Walking on Broken Glass

In the Prologue of the novel, David tells of "a series" of images that remain from the summer of 1948: a young Sioux woman, feverish on the bed in his house; his father kneeling on the kitchen floor, begging his mother to help him; his mother holding a 12 gauge shotgun, intending to use it;  and the sound of breaking glass and the odor of rotting vegetables.  By the end of Part Three, all of these images have been fully revealed and because of the "broken jars," David believes everything will go back to the way it was before.  His twelve-year-old innocence fails to realize that those jars are broken forever. Select any image from the novel (you don't have to select one from the Prologue), and discuss what was revealed in the moment and what consequence comes to the Haydens via that event. CATCH:  You may not write on any image already discussed by a classmate.   (The deadline to post a response is midnight, June 22, 2014. No credit will be given to plagiarized responses.)

What the wind unfolds beneath 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. Remember  to put your name under your comment. (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight, Wednesday, June 18, 2014.)

He is my brother...

In Part One of Montana 1948, our narrator Davy introduces us to our main characters. He spends a great deal of time on Wesley and Frank Hayden.  In what ways are the brothers alike and different? What do you think Watson, the author, is focusing upon through the details of the brothers?  (You must give specific proof--lines/passages/words from the novel to support your answer.  Unless you are the first to respond, you must also agree or disagree with at least one student who posted prior to you. You must not simply repeat his/her statements even if you feel the same. You need to be specific.  Give YOUR view.) When you answer the question, write in complete sentences in good grammar.  When you use lines/passages/words from the book, put them in quotation marks.  After you finish your response, write your first and last name. You must have a gmail account to post.  Please tell others about this question/extra credit opportunity.  (The deadline to answer the question is midnight, June 15, 2014.--Next question on June 16th about Part Two of Montana 1948.)

Summer Reading Selections AP 2014-2015

Welcome to AP English IV for 2014-2015.  I am very excited to have you in my class.  Remember the required books are

A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines

Montana 1948 by Larry Watson

Also,  remember that you have to read an independent novel from the letter you were given.  Below is a list of the novel that have already been selected by students.

ENJOY!

All Quiet on the Western Front

The Awakening
Beloved
Billy Budd
The Bluest Eye
The Book of Ruth

Brave New World
Catch 22
The Catcher in the Rye

The Color Purple
A Confederacy of Dunces
The Count of Monte Cristo
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime
Daisy Miller 
David Copperfield 
East of Eden

A Farewell to Arms
Great Expectations
The Handmaid's Tale
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
Invisible Man by Ellison

Jane Eyre
The Kite Runner

The Life of Pi
A Light in August
The Natural 
The Mine and the Well
Old School

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
The Optimist's Daughter

Ordinary People
Ponder Heart

Pride and Prejudice

A Prayer of Owen Meany
The Reader
The Red Badge of Courage

The Road
The Shoemaker's Wife
Snow Falling on Cedars
The Stranger
The Sun Also Rises
Things Fall Apart
This Boy's Life
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
We Were the Mulvaneys
Wuthering Heights
Yellow Raft on Blue Water







Who is among us?

Take this quiz but don't answer the last question with the infinity symbol next to it.  Tell us which character from Lord of the Flies you are most like and if you are surprised.  (Yes, I got Piggy--was there any doubt.)  (The deadline to share is midnight, Tuesday, May 13, 2014.)
http://www.quibblo.com/quiz/8pPwNCc/Lord-of-the-Flies-Personality-Quiz

And in the end...

In the final lines of Lord of the Flies, Golding writes,  "Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of a man's heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy."  So much has happened to our young protagonist in this island adventure.  Which of the many things that he experiences, do you think has the greatest impact on Ralph?  Explain.  (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight Tuesday, May 13, 2014.)

KPU Admits Only the Best!

I hope each of you knows just how much you mean to me.  You have made my mornings so much brighter.  I know that you are going to make the world a better place because you certainly have made mine better.  I love you!