English 210: Introduction to Literature--due 1/15/15

We're not done writing. You're never done writing. Not if you hope to enter the white collar, professional ranks, that is. Use this fantastic resource as you write about literature:


grammarly.com/grammarcheck

1) Select a spot where Golding's grammar is elaborate and perfect. React to that spot.

2) Select a spot where Golding's word choice (diction) transports the reader to a remote island in the South Pacific with vivid detail. React to that spot. 

Include page numbers from the novel.
Type 300+ total words.

Kesey Excerpt--due January 23

Ken Kesey experienced situations most readers wouldn't even consider while dreaming.  Type 300+ words about an excerpt--one you give the page number and paragraph number for--that only Kesey could have written.  Expound on Kesey's inventiveness, imagination, and authenticity. 

Narrative Essay Work--due October 17

http://danielyagminjr.blogspot.com/2010/05/cuckoos-nest-drawings.html

What ranks as the best narration--fiction or nonfiction--you've ever read?  What three literary devices make this narration especially epic?  Write 300+ words with three or more literary devices of your own to vividly communicate with the rest of us, telling the story of your immersion into your favorite story.  (The image is of Chief Bromden, my favorite narrator, in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.)


Book titles are italicized, while titles of shorter works are placed in quotation marks.

Thoughts Thursday--due January 31

Write 300+ words on one of the following options:

1) What Christian allusions/parallels rank as the most poignant for you?

2) What lens(es) help you interpret this novel best?  Marxist, Feminist, Freudian--or others you have researched and come to own...

3) What concept we discussed, whether briefly or at length, struck you as particularly fascinating and relevant?  Type 300+ words extending our discussion(s) to your life experiences and the world's vastness. 

READING: LITERATURE (GRADES 11-12)

Key Ideas and Details

RL.11-12.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.

RL.11-12.2 Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to produce a complex account; provide an objective summary of the text.

RL.11-12.3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story or drama (e.g., where a story is set, how the action is ordered, how the characters are introduced and developed).

Craft and Structure

RL.11-12.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful. (Include Shakespeare as well as other authors.)

RL.11-12.5 Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text (e.g., the choice of where to begin or end a story, the choice to provide a comedic or tragic resolution) contribute to its overall structure and meaning as well as its aesthetic impact.

RL.11-12.6 Analyze a case in which grasping a point of view requires distinguishing what is directly stated in a text from what is really meant (e.g., satire, sarcasm, irony, or understatement).

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

RL.11-12.7 Analyze multiple interpretations of a story, drama, or poem (e.g., recorded or live production of a play or recorded novel or poetry), evaluating how each version interprets the source text. (Include at least one play by Shakespeare and one play by an American dramatist.)

(RL.11-12.8 not applicable to literature)

RL.11-12.9 Demonstrate knowledge of eighteenth-, nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century foundational works of American literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics.

Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity

RL.11-12.10 By the end of grade 11, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 11–CCR text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range. 

By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, at the high end of the grades 11–CCR text complexity band independently and proficiently.

Thoughts Thursday--due January 24

150+ words: Why has One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest been canonized by many literary scholars?  What does it do for/to readers?  

AND

150+ your words: What are your favorite passages and why?  Type at least two excerpts, with page numbers properly placed in parentheses before the periods, to show Kesey's techniques.

• W.11-12.2b Develop the topic thoroughly by selecting the most significant and relevant facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience’s knowledge of the topic.
• W.11-12.2c Use appropriate and varied transitions and syntax to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships among complex ideas and concepts.
• W.11-12.2d Use precise language, domain-specific vocabulary, and techniques such as metaphor, simile, and analogy to manage the complexity of the topic.
• W.11-12.2e Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.
• W.11-12.2f Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented (e.g., articulating implications or the significance of the topic).

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest & Literary Criticism/Theory Blog Task--due Thursday, September 15

How can you use the lenses to interpret One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest more compellingly than the casual reader? Type 200+ words discussing your knowledge of the lenses and what they help you uncover in Kesey's terrific text.


(Pictured is famous feminist theorist Virginia Woolf.)

Cuckoo's Nest Excerpt Analysis--due Tuesday, Oct. 5

(1) For this task, type a favorite excerpt of 30+ words directly from the novel, placing quotes before and after the copied words and including the page number. If you are copying quotes that are in the novel already, be sure to place single quotes where Kesey has double quotes.

(2) Then, discuss in 300+ words why this excerpt enlightens, entertains, puzzles, provokes you--why this excerpt is a favorite.

Kesey is a literary genius who has improved countless minds with this insightful and insane narrative. Know his great novel inside the mind and out.

Cuckoo's Nest task due Thursday, 10/1, by midnight

Choose one statement of the 25 on the Anticipation Guide. Posting on this blog at the "comments" below, write 325+ words, in decently structured paragraphs of five-seven sentences each, disagreeing or agreeing with the statement. Support your assertion with mention of (1) your life, (2) the novel, and (3) a famous quote you find online or elsewhere. You must mention all three.

Analyzing One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest due Saturday, Sept. 12, by midnight

Respond to these questions as fully and as intelligently as you can:

A.) In what specific ways have you been forced to conform (conditioned, controlled, vegetized, roboticized, zombiefied, brainwashed) so that your individual traits may only be used to benefit the/a system you're a part of? How are you shunned or when you do not do what you "should"? What are your general thoughts about conformity? Is "independent thought" possible?

B.) In what specific ways have you been allowed or encouraged to be a free-spirited individual who cultivates all the particular, inherent talents and abilities you were given?

And how is our great motto this year, "Like No Other," ironic and connected to our study of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest? Is this the main problem these men face--they simply are "different"? (By the end of the novel, you will have an enlightened perspective, thanks to Kesey.)

