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.