Salesman quiz over Act II

Can you identify the speaker?

"The only thing you got in this world is what you can sell. And the funny thing is you're a salesman and you don't know that."

"No that's not my father. He's just a guy."

"You fake! You phony little fake! You fake!"

"....I'm gonna show you and everybody else that Willy Loman did not die in vain. He had a good dream."

The quiz will be multiple choice and quote identification. Don't forget to review your elements of drama!

Salesman quiz over Act I Wednesday

The following are questions to consider when preparing for the quiz over Act I:

1) Why does Willy get angry at Linda for mending stockings?

2) How does Charley treat Willy?

3) What did Willy's father make and sell?

4) Why does Happy tell Linda he is going to get married?


In the following quotes, who is the speaker?

1) "When I was seventeen, I walked into the jungle, and when I was twenty-one I walked out."

2) "Where are you guys? Where are you? The woods are burning!"

3) "You take it too hard......when a deposit bottle is broken you don't get your nickel back."


ALSO, PRELIMINARY BIBLIOGRAPHIES ARE DUE WEDNESDAY!

Creative and Original Halloween Poems due Thursday!

Don't forget your poems!

10 -20 lines

Submit TWO copies: one with your name, one without.

Bring your anthologies so we can begin Death of a Salesman.

PUSHING BACK ASSIGNMENT DATES--AFTER ALL OF THAT WRITING THIS PAST WEEK, WE MIGHT NEED A BREAK!

IN HONOR OF ALL OF THE LITERARY ANALYSIS ESSAYS THAT WERE PART OF LAST WEEK, LET'S HAVE A MINI-BREAK AND MOVE SOME DUE DATES.

FOR TUESDAY--the ONLY thing due is your binder


FOR THURSDAY

1) STORY OF AN HOUR (13)--respond to story (one paragraph)

2) A ROSE FOR EMILY (95)-- answer questions 2, 3, 5, 6, 9



FOR TUESDAY OCTOBER 11

1) MINES (173)--answer questions 1, 2, 3, 5

2) SOLDIER'S HOME-- answer questions 5, 8, 9


* PLEASE WRITE OUT (NEATLY) OR TYPE ANSWERS/ RESPONSE

FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13

**LITERARY TERMS PRESENTATIONS.

HAVE FUN AT THE FALL FESTIVAL!!!!!

Literary Analysis Editing

Tomorrow, don't forget to bring TWO TYPED copies