The Asymptotic Nature of Life of Pi

This novel definitely has asymptotes. Throughout its plot, Martel's story approaches the impossible, but can never be quite labeled as "impossible." Similarly, a curve on a graph will approach an asymptote, but will never, ever connect with that asymptote.

The graph { f(x) = 1/x } on the left comes to mind: a math metaphor.

f(x)=1/x

Much of the novel is almost unbelievable. What do you buy? What do you sell?

From the "What" to the "How/Why" of Cuckoo's Nest

REMEMBER, YOU MAY USE PROF. BEDARD'S QUESTIONS FOR YOUR 800+ WORDS; YOU MAY USE 1, 2, OR ALL 3: (1) Does the individual life still matter? (2) Will I conform or not conform to the dictates of my society? (3) If I choose to conform, what price am I willing to pay to preserve my sense of individuality?

How does Kesey create certain effects in the reader? Why does he make certain decisions in the construction of his book? Post your initial thoughts here. Once you're done with your essay, you'll post it here, too. It is due on Tuesday, November 18, at 11:00 p.m. and must be 800+ words with 5-6 paragraphs and 3+ quoted excerpts.


Some interesting thoughts from this address (Darren N. pointed it out to me): http://www.lakelandschools.us/blogs/serichsen/?page_id=19

Themes
Kesey introduces a number of topics and themes in his novel. Review the list and discuss which topic/theme you think is worthy of discussion. How does Kesey introduce the topic/theme? How does Kesey develop the topic/theme? Which characters are important in that development? What is the significance of the topic/theme? Begin by posting a comment regarding a specific theme and how it pertains to the novel. Agree or disagree with a previous comment; add more information to another student’s perspective.

freedom vs. control
hope vs. despair
friendship vs. isolation
physical/moral courage
role of nature
sacrifice
self-reliance
sexuality
role of women
society & the individual
conformity
morality
power of humor/satire
use of recurring symbols

REMEMBER, YOU MAY USE PROF. BEDARD'S QUESTIONS FOR YOUR 800+ WORDS; YOU MAY USE 1, 2, OR ALL 3: (1) Does the individual life still matter? (2) Will I conform or not conform to the dictates of my society? (3) If I choose to conform, what price am I willing to pay to preserve my sense of individuality?

Cuckoo's Nest Test Friday, November 14

Post your test prompt here. Remember, it can be a true/false statement or a multiple choice statement/question. Put your class period and test item number in front of your information. Also, include the correct answer/response, if you want your classmates to know. I'll explain all directions clearly in class. You'll earn five points for this exercise; you'll also do well on the test if you study here, of course.

Cuckoo's Nest Link & Reason for Popularity Due Tuesday, November 4

Find an interesting site--one that enlightens your understanding/thinking of Cuckoo's Nest--and post its address here. You could search using the book's title, a character's name, an aspect of the movie, anything related. Your site link may not be the same as another student's. In 100+ words, explain why the site you found is enlightening. Plus, in 100+ words, speculate about this book's popularity. Why is this book so colossal in American literary and actual history? What makes it better than others? Do you like it? This exercise is due on Tuesday, November 4, at 10:00 p.m. and is worth 20 points. (I took this image from www.thedock.ie)

Homework Blog Comment: Image Excerpt

Type a 50+ word excerpt from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest that helps your mind visualize something poignant. Your 50+ word excerpt may not be the same as another student's. Then, write 80+ words explaining your choice. Imagery is a literary device Ken Kesey employs masterfully. See my example, which is the first comment on this post; yours should look a lot like mine. And remember to type your period number before your comment. This exercise is due on Monday, October 13, at 10:00 p.m. and is worth 20 points.

To See More Vocabulary Quiz Definitions

Do you get the connections we made to the films The Terminator, The Matrix, I, Robot, and others involving the Man vs. Machine theme? Have you seen other movies or read other material that includes this Man vs. Machine theme? Do you like these books and/or films? Are they interesting? We need and fear technology at the same time! Type your class period number in front of your comment, which will help you see more vocabulary quiz definitions now and in the future. (This is not the homework blog post, which is below. This comment is voluntary and made with the hope of seeing more definitions.)

In-Class Blogging Monday, October 13

Today, during class, you have three options. You must do two of the three options today. You must type 40 minutes worth. Here are your options: (1) You are Nurse Ratched. Type using first person. Become her. What are your thoughts of McMurphy? What is your home like? What is your life like outside the mental institution? (2) Have you been programmed to think, believe, hate, love something? Who programmed you? How have you been programmed? (3) Who are the enforcers of conformity in our school? At social events? At games? At work? Is it possible to be a nonconformist? Do you conform, entirely or slightly? Intentionally? Remember to type your class period number in front of your comment.

You Ever "Grown" or "Shrunk" Instantly?

Write 300+ words about a time when you "grew" or "shrunk" instantly, figuratively speaking, of course. This exercise is due Saturday, October 4, at 10:00 p.m. and is worth 20 points. Remember to type your class period number in front of your 300+ words.

This is a picture of Will Sampson as Chief Bromden.

Cuckoo's Nest: Three Questions

Once you've read some pages (p. 41 is due Wednesday, Oct. 1), type three questions you have here. These questions will shape our discussions and help us excavate more. The more analytical your questions, the better. None of your questions may be the same as any other student's. This exercise is worth 10 points and is due at 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1. Remember to type your class period in front of your three questions.


(This picture is the Ken Kesey, the author, with his bus called "Further." He was Head of the hippies in the '60s; the Merry Pranksters and others joined him on psychedelic journeys.)

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Anticipation Guide

Cuckoos Nest Anticipation Guide - Upload a Document to Scribd

Some Context

Cuckoo’s Nest Introduction - Upload a Document to Scribd