The Birthmark by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Click here to access a copy of The Birthmark by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

The Black Cat

Hello, Block 2!

Click here to access a PDF copy of The Black Cat by Edgar Allen Poe. This is your best bet if you want to print it.

Click here for a link to an online ebook version of The Black Cat. This is easier to read online-- larger font.

After you read the story, answer at least one of the following questions in a blog post. The idea of blogging is to create a discussion, not post individual mini-essays. Please respond to other posters and feel free to ask questions. This should look like a written Socratic seminar.


Questions:

Now that you have read two stories by Poe, consider his style. What elements of each story do you see as unique to Poe's style?

What is the "fiend Intemperance" and how does it affect the story?

What is Poe's purpose and to what extent did he achieve it?

How does the narrator define "perverseness"? Do you agree with the definition? Do you agree that this is human nature?

The Great Gatsby movie versus book

Please comment on elements of the movie that you found interesting or noteworthy for some reason. Here are a few ideas if you need them:

The soundtrack
Choice of actors
The setting
Scenes that have been changed
Nick's narration

Huck Finn Chapter Summaries

Ideally, these would have gone in order during class, but from what I understand....not so much. If you didn't present your chapters, please post your summary and analysis here. Don't forget to say what chapters you're discussing!

Satire in Huck Finn

Read the student essay linked here about satire in Pap's "gov'ment speech." Also look at the annotation example. The annotation is a good example of what you should do on any passage you are close reading. (Hint: on the test.)
Post a comment about the student essay. Consider things such as:

• The overall quality of the essay
• The use of evidence
• The accuracy of analysis
• Quality of the thesis
• Level of interest
• Understanding of satire
• Anything else that you find notable

PS. I forgot to remind you that this was homework at the end of class. Therefore, anyone who completes it before Monday because they were responsible enough to read the weekly plan will get extra credit. Everyone else will have this as homework on Monday night for regular credit. So I guess that means if you are reading this, tell your friends if you want to be nice :)

The "N Word" Discussion follow up

If you were absent for our seminar about the "N-word" in Huck Finn, watch the videos linked below and review the article handed out in class, "In Defense of a Loaded Word." Then, discuss.

The Daily Show clip

The View clip

Frederick Douglass Style Analysis

Journal Entry:
Choose any passage from The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. In a one-page (minimum) journal entry, analyze Douglass' style. Discuss elements such as tone, diction, syntax, and selection of detail.