The Tradition Begins

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 question is midnight Thursday, January 27, 2011)

The Future Approaches

Set in the 24th century, Fahrenheit 451 depicts a futuristic society complete with a vast technology. Although we have not reached the 24th century, which futuristic item (s) did you find most amazing and which did you find were now reality? Explain how these items made you feel as you encountered them and what effects did they have upon the storyline. (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight Friday, January 14, 2011).

BURNING BRIGHT

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. individualityfreedom of speech and the consequences of losing itthe importance of remembering and understanding historymachines as helpers to humans, machines as hindrances or enemiesAlso please answer the poll about the book in the column at the right. (The deadline to post a reply to this question is midnight Monday, January 3, 2010)

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. Also, please answer the poll to the right of this post about which works have you read. (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight, December 29, 2010)

HaPpY hOliDaYs!

As we approach Christmas Day, I wanted to share these wishes with you. May you find these gifts this holiday.
The Spirit of Christmas, which is Peace
The Gladness of Christmas, which is Hope
The Heart of Christmas, which is Love

INDIFFERENCE

I hope that you are enjoying Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. It truly is a "thinking" book. One of the many things I hope that you will think about as you read this novel is its theme of indifference. As you are reading Part One, what are some things you have noticed about the society that reveals their indifference? Does our present society share some of these indifferences? or others? Explain. ( The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight, December 24, 2010)

Daisy! Daisy! Daisy!

Discuss the many roles Daisy plays in The Great Gatsby. Is she dynamic or static, flat or round, antagonist, or merely a symbol of the American dream? (This post closes at midnight on Sunday, December 13th.)