Ch. 32-end: The Exciting Escape!

This section is dripping with satire of romantic writers; which of Tom Sawyer's ideas did you find most ridiculous? Why do Huck and Jim go along with him? What do Huck's actions in this section reveal about his "journey" throughout the novel? (Has he grown or backtracked in this section?) Some critics (Hemingway included) love the book, but are unhappy with the end. Were you satisfied with the ending or do you agree with them? How does the tone of the ending contrast with the rest of the novel? How does the focus/emphasis shift? Are these positive or negative changes? How does Huck fare in the inherited prejudice vs. human dignity spectrum in this part? What are Huck's plans at the end of the novel? What does the last statement he makes tell you about him? How does it relate to a recurring theme in the novel?

Ch. 24-31: Conning the Conmen

What's your opinion of the duke and king at this point? What should Huck and Jim do about them? What do you think is the object of Twain's satrical barbs in the Wilks episode? What is Huck's major moral tranformation? What did you make of his exchanges and thoughts regarding Mary Jane? Could it be love? How does Twain develop the themes of truth vs. falsehood and appearance vs. reality here? Do you notice any irony or foreshadowing in this section? What else were you thinking as you read these chapters?

Huck Finn Ch. 17-24: Introducing the Duke and King, The Satire Continues...

Soooo, what did you make of the Grangerford episode? Did it remind you of anything? What do you think Twain is satirizing in this section? What do you make of the "duke" and "king"? Which of their antics do you find the most absurd, comical, and/or despicable? What function do you think they serve in the plot/narrative structure? How are they examples of satire? This section takes place mostly on land. Keeping in mind the theme of nature vs. civilization, what is Twain implying by the dark events that occur in this episode? Did you notice any examples of irony, parody, allusion, symbol, or possible foreshadowing? What do you think (or hope) will happen next?

Book Five: A Matter of Life and Death

Spoiler alert: If you haven't finished the novel yet, do NOT read the comments posted here. If you do choose to read these comments, the author of this blog disclaims responsibility for a ruined ending.
*Where do they spend the winter? What is the mood?
*Why is Catherine unwilling to get married now?
*How does Catherine plan to change after the baby is born?
*How would you describe the relationship at this point? How has it changed?
*Describe the labor, the alternatives given, and note who makes the decisions. Could things have been different?
*How does Henry feel when he sees his son?
*What happens to Catherine and the baby? Why?
*What is the tone at the end of the novel?
*What do you predict will happen to Henry in the coming years?

This is also a great place to comment on themes or symbols you are thinking about exploring for your essay. Please post any questions you have about the essay here or send me an email: lisa.heartz@bedford.k12.mi.us. Thanks again for your insights!

Book Four: "A Separate Peace"

*Calling all literary sleuths, where else have you heard the term "a separate peace"? What does Lt. Henry mean when he says this?
Some other topics to consider:
*What does the bar operator offer to do? How does he help Henry?
*Who is Simmons and how does he help?
*How does Henry feel about life at this point?
*Is Henry still in danger? What must he do?
*Who is Count Greffi? Why did Hemingway include this scene?
*What kind of person is Emilio? How do you know?
*What happens when Catherine and Lt. Henry reach Switzerland?

Deadline Confusion

Just got back from a mini-vacation, and noticed the deadline mayhem. We're going with the one in the packet, July 8th, for Their Eyes Were Watching God. I've enjoyed reading your comments, and am looking forward to meeting you in the fall.

Book Three: Not a Happy Homecoming...

*When Henry returns to the villa, what is the mood? What has been happening since he was away?
*How has Rinaldi changed? How has the priest changed?
*Why do the Italians prepare to retreat? What is Henry's role? Describe the actual retreat.
*Piani and Aymo call themselves anarchists and socialists. What do they mean?
*Why does Henry go across the bridge first? What does that show about him?
*Why is he angry when he sees the German staff car and bicyclists?
*Who gets killed? Describe Henry's reaction.
*How does Henry almost get killed? How does he escape?
*What does Henry think about as he lies in the train car? How has he changed? What is his feeling about the war at this time?

