Life of Pi Blog Task--due March 6

Martel has become famous, wealthy, honored, admired, and respected, but has he composed a "classic" that must be "canonized" by the definition below? Write 300+ words while citing specific sections of the definition below.

“an author who has enriched the human mind, increased its treasure, and caused it to advance a step; who has discovered some moral and not equivocal truth, or revealed some eternal passion in that heart where all seemed known and discovered; who has expressed his thought, observation, or invention, in no matter what form, only provided it be broad and great, refined and sensible, sane and beautiful in itself; who has spoken to all in his own peculiar style, a style which is found to be also that of the whole world, a style new without neologism, new and old, easily contemporary with all time.”

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 10 and 17

Louis Althusser

Write 300+ words, summarizing and reacting to my prezi about The Lion King and literary criticism and theory.  You must reference at least five slides specifically.  You must also reply to another student's comments left here by Thursday, January 17.  Disagree, agree, confirm, compliment, complement, question another student's first comment here.

W.11-12.1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

• W.11-12.1a Introduce precise, knowledgeable claim(s), establish the significance of the claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that logically sequences claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
• W.11-12.1b Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly and thoroughly, supplying the most relevant evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience’s knowledge level, concerns, values, and possible biases.
• W.11-12.1c Use words, phrases, and clauses as well as varied syntax to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims.
• W.11-12.1d 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.11-12.1e Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

Practice Blog Task 9/14 Tuesday

To practice blogging, respond to this question. Leave your last name in the window with your response. You will have blog tasks due throughout this year, most due on a Tuesday before midnight.

Of course little kids do not analyze The Lion King like we scholars do, but subconsciously and subliminally, do they become racist, sexist, bigoted while viewing this popular film? (First time hearing/seeing a Hispanic man they associate that voice with a hyena, the only Hispanic voice they've ever heard. Hyena=bad. Then, Hispanic=bad. Right?)

Similarly, doesn't advertising have subliminal effects? You cannot help it sometimes--you just have to buy those Abercrombie & Fitch clothes, even though they are absurdly overpriced. Right? Subliminal messages have deep, lasting impacts on the mind, right? They make you feel bad that you don't look like their models, then sell you the solution to your depression/negative self-esteem: their disgustingly-overpriced clothes!

Type 150+ words and think hard. Consciously, you only noticed the poised, petite, comfortable, confident, cute girl in the sweater that costs $183. Subconsciously, though, you also noticed the reason she is so happy: her sweater got her a hot guy whose eyebrows, hair, jaw, and style (also Abercrombie gear) are also flawless!

• At what are those three pictured together gazing?
• Who leans together to stare at something like they are?

More like "Aberzombie & Witch"...

Critical Lens Analysis--due Tuesday, May 18

The task is the same, but the lens used may be different and the exhibit/subject/topic must be different. These three are training you to remain a critical thinker for life, one who challenges the norm, questions "reality," and contemplates on deeper levels than most civilians.

With this class, you're constantly working on How To Think. Colleges will want thinkers who do precisely what these blog tasks demand (I know because I consistently ask my professor friends at various area private and public colleges and universities). Complain if you'd like, but all these exercises are done for you, to help you improve your intellectual capabilities for college.

Select any exhibit and analyze it with 400+ words. Use the "Critical Lenses 101" handout. Look in the EXACT way the "Critical Lenses 101" handout tells you to as a critic. Ask the EXACT questions the "Critical Lenses 101" handout tells you to ask. Have the "Critical Lenses 101" handout with you as you study your exhibit and as you write this blog task. If you do not refer to the "Critical Lenses 101" handout enough or effectively, your grade will be cut in half because you are not following directions and are not thinking in the directed way.

“EXHIBIT” = novel, play, song, sculpture, film, poem, concert, painting, myth, sketch, poster, artwork, photograph, t-shirt, television show, biography, speech, advertisement, event, place/building (school, office), game, practice, rehearsal, ritual, haircut/style, website, routine, brochure, suit coat...

Three sample exhibits: "Halo," a popular video game; "American Gothic," a famous painting by Grant Wood; and "The Singing Butler," a famous painting by Jack Vettriano

Critical Lens Analysis--due Tuesday, May 11

Select any exhibit and analyze it with 400+ words. Use the yellow "Critical Lenses 101" handout. Look in the EXACT way the "Critical Lenses 101" handout tells you to as a critic. Ask the EXACT questions the "Critical Lenses 101" handout tells you to ask. Have the "Critical Lenses 101" handout with you as you study your exhibit and as you write this blog task. If you do not refer to the "Critical Lenses 101" handout enough or effectively, your grade will be cut in half because you are not following directions and are not thinking in the directed way.

