KPU Class of 2011

Some of the greatest students I have had the pleasure of knowing, teaching and loving. KPU ACCEPTED!

Victim???

Is Blanche a victim of her own self-delusions and Old South attitudes? Or,is she the victim of males who take advantage of her, deceive her, or abuse her? Explain. (The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight, Saturday, December 11, 2010.)

STAAAAAANNNNNNLEY

Tennessee Williams is noted for his effective and precise characterization. Characterize Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Name Desire. Which specific actions and lines helped you to see the true Stanley? (The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight December 9, 2010.)

Passionate Pairings?

Read the following poem and comment on its theme and imagery. How does the imagery and juxtapositioning of images help create the poem's theme. Enjoy SONNET 30 by Edmund Spenser. (Deadline to comment is midnight, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010)








My love is like to ice, and I to fire;
How comes it then that this her cold so great
Is not dissolved through my so hot desire,
But harder grows the more I her entreat?
Or how comes it that my exceeding heat
Is not delayed by her heart frozen cold,
But that I burn much more in boiling sweat,
And feel my flames augmented manifold?
What more miraculous thing may be told
That fire which all thing melts, should harden ice,
And ice, which is congealed with senseless cold,
Should kindle fire by wonderful device?
Such is the power of love in gentle mind,
That it can alter all the course of kind.

I Think That Bug Is More Than a Bug

The Metamorphosis contains numerous themes: existentialism, sacrifice, alienation, lack of communication, dysfunctional families, selfishness, conflict of mind and body, etc. Which theme in the novella do you think is most important or key to understanding the work? Give a quote that helped conveyed this theme to you. (This post closes at midnight on December 2, 2010)

Puritan Alphabet Soup

We all know what the "A" on Hester's chest symbolizes. However, the characters of the novel have many facets. What letter should Dimmesdale wear and why? What letter should Chillingworth wear and why? What letter should Hester truly wear and why? (The deadline to post a comment to this blog question is midnight Friday, November 12, 2010)

A Flood of Sunshine

Reflect upon Chapter 17. Is it possible for Hester and Dimmesdale to leave the past behind them and make a new life for themselves? Explain why or why not. (The deadline to post a reply to this blog is midnight Tuesday, November 9, 2010.)

The Canterbury Pilgrims

Which of the following in Chaucer's calvacade of pilgrims do you find most interesting and why? (The deadline to post a comment to this blog is midnight Thursday, November 4, 2010.)

The Wearer of the Scarlet Letter

Most of the beginning chapters of The Scarlet Letter focus on Hester Pyrnne. Who is she? What are two traits that really reveal who she is? What scene helped you to understan her most? Why? (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight, Monday, November 1, 2010)

Federigo's Falcon

Today,we read from the DECAMERON "Federigo's Falcon," which was told on the day in which the young troupe told stories of love. Love, according to your writing responses, can include DEVOTION, PASSION, SELFLESSNESS, WEAKNESS, SELFISHNESS, and FOOLISHNESS. Select one of these words and explain how "Federigo's Falcon" explores this element. Give at least two examples. ( The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight, Saturday, October 30, 2010.)

And the Winners Are...

AP Scholars gave their oral presentations last week and a panel of students and teachers picked the top 4 presentations. The winners were Abby Rich for her awesome presentation of Tuesdays with Morrie, Chelsea McLaughlin for her compelling report on The Reader, Kenneth Wilson for his deep and inspiring presentation of The Great Gatsby, and Bailey Hoda for her excellent and beautiful interpretation of The Bluest Eye. Way to go, AP Scholars!

That Pig Means Something...

There are many themes in LORD OF THE FLIES. Among them are good versus evil, the importance of unity, the importance of law and order, survival of the fittest, the evil of mankind, the belief in hope, the loss of innocence, and the process of maturity. Which theme in the novel did you find most interesting? What did you learn through LORD OF THE FLIES about this theme? Explain which scene(s) in the book helped you to fully see this theme and how. (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight Tuesday, September 28, 2010.)

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, September 23, 2010.)

Rules! Rules! Rules!

In chapter 5 at the night assembly, Ralph makes the comment "that the rules are all we have got." How important are rules? Why? Which rules are most important in life? Why? (The deadline to post a comment on this question is midnight Saturday, September 18, 2010.)

Survival of the Fittest?

Well, the Lord of the Flies Island Survival Game is up and running. Who will survive? Who will get a 100 unit test?

LoRd oF ThE fLiEs

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 Saturday, September 11, 2010)

BEOWULF: EPIC HERO

We have just finished reading Beowulf and discussed the characteristics of the epic hero--the journey/quest, the battle with monsters for the greater good of society, the embodiment of a society's customs, the possession of super strength, the display strong ethics, the glorification by those he saved, and the neverending fight of good vs. evil. Which of the characteristics did you find most believable in the story? Which was hard to accept? Which of the three battles did you feel best conveyed Beowulf as the epic hero? Why? Also, please answer the blog poll about Beowulf on the other side of this post. (You may post a response to this blog until midnight August 29, 2010)

River Road

Huck Finn is an episodic novel. Each new episode brings a new adventure for Huck. The river serves as the vehicle to these adventures. Which episode/adventure do you think really taught Huck a valuable lesson about life and civilization? Why? (The deadline to comment on this question is midnight August 9, 2010.)