Book Two: "She only cries when it rains..."

Is it just me, or does that sound like a lyric from a bad eighties song? Alluding, of course, to Catherine, who cries when it rains. Why does she do that? Hmm...here are some other little tidbits to ponder:

*Describe the relationship between Lt. Henry and Miss Van Campen?
*Why is the barber hostile to Henry?
*How does Henry fell when he sees Catherine again?
*Describe Henry's experience when he llok at the wound? Have you had a similar experience? Why do we do this?
*What is the surgeon's advice? Why does he want a second opinion? What does this reveal about Henry?
*Why does Catherine want to know about Henry's past love? Why do you think he lies? Would Catherine think less of him if he told the truth?
*Describe Catherine's behavior toward Henry.
*Who is Fergy? Does she like Henry?
*Why is Catherine opposed to getting married right now?
*What are Catherine's and Henry's views about religion?
*Has Henry changed in any way since the beginning of the novel? Is he more or less selfish?
*How does Henry lose his convalescent leave?
*What important information does Catherine reveal to Henry?
*What else do they talk about before he leaves?

Book One: Farewell to "Eyes," Hello to "Farewell"!

Sending out a friendly reminder into blogworld...Please post your five genius insights for Their Eyes Were Watching God by midnight on July 5th. If anyone misses the deadline, still post to receive a late grade. Thanks for the thought-provoking comments on novel #1; there is a lot to be gained from reading your blog posts. You are offering your interpetations, posing questions, and building on the ideas of others, and it's a wonderful thing to see - keep up the great work!

As you finish Hurston and are feeling the inevitable sadness that comes with saying goodbye to a great novel, fear not! When one book closes, another opens (or something like that...) :). Farewell for now, Hurston, hello Hemingway! As you sip your mango lemonade from a coconut on the beach, here are some things to think about for A Farewell to Arms:

*What tone is set at the beginning of the novel?
*How would you describe Hemingway's style? Are you a fan?
*What are your impressions of the narrator? Is he reliable? What are his attitudes toward war?
*How can you tell the narrator likes the priest? How do others treat him? Why?
*What do you think of the lieutenant's relationship with Miss Barkley? Why does she slap him? Why does he say he loves her? What does he mean, "This was a game, like bridge..."? How does he really feel about her?
*What happens to Henry at Plava?
*What countries are involved in the war at this time?

As always, feel free to respond to the above ideas, or post your own ideas, interpretations, and questions as you read.

Essay Clarification

In case there are questions about the essay, here's a quick clarification (or directions for the directions!). The essay will explore one topic within both novels, Their Eyes Were Watching God and A Farewell to Arms. Select a topic from the topic list at this time. Next, record quotes addressing this topic in your quote log as you read (also in packet). You are required to have three quotes from each novel in your quote log and in your essay. The other four quotes on the quote log may be from either novel, but should still address the topic. After reading both novels and completing the quote log, develop your thesis using your topic and at least one literary device. See packet for essay guidelines. The quote log should be quite useful when writing the essay- use these quotes to support your thesis in your essay. Make sure you use MLA format (again-see packet), size 12, double-spaced, 3-5 pages. Please email me or respond to this post if you have any questions. Feel free to start commenting on Their Eyes Were Watching God when you've started reading it. Someone has to go first- why not you? I will be happy to give fake extra credit to anyone brave enough to get our blog blogging. Reminder: you need to have 5 blog posts (1 paragraph minimum each) by July 8th for your first deadline. Start as soon as possible. The comments don't necessarily have to reinvent Hurston scholarship; just start out by posting your responses, questions, and interpretations as you read. However, brilliant insights are always welcome, of course. Post something soon- make an English teacher's day. Have a wonderful summer!

Practice Post: Testing, 1, 2, 3!

As soon as possible, do a first practice post- no, this doesn't count toward the "big five" posts per book- we're just doing a test to make sure you can post successfully. Tell me a little about yourself- your interests, extracurricular activities, of course, your favorite book of all time, and anything else you'd like to share.