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.)