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Showing posts from November, 2006

Freshmen ~ Fairy Tales

Your last assignments of the semester revolve around Fairy Tales (called Marchen in German). You'll read about six total, including versions from Charles Perrault (1697), Mme. de Beaumont (1757), Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm (published in 1857), and Andrew Lang (1889). Many of the tales, although familiar, are quite different from Disney or other popular, modern interpretations. In some cases, the values of the period dictate a slightly different moral purpose; in others, the stories in their original form are quite simply not suitable for children. As I stated in class, the typical audience for these tales is teenagers, who are more likely to face the challenges/dangers symbolically (or literally) presented. Your Reading List: Cinderella (or Aschenputtel ). TEXT . Little Red Riding Hood (four versions). TEXT . Bearskin . TEXT . Beauty and the Beast . TEXT . The Sleeping Beauty of the Wood . TEXT . The Slaying of the Tanuki. TEXT . These six tales, along with the terms discussed

Freshmen ~ Mystery

Your assignment for the weekend is to write a two-page Mystery story using the elements discussed in class: a crime a main character/detective/investigator a suspect a motive an alibi Setting is important in establishing the mood, so remember to use the five senses in your description. Use the techniques we used in the last paper to establish the Who, What, When, Where and Why. For organization, think about the models we discussed -- the Sherlock Holmes story, TV crime dramas, Suspense/Thrillers, even Scooby Doo . Most stories of this type begin with the crime and the investigator, then the evidence, and finally the suspect (and interview). In the end, there's usually a confrontation and resolution, where the "real" story of the crime is detailed. The ROUGH DRAFT is due Monday. Please type, double-space, and format according to MLA.

Scarlet Letter ~ Ch 20-24 (The End)

I forgot to post the discussion questions when I was at school, but everyone should have the handout. The vocabulary assignment is the same as before -- 10 words, cited in context, along with the Webster's definition and an orignal sentence using the word approriately. Ch 20-22 due Monday Ch 23-24 & Vocab (typed) due Tuesday

Scarlet Letter ~ Ch 16-19

Vocabulary: Choose your own! Pick 10 words from chapters 16-19 and provide the original sentence, Webster's definition, and a sentence of your own. Chapter 16: “A Forest Walk” Where does Hester plan to meet Dimmesdale? Why? Describe the scene with Hester and Pearl in the sunlight. What symbolic meaning could the sunlight have? Why does sunlight shine on Pearl and not on Hester? What story has Pearl heard about the “black man”? What does Hester mean when she says, “Once in my life, I met the Black Man. This scarlet letter is his mark.” Why does Pearl think the minister holds his hand over his heart? How is there symbolic truth in what she says? Chapter 17: "The Pastor and His Parishioner" How has Dimmesdale’s secret sin affected his life? Use a quote to support your answers and cite the page number. What is Dimmesdale’s “secret poison his malignity, infecting all air about

Scarlet Letter ~ Ch 13-15

DUE MONDAY Questions -- answer the following in complete sentences: Chapter 13: “Another View of Hester” How old is Pearl in this chapter? How has the townspeople’s view changed toward Hester? What does the “A” now stand for? How has Hester’s appearance changed? What does Hester resolve to do? Chapter 14: “Hester and the Physician” How has Roger Chillingworth changed in the past seven years? What does Hester want Chillingworth to do? What revelation is Hester going to make to Reverend Dimmesdale. What effect has Chillingworth had on Dimmesdale? Quote a line to support your answer. Chapter 15: “Hester and Pearl ” Read Hester’s description of Chillingworth carefully. How does she feel about him? What questions does Pearl ask her mother? Why does this trouble Hester? Vocabulary (page numbers refer to the Modern Library edition) – For each of the following, provide the origin

Creative Writing @ River Oaks

For any of you who caught the Cedar Creek contingent who came to speak with students about their annual publication Southern Voices , and even for those who didn't, here is a link to their website . You can find all the information you need there for submitting your work for consideration. They even offer cold hard cash to contest winners. I'd like to encourage you to consider submitting your work to either Mr. Thompson or myself first, as we are looking for poems and stories for this year's edition of Musings . He and I can both offer editorial assistance in getting your writing ready for publication. Also, I'd like to announce that Riley Weston will be on campus November 15th for a reading/discussion/talk about the world of publishing. She's a screenwriter and recently published her first novel, Before I Go . She'll be at Windows the following day for a book signing.

Juniors ~ Scarlet Letter Ch 9-12

There is NO vocabulary homework for the next reading assignment! Please answer the following questions for Friday 11/3 and be ready for a quiz: Chapter 9: “The Leech” To whom in the colony does Chillingworth attach himself as a medical advisor? Describe Dimmesdale’s health. What gesture has become Dimmesdale’s habit? Quote a sentence from this chapter that associates Chillingworth with evil. What two opposing views do the townspeople hold about Roger Chillingworth? Chapter 10: “The Leech and His Patient” What “investigation” consumes Chillingworth? Who is Chillingworth’s main suspect and victim? What is a leech? What double meaning does the world “leech” have? What secret does Chillingworth believe is buried in Dimmesdale’s heart? Why would Dimmesdale live with guilt and not confess his sin openly? What reaction does Pearl have to Chillingworth when she sees him with Rev. Dimmesdale? What discovery doe