Meaning Amidst the Dust

One of the indicators of an outstanding work of literature is the author's use of symbols.  In Part Two of Montana 1948, Watson presents several symbols.  Among them are Julian Hayden's log house, the magpie that David kills, the coyote mentioned in Marie's final words to David, and the reverie that David has of the Native Americans walking up Circle Hill.  Select one of these images and discuss what you feel it symbolizes and how it adds to the story's plot, characterization, and theme.  CATCH:  You must comment on what the person prior to you has said, but you may not focus on that symbol.  You must move the discussion to another symbol.  I will begin the discussion.  (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight, Thursday, March 13, 2014.)

Conflicts rising...

Part One of Montana 1948 has established several internal and external conflicts.  Internally, what conflicts are Wes and David facing?  Give a line that reveals those conflicts. Catch:  When you post a response you must comment on what others before you have said and you may not give the same quote/line that someone previously has posted.  (Deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight, Tuesday, March11, 2014. No credit will be given to plagiarized responses.)

She said/He said...

We have read both "The Pardoner's Tale" and "The Wife of Bath's Tale." Which of the stories do you feel was the best?  Give two reasons why you like this one best.  (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight, March 7, 2014.) 

A little irony goes a long way...

One of the most famous of the Canterbury Tales is the "Pardoner's Tale," which we read today.  Of course, Chaucer is being ironic with the avarice-driven Pardoner telling a story of the evils of greed, but which element /event of irony in the story did you find most humorous or edifying?  Give the line and identify the type of irony being used and explain what you liked about it.  Make sure you don't use the same example as the poster prior to you.  (The deadline to post a response is midnight Thursday, March 6, 2014.)

A Motley Crew...

Although we have not finished reading about all the pilgrims in The Canterbury Tales, of the ones we have read and discussed, which seems most interesting?  What do you like and dislike about this character?  Make a prediction, based upon his/her characterization, as to what the tale of this character will be?  Justify.  (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight, Friday, February 28, 2014.)

Honor in Green

In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the writer focuses much of the story on honor. In what ways is Gawain honorable? What do you feel was Gawain's most redeeming trait? Why? ( This post closes a midnight on February 27, 2014.)

So we beat on...

Now that we have read the book and watched the recent movie version and the deleted/cut scenes from the movie production, tell us what your favorite scene was in the book and compare/contrast it with the movie version.  Which was more powerful, which was more enticing, which truly captured the essence of the story?   (The deadline to post a response is midnight, February 23, 2014.)