Wheels Within Wheels

Ann Putnam's statement in Act One of The Crucible that "...there are wheels within wheels and fires within fires" in Salem village presents one of the major themes of the play--selfishness/self-directed society. Which character do you feel is most self-directed and why? How does his/her self-motivation "spin" the wheels of others? In this blogging, you may comment on the same character as the person before did.  (The deadline to post a comment to this blog is midnight, Monday, September 8, 2014.)

The Puritan pen...

Although most of the Puritans shunned the fanciful and lived simplistic lives of spiritual denial, the poetry of Anne Bradstreet and Edward Taylor reveals much creativity and use of figurative language.  Likewise, the diary of William Bradford contains figurative language.  Which of the pieces--"Upon the Burning of Our House," "To My Dear and Loving Husband," "Huswifery," or The History of Plymouth of Plantation--did you find to be the creatively written yet strong in theme?  Give a line or passage from the work that you found most vivid or expressive.   THERE IS A CATCH HERE; YOU CAN'T GIVE THE SAME LINE/PASSAGE AS THE PEOPLE WHO POST PRIOR TO YOUR POST.  (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight, Sunday, August 31, 2014.)

American Dream 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 Wednesday, August 27, 2014.)

Land Ho!

People gather ideas about earlier cultures  from, among other things, the reports of
explorers such as Columbus. Modern societies often seal time capsules, to be found by
later generations, that reveal aspects of their culture. Imagine that you were to enclose in
a time capsule three 6 feet by 6 feet objects (perhaps a book, a mechanical device, a picture,or painting, and some clothes) that you feel represent America at the beginning  of the twenty-first century.  Tell briefly what these objects represent about our culture. (Deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight, Wednesday, August 20, 2014.)

Out of the Box Project

Our first class project is due on Monday, August 18, 2014.  It is the "Out of the Box" Project, in which you share things about yourself--your interests/hobbies, your favorite quote, your dreams/inspirations, your strengths, your weaknesses, and your family.   Briefly post a few things about the side of the box that you think best represents you and tell why.   (The deadline to post is midnight, Saturday, August 16, 2014.)

Valuable????

In "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker, we see a theme of value.  What do you think makes something valuable?  In the story, do Dee, Mama and Maggie have different senses of value?  Explain.  Decide what Alice Walker is saying through the story about value? (The deadline to post a response to the question is midnight, August 13, 2014.)

WELCOME TO ENGLISH III

George Eliot once wrote "It is never too late to be what you might have been."  This is one of my all time favorite quotes because it echoes my belief that anyone at anytime has the power to choose his destiny.  This semester as we journey through composition writing and American literature, I hope that you will find something that will inspire to choose the right destiny for yourself.  I hope that you will enjoy the class and let me help you improve and enhance your writing, grammar, and reading skills.  I look forward to getting to know each of you and making this a successful semester.  My first questions to you are "What would you like me to help you with this semester?  Why do you feel you need improvement in this area?  What would the best way(s) for me to teach you?"  (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight, Saturday, August 9, 2014.  Remember if you post to use your initials and the block to indicate who you are.)