This week we will be concluding our study of To Kill a Mockingbird, with focus on discussing themes in the novel and how the other literary elements we've covered contribute to the development of meaning in the novel. Think beyond our class discussion on theme, characterization, plot, conflict and setting and their contribution to the development of symbolism and motif to consider, "what does To Kill a Mockingbird mean to me?"
Whenever you read a novel, you experience it in two ways. First, there is the way the author intended. If you're a careful and critical reader, you'll notice how the aforementioned literary elements work together to send important messages about life to the reader. Second, there is your own personal experience with the novel. You bring your prior knowledge and your life experiences with you as you read - for example, someone who has lived in Alabama or has a lawyer for a parent will have a unique perspective on the setting or characters. Even if you're pretty unfamiliar with the south or the United States legal system, you undoubtedly had moments in the novel that stood out to you due to your own life experiences and your take on the novel is unique.
Think about your own personal reading experience with To Kill a Mockingbird. How did the novel speak to you as an individual? Think about what the novel means to you - go beyond ideas discussed in class and describe your unique perspective on the meaning of the novel. In other words, extend the theme to your own life. What lessons have you learned from the novel? What does To Kill a Mockingbird mean to you? Write several detailed, insightful paragraphs.
Feel free to write with the intent to entertain, however, your post should reflect your ability to read the novel critically and carefully.
Post and comment on a classmate's blog by Friday, October 1.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
My Boo Radley
Think about how Boo Radley functions in To Kill a Mockingbird as more than just another character. Boo Radley, the mystery surrounding him, and his heroism at the end of the novel help Scout to understand many important life lessons. He is instrumental in Scout's development from childhood to adolescence.
Who or what is your Boo Radley?
What from your own life can you compare to Scout's experiences with and about Boo Radley? Think about someone or something that was instrumental in your development from childhood to adolescence. Ideally this should be something that you initially did not understand, were scared or intimidated by, or that was mysterious to you. Take some time and think metaphorically instead of literally. For example, do not write about a spooky house in your neighborhood that you eventually discovered was normal, etc.
Write several paragraphs in which you explain your experience and how it relates to Scout's experiences with Boo Radley. Your experience does not have to align perfectly with To Kill a Mockingbird. It should, however, reflect original thought and the ability to extend your knowledge of the novel to make connections with your own experiences.
Good luck! Feel free to attach a picture to spice up your post. Post by Friday, September 24.
Who or what is your Boo Radley?
What from your own life can you compare to Scout's experiences with and about Boo Radley? Think about someone or something that was instrumental in your development from childhood to adolescence. Ideally this should be something that you initially did not understand, were scared or intimidated by, or that was mysterious to you. Take some time and think metaphorically instead of literally. For example, do not write about a spooky house in your neighborhood that you eventually discovered was normal, etc.
Write several paragraphs in which you explain your experience and how it relates to Scout's experiences with Boo Radley. Your experience does not have to align perfectly with To Kill a Mockingbird. It should, however, reflect original thought and the ability to extend your knowledge of the novel to make connections with your own experiences.
Good luck! Feel free to attach a picture to spice up your post. Post by Friday, September 24.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Introduction to Your Blog
Congratulations! You now have an English blog. This is your own personal space for writing about English. Throughout the school year you will be posting personal responses to my prompts. These posts will help you develop as a writer as we supplement class discussions with open-ended questions.
Your first assignment is to write an introduction to your blog. Write about yourself as a reader and writer. What type of English student are you? What will someone who follows your blog expect to see? How will you enlighten the on-line world with your reaction to the literature studied in class? Remember, English is reading, writing, and communication. Attempt to answer the question: what is the meaning of English class? Why is English a four-year requirement for college bound students? How will excelling in English help you become a successful person, both personally and academically?
Address the above questions, some or all, in several paragraphs in a way that introduces your blog your audience: your teacher and your classmates.
Due Friday, September 17.
Your first assignment is to write an introduction to your blog. Write about yourself as a reader and writer. What type of English student are you? What will someone who follows your blog expect to see? How will you enlighten the on-line world with your reaction to the literature studied in class? Remember, English is reading, writing, and communication. Attempt to answer the question: what is the meaning of English class? Why is English a four-year requirement for college bound students? How will excelling in English help you become a successful person, both personally and academically?
Address the above questions, some or all, in several paragraphs in a way that introduces your blog your audience: your teacher and your classmates.
Due Friday, September 17.
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