A change of view...

This summer you read Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, A Lesson Before Dying, and a novel of your choice.  All books present themes/messages.  Many of these messages change the way we view things or help us see a new perspective on something.  Select one of the three novels and explain how reading this book has changed your view on something.  Cite a passage/quote from the work that really helped to make you see this.  (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight, July 31, 2013.  This will be the last summer blog opportunity, so please let others in the class know about this.)

The Good-bye

Jefferson's final spoken words to Grant,at the end of Chapter 28, are "I'm all right, Mr. Wiggins." What is the full impact of that statement? Give two specific moments/events/situations that brought Jefferson to be able to give this good-bye.  (The deadline to post a response to this blog opportunity is midnight, July 26, 2013.)

On the flip side

One of the characters that intrigued me most in the novel is Rev. Mose Ambrose.  He is in constant conflict with Grant throughout the novel.  What does his conflict reveal about him, about his role in the community and about Grant?  Include a quote to support your response.  (The deadline to post a response is midnight, July 22, 2013.)

Women of Quality

When Tante Lou and Miss Emma meet Vivian they conclude that she is "quality, " but they are as well. It is clear that Miss Emma's power and influence are driving the plot of this novel. However, Tante Lou and Vivian also present themselves as strong, influencing women. Cite a passage about Miss Emma, Tante Lou or Vivian that you found especially important in understanding the power of women. Explain what this passage reveals. (The deadline to post a response to this post is midnight, July 20, 2013.)

Just do the best you can but in the end...

In Chapters 5-8, Ernest Gaines reveals the main conflict of A Lesson Before Dying lies within Grant Wiggins himself. Likewise, Gaines illustrates the racism that plagues Grant. Which  part/scene/event from Chapters 5-8 best conveys the internal conflict within Grant and the racism he faces? Explain how so. CATCH:  You may not use the same example as the person who posted prior to you.  And, you must comment on the example the person used and how that situation made you feel. (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight, July 18, 2013.)

A word, just a simple word...

Below is a poem entitled Incident; it was written by Countee Cullen, one of America's best African American poets. Read the poem and then respond to the question below.
Incident by Countee Cullen

Once riding in old Baltimore,
Heart-filled, head-filled with glee,
I saw a Baltimorean
Keep looking straight at me.

Now I was eight and very small,
And he was no whit bigger,
And so I smiled, but he poked out
His tongue, and called me, "Nigger."

I saw the whole of Baltimore
From May until December;
Of all the things that happened there
That's all that I remember.

In A Lesson Before Dying, the first 4 chapters focus on the power of just one word as this poem does. Using only the first 4 chapters of the novel to support your claims, explain the power of the one word in the novel and how it is used as a catalyst for this novel. Who do you think is most affected by the word? Why? (The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight July15,2013. Remember use only your first name and last initial when posting a response. )

Two of a Kind

In the final chapters of HUCK FINN,  it is clear that Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn share a unique friendship.  However, it is also apparent that the two can be a study of contrasts:  Tom, the "romantic adventurer" and Huck, the "realistic explorer".   Discuss their opposing approaches to life and why you think they have a lasting friendship.  Cite at least one situation when Twain shows this contrast.  (The deadline to post a response to this blog opportunity is midnight, July 8, 2013.  Please tell your friends that a new post is up.)