religion, wealth, and hospitality of Early America.  Time has changed these concepts of America in many ways. Which of the four aspects(abundance, religion, wealth, and hospitality) has remained basically the same throughout American history?  Which has changed the most?  Explain.  (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight, Thursday, February 13, 2014.)

You amaze me...

I am so proud of each of you who completed your essay.  You have shown me that you are willing to work hard.  Remember it will take me some time to grade your essays, but whether you make an A or a F, know that I am proud of you for having worked so hard on this. 

Heading toward the city...

Although Ray Bradbury's work is often referred to as science fiction, Fahrenheit 451 has plenty to say about the world as it is, and not as it could be. Now that you have finished reading the book, select one of the following themes from the novel and briefly explain what the book teaches about this concept.

conformity vs. individuality        
freedom of speech and the consequences of losing it          
the importance of remembering and understanding history
machines as helpers or hindrances/enemies to mankind
the individual versus society
the importance of thinking independently

Also please answer the poll about the books in the column at the right. (The deadline to post a reply to this question is midnight, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014)

Metamorphosis

In Part Three of Fahrenheit 451, Bradbury shows the changes that have occurred in both Montag and Faber in a week's time.  How have both Montag and Faber changed?  Did you expect them both to change or did one change surprise you more?  Explain.  (The deadline to post a response is midnight, February 3, 2014.)