A Book by Another Name

When Steinbeck first finished the manuscript of this novel, he entitled it Something That Happened. Then he remembered the Burns' poem he had always loved: "To a Mouse," and he changed the title to Of Mice and Men. Which title do you think is best? Why? What part of the novel conveys this title choice best? (This post closes at midnight Sunday, August 30, 2009.)

A Mini World

The ranch can be called a microcosm, which is a miniature world. There are all types of people in a world and on this ranch. Select one character from the novel and explain what type of person he/she represents in the world. Explain how/why this character adds interest to the ranch-world. (This post closes at midnight on August 23rd)

What We Like to Read

My favorite book is The Scarlet Letter because it proves that no matter how difficult life is, how misjudging others can be, and how restricting society can be, a person can survive. In The Scarlet Letter, the main character Hester faces many trials and tribulations, yet prevails. This book inspires me to keep my head up and do what I feel is right, whether others agree or not. I have just shared my favorite book and what I feel about it with you. Please do the same. Tell us your favorite book and why? Remember to only put your initials and the block after your post, for example:(KP-1) (This post closes at midnight on August 15th.)

Advancing....

This is the final post for the Class of 2010. You may now check kpapenglish.blogspot.com. There is a post there for extra credit. Have a wonderful READING summer. See you in August.

SUMMER READING

Hope you are enjoying your summer, but please remember to get your copies of the summer reading books for AP English IV. Everyone is required to read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and A Lesson Before Dying, plus an independent novel from the reading list. Several of you have already selected your independent novel, so the rest of you need to hurry and submit your choices to klpalombo@yahoo.com before they are all taken. Remember only one person per independent novel. Finally, since you are now AP level students, you need to start checking kpapenglish.blogspot.com for new posting opportunities throughout the summer. Have a restful summer.

"You are worth more than the whole damn bunch of them..."

Do not answer this question until you have finished reading the novel. Who is most responsible for Gatsby's death? Explain. (This post closes at midnight on May 19th)

The Great Gatsby

Fitzgerald writes of Gatsby that he represented everything for which Nick had "an unaffected scorn," yet "there was something gorgeous about him, some heightened sensitivity to the promises of life… an extraordinary gift of hope..." How and why is Gatsby such paradox? How do you feel about him now that we know who he really is? Why? (This post closes at midnight on May 14, 2009.)