WELCOME STUDENTS!

This is a place for us to discuss openly and honestly the literature we are reading. Here we are all just communicating our thoughts on what we are reading. There are no right and wrong answers. However, you are expected to be polite, mature, and on topic.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Let's be honest...

As we read Lord of the Flies, we discuss the actions of the boys--some we check as productive and true; others we label ridiculous and harmful.  However, let's be honest here, what went wrong in today's island challenge.  Not judgement...what did you do wrong?  Did you analyze each item and think about its value? Did you listen to someone else or think for yourself?  Did you try to voice your opinion and get over-ruled?  Did you get too focus on one thing and get off track?   (The deadline to post a response is midnight, Nov. 1, 2013).

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Challenge!!!!!

Be the first to come to me tomorrow and explain this...
 
and get a life preserver!


Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Challenge!

Be the first student to get to me in the morning with the answer to this question and get a life preserver:   What word does Golding use repeatedly throughout the novel to describe the voice and actions of the boys?  It is used over 30 times in the novel. 

Fall of Society

In chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies, Ralph asks Piggy, "What causes things to break up like they do?" What are two principle reasons the society on the island has started to break up? How does this reflect real society? What do you think is the main cause of problems in our society? How could this be corrected? (The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight Thursday, October 31, 2013.)

Monday, October 28, 2013

A Sign from the Adult World

At the end of Chapter 5, Ralph wishes for a sign from the outside world and it comes at the beginning of Chapter 6--the dead paratrooper. We briefly talked about the irony of this situation.  However, there is certainly more that could be discussed in this situation.  If you are the first person to answer this question, explain the irony of this situation and how it affects Ralph.  If you are the second person to answer focus on these questions: Confused in the dark, Samneric believe it to be the "beastie" they have all been fearing. What does this reveal about the archetype that Samneric represent?  If you are the third person to blog, here is your topic: Only Simon remains convinced that the beast is mankind. Is Simon right? In what ways are we humans the beasts of society? Give a specific example from history or literature to support your answer.  If you are the fourth person to blog an answer, discuss how the events in Chapter 6 are the results (cause and effect) of the landing of the paratrooper.    Continue to respond in this order and do not duplicate another person's answer.  (The deadline to post a response is midnight, October 29, 2013.)

Friday, October 25, 2013

Rules to the left, rules to the right...

In chapter 5, when Jack and Ralph argue, Ralph says, "The rules are all we've got!" How important are rules in society? What rules are needed in this microcosm if the boys are to survive? Why? (The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013.)

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Amidst the scar...

We have just begun reading 
 Lord of the Flies and already we have learned many things about the characters of the novel. Authors use various methods of characterization: direct and indirect to develop their characters. Select either Ralph, Piggy, or Jack and  discuss three methods Golding has used to create this character.
What do you find most appealing about Golding characterization of this island survivor? Why?
(The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight Wednesday, October 24, 2013.)

Monday, October 21, 2013

The task of storytelling

Here are the amazing Canterbury Pilgrims who told tales today.  You guys did an a great job.  I am proud of each of you.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Life as the leader...

As Ralph looks down from the top of the bastion of the island in Chapter One,  he exclaims, "This belongs to us!" Much like an explorer discovering a new land, Ralph has found himself in charge of a new world--an island of boys. Select a situation that you feel Ralph has handled well as a leader and a situation that he has not done well.  Explain them and why you feel each is either a job well done or a job that needs improvement. What advice would you give Ralph to keep in mind as he is chief? What is the main thing he must do? Why? (The deadline to post a response is midnight, Sunday, October 20, 2013.)

Thursday, October 17, 2013

And then man emerged...

With its benign climate, fresh water and abundant fruit, the island setting of Lord of the Flies could be seen as a modern Garden of Eden until... a little boy comes forward in Chapter 2 and asks the assembly questions. What element does he introduce to the island? How does he describe it? How does the descriptive phrase, "the small boy twisted further into himself" hint at a theme? Which theme? How does this theme connect to societies of today and of all times? Give specific examples. (This post closes at midnight, Oct. 17, 2013.. No credit will be given to plagiarized responses.)

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

At which end of the spectrum do we fall?

In his essay"The Damned Human Race," Mark Twain's comments force us to ask ourselves "at which end of the animal spectrum do we fall."  Twain's essay utilizes many examples that prove his points.  Whether you concur with Twain or not, which of his pieces of data provides the most convincing argument in your eyes?  What events from history or society today do you connect to this argument?  Explain.  (The deadline to post a response to this post is midnight, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013.)

Sunday, October 13, 2013

I hope you didn't forget

This is a reminder that you have to email your paper to klpalombo@yahoo.com so that your word count can be verified.  If you don't, you will get no grade, so getter done!

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Let the tales begin...

We have read both "The Pardoner's Tale" and "The Wife of Bath's Tale."  Which of the stories do you feel met the requirements of Harry Bailey (the Host) storytelling contest: providing entertainment and moral.  Give specific reasons for your decision (The deadline to post a response is midnight, Wednesday, October 9, 2013.) 

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Thinking about college...

Take a look at this.  I have a former student and KPU alumnus who will be happy to refer you.  Just let me know.  http://www.millsaps.edu/admissions/admissions_faq_alumni_referral_legacy_scholarships.php

Just wanted to say...

I have just finished reading your "Life Purpose/ Driftwood " essays and this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson that I have posted next to these words echoes through my head.  You are amazing people and I know you will change this world.  Teaching each of you is a pleasure in my life.  Thank you for being so awesome! 

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Chaucer's Tome: The Canterbury Tales

Now that we have completed the Prologue, select a pilgrim and briefly tell what you find interesting or intriguing about him or her? Why?  You may not comment on the same character as the two posters prior to your post. (The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight, October 6, 2013.)