The Power of Dialogue

One of the 5 key elements that we will discuss in every novel we read this semester is the use of dialogue. Select a passage from A Lesson Before Dying or The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn that shows the writer's ability to create realistic and effective dialogue. Explain why you enjoyed this moment in the novel. (The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight August 4, 2010).

A Woman's Strength

In A Lesson Before Dying, female characters play minor roles; however, they reveal much strength, determination, and motivation. Select a scene in which one of the female characters revealed her strength, purpose, and courage. Discuss how the scene contributes to the novel and explain why you felt this was a powerful scene. (The deadline to post a comment to this question is midnight July 27th.)

A Notebook

Most of the novel is narrated by Grant Wiggins. However, we get to read Jefferson's notebook at the end of the novel. Which notebook entry did you think most clearly revealed Jefferson's character? Why? How important do you think the notebook entries are in understanding the novel? Why? (This deadline to receive extra credit for this post is midnight July 19, 2010. Please spread the word to other AP students that there is a new post available.)

Facing Pathos

Pathos is a quality in a work or part of a work that makes the reader feel pity, sorrow or tenderness. Generally, the character is a pathetic, helpless, or innocent victim experiencing suffering through no fault of his/her own. Identify and explain an example of pathos in Chapters 20-30 of HUCK FINN. Why did this event stand out in your mind? (The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight July 12, 2010)

Which way is a boy to go?

Chapters 1-10 of HUCK FINN focus on Huck's escapes from two very different lifestyles. How do Pap and the Widow Douglas represent two opposing lifestyles for Huck and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each? If you were a judge and had to place Huck in one of these two homes, which would you select? Why? (Extra credit stops a midnight on June 27.) (When you answer this question, remember conclude with only your first name and last initial.)

Summer Greetings to my new AP Scholars

I am so excited about getting to know each of you in AP English IV this fall. This summer as you are completing your summer readings, I suggest that you read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn first, followed by A Lesson Before Dying, and concluding with your independent novel. I will be posting an extra credit question about HUCK FINN next week. There will be a deadline for posting an answer. Simply click comment and post your response. End it with your first name and your last initial. Every person who comments will receive an extra 100 daily grade, so please post and spread the word so that others can respond as well. Have a wonderful summer and while you are relaxing at the pool or beach, read.

KPU Class of 2010

Very awesome people!

Decoding the Message

Golding says at the end of his discussion about his novel that all that truly matters is not what an author thought he put in a book, not what a teacher or professor says is in a book, but what a reader gets out of a book. What message did you get from Lord of the Flies? What part of the novel helped you to truly see this theme? (This post closes at midnight on Friday, May 7, 2010.)

I am a part of you...

As Simon "talks" with the Lord of the Flies, the beast tells him, "I am a part of you." What is it in mankind that makes us beasts? What do you think Golding's message is here via this encounter? (This post closes at midnight on April 28, 2010)

A Sign from the Adult World

In chapter six of Lord of the Flies, a sign comes from the adult world--a sign Ralph wished for. What does the parachutist represent? How does Golding use him to convey the truth about adults? (Remember I want these posts to be YOUR opinions, not something you have gotten from search summaries and commentaries; I will not give credit to replies that are not original) (This post closes at midnight on Thursday, April 22nd).

The Human Touch

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 on Sunday, 18 April 2010)

1+1+1=Trouble

The play Macbeth is a play of cause and effect. What are three causes of Macbeth's demise? Of the three which is most foul? Why? (This post closes at midnight on Monday, April 12, 2010)

Tragic Hero?

To what extent is Macbeth a good example of Aristotle's tragic hero? Try to comment on both sides of the question. (This post closes at midnight on Friday, April 9, 2010.)

The Weird Sisters

Notice that the Weird Sisters are referred to as "witches" only in the stage directions. No one sitting in the audience seeing the play will hear the word witch even once. Rather, in the text Banquo and Macbeth call them "Weird Sisters." They, in fact, even refer to themselves by such a title. The word "weird" is derived from the Old English "wyrd," meaning fate or destiny. Thus far in the play, how have the predictions of the Weird Sisters influenced or controlled Macbeth's fate/destiny? Do you believe that their influence is the greatest influence upon him? If so, why? If not, what or who influences Macbeth most? (This post closes at midnight on Saturday, April 3, 2010.)

The Real Sin

Yes, everyone knows that the "A" stands for adultery, but what do you feel the true sin/cause of all the problems Hester, Dimmesdale, Chillingworth and Pearl face is? What letter should they each wear? Explain. Additional bonus: Be the first person to notify me on this question: Where does Hawthorne first use the word "adultery" in the novel? Give me the chapter and the line. First person to post the answer gets a major test drop grade. (The post and the bonus end at midnight Saturday, March 20, 2010.)

The Wearer of the Letter

The first eight chapters focus primarily on Hester Prynne. Based upon these chapters, characterize Hester. Who is she? What do you think about her? Why? (This post closes at midnight on March 2, 2010.)

The Shattering of a Doll's House

Argue for or against Nora's decision at the end of the play. You must take a clear side. (This post closes at midnight on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010).

BEOWULF: The Tradition Begins

The epic Beowulf, created in Anglo-Saxon England, begins a long traditon of English writers approaching the theme of good versus evil. Which scene from the epic did you find especially focused upon this theme and what in particular exemplifies this quest? (This post closes at midnight on Feb. 2, 2010).