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Saturday, September 22, 2012

1. Epic of Gilgamesh

I need a hero. Your mission today is to list the qualities of a hero in a well developed paragraph.  There should be at least three key character traits. Then, you must find an example of this hero archetype in the world (including stories and media) and describe why this person/character typifies the hero archetype.  Include a link to a video or picture of the hero you choose. 

This is class work, and no late grades will be accepted. 

Interesting link to view the original tablets of the Epic of Gilgamesh: The British Museum




AP. Context of The Scarlet Letter

Before we begin Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel, The Scarlet Letter, I would like you each to research the cultural and historical context leading up to him writing this piece.  Please also include details about Hawthorne's life. It may be beneficial to look back to the Puritan/Colonial mindset and the Salem Witch Trials, as these historical events would definitely have connected to the exigency of Hawthorne's work.

Post a comment with detailed information about the context of The Scarlet Letter. This is CLASS WORK, so publish during 2nd block. I will not accept late posts. 



Loose (pun intended) Parody of Scarlet Letter, "Easy A" (Link to NY Times Review)

AVID. College Research

Please choose one college you may like to visit or attend (in any state, not just North Carolina). Post a comment with a good paragraph about that college/university, as well as a link to its website. This is a class work grade, so no late posts will be accepted. 
 
 

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

AVID. The Namesake

1. Research Pulitzer Prize winning writer Jhumpa Lahiri and post a comment telling what you learned about her life. 

2. In the same comment, find a review of The Namesake and paste a link, as well as your opinion of whether it is correct or not. 

1. Rice Without Rain



1. Research Thailand and the Thammasat University Massacre of 1976. Post a comment explaining what you learned about the context of the novel. 

2. As part Two of your comment, explain one of the major lessons to be learned from one of these characters: Jinda, Dao, Ned, Sri, Inthorn, or the Grandma. 


AP. "Good Souls"

Dorothy Parker's acerbic wit in this exemplification / satirical essay is unparalleled. Post a comment with a brief reflection on her central thesis, as well as a link to a contemporary example of "Good Souls" in today's society.








JCP's Final Reflection: 
It is better to call people out when they are insincere then go on living as if everything is just fine. Why feel bad about yourself when you can point out the truth and live genuinely? Dorothy Parker said it best when she surmised, "There is no accounting for good souls."

Here's my link to modern day 
"Good Souls:" 
Desperate Housewives




AP. Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience"

As we learned from Fitzgerald's tragic characters in Gatsby, some people who are alive are not truly living. Eighty years prior, Henry David Thoreau wrote Walden, which asserts a similar thesis: life is meant to be lived authentically, and not in pursuit of trifles. 


Research Henry David Thoreau and post a comment outlining important facts about his life and work.  If possible, find information on Walden and the "Civil Disobedience" section. 

AP. Great Gatsby


Before we say goodbye to our "old sports" Nick and Jay, let's choose one quote from this timeless classic and post why it is so salient. 

Once again, to Zelda... 

Here's a video on why Gatsby is so great.