Wishing you and your families all the best at this time...

I hope that all of you are doing well and that you and your families have not had great losses.  We do not have school until Tuesday, September 4th.   Please check in here and let me know you are ok.  Miss you lots.

Tell me about the rabbits, George...

I sincerely hope that each of you enjoyed Of Mice and Men.  It was a pleasure to discuss this novel with you.  You are all so bright and complex thinkers that I am looking forward to further discussions with you about American literature.  I am proud to call you my students.  Here is a picture of our Of Mice and Men quote wall.  Some of you picked such thought-provoking passages.  I have enjoyed reading what intrigued you. 

Something that happened...

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, Saturday, August 25, 2012.)

Land of Misfit Toys: "They left 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 August 22, 2012.)

In the bunkhouse...

 In  Chapter 3 in Of Mice and Men, three important events occur as the men sit in the bunkhouse: Candy's dog is shot, Candy, George, Lennie and Candy decide to buy their dream ranch, and Curley attacks Lennie. Select one of these events and write about how Steinbeck created mood/tone of the scene. Explain how this scene made you feel. (The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight, Friday, August 17, 2012.)

"I got you and you got me..."

George Milton and Lennie Small, the main characters of Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, are total opposites, yet they share a strong bond.  What message do you think Steinbeck is conveying through these polar opposites and their friendship and dream?  From chapter one, what part/line/passage really helped you to see this message?  (The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight, Monday, August 13, 2012.  Remember do not post your name, give only your initials and the block of our class.)

Beginning English III with KP

Welcome to the HHS school year 2012-2013.  I feel very fortunate to be teaching English III this semester.  This course has always been my favorite to teach.  When I look at the writing you will learn and reading you will experience, I am reminded of the quote you see on the picture next to this post.  Helen Keller is often credited with this quote and we all know how hard she had to struggle in her life, but we all know, too, what a wonderful and positive life she had.  This course will be challenging, yes, but I promise you, I will give it every thing I have to make this semester one you will never forget and one from which you will take many things.  Again, welcome to English III.  I am glad to have you as a student in my class.