“EXHIBIT” = novel, play, song, sculpture, film, poem, concert, painting, myth, sketch, poster, artwork, photograph, t-shirt, television show, biography, speech, advertisement, event, place/building (school, office), game, practice, rehearsal, ritual, haircut/style, website, routine, brochure, suit coat...

Two sample exhibits: a Syracuse basketball game and a men's suit

Critical Lens Analysis--due Tuesday, April 27

Select any exhibit and analyze it with 400+ words. Use the yellow "Critical Lenses 101" handout.

“EXHIBIT” = novel, play, song, sculpture, film, poem, concert, painting, myth, sketch, poster, artwork, photograph, t-shirt, television show, biography, speech, advertisement, event, place/building (school, office), game, brochure, practice, rehearsal, ritual, haircut/style, website, routine, suit coat...

Two sample exhibits: Sarah Palin & "Married With Children" a popular sitcom

Partner in Thoughtcrime Project: Apply the Lenses to an Adult Short Story or a Children's Book--due Thursday, April 8

Type 400+ words here, analyzing your selected short story or book with the Critical Lenses. You may use any combination of the Marxist, Feminist, & Freudian Lenses.

Include both of your names and the title and author of your short story or children's book.

Analyze as deeply and critically as possible. Use at least five terms from the "Critical Lenses 101" yellow handout to earn more points. Indicate which exact lenses you are using. Indicate how the yellow handout helps you think more critically.

Analyze as deeply as I did with The Paper Bag Princess, I Know a Rhino, and Princess Smartypants. Go way beyond/below the obvious. A surface interpretation will not be accepted. Summarize very little--only when necessary to communicate your interpretations.

Perhaps you will analyze Edgar Allan Poe's master narrative, "The Cask of Amontillado" (picture above).

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)

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.

Literary Theory

Literary Theory: Crash Course

From: jdarnell, 2 months ago

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Browse these common theories. When considered singularly and collectively, they're useful approaches to great works of literature for interpreting and finding meaning.


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Epstein Analysis (80+ words due Saturday, March 8, by 10:00 a.m.)

(1) Find and read E.L. Epstein's essay on Lord of the Flies in the back of your Lord of the Flies book. It is on pages 203-208. (2) Using 25-35 quoted words of Epstein's, respond to his assertions with 80+ words of your own. Epstein is respected throughout America as a preeminent literary scholar. What do you think about Epstein's ideas?

Please email me or come see me if you have problems.

Literary Criticism

React to one or more of the following excerpts from professional literary critics: Wendy L. Sunderman, Bern Oldsey and Stanley Weintraub, Leon Levitt, Mary Ruthe Carter, Bernard F. Dick, Richard H. Lederer, Jerome Martin. Their words can be found by clicking on the comments link below. (The picture on the left is the cover of one of the best children's books ever. Relates interestingly to Lord of the Flies.)

Lord of the Flies Task 2

Golding knew Freud's theories very well and incorporated them into his novel. Ralph represents the superego. Jack represents the id. The ego, then, is within the reader's mind. Find and copy text here from the novel that makes these connections between the characters and psychoanalysis. What part(s) show(s) that Ralph is acting like the superego of the collective mindset of the boys? What part(s) show(s) that Jack is acting like the id of the collective mindset of the boys? (One comment here from each of you is due February 14.)

Lord of the Flies Task 1

Golding is considered by many to be a master of prose. He won a Nobel Prize for this book and, because he sold so many copies, lived a more than comfortable life. Show and respond to an example of a masterfully-written section of setting, narrative, or dialogue. An example that helps you feel, visualize, clarify, question, predict, or otherwise be involved with the book. See the first comment--the one I posted--as an example of what to do. And do include page number, as I have done. (One comment here from each of you is due February 14.)

Lord of the Flies Prediction

Based on what you have heard, seen, and know of classic British literature, what predictions for William Golding's Lord of the Flies can you create? What might the pictures show on this blog--and the pictures that come up when you Google (verb form of "Google") Lord of the Flies?

Art in Literary Analysis

What role can art play in the analysis of literature? This is a painting that reveals a lot about the boys of Lord of the Flies. A critical reader and viewer can make a lot of meaning from combining art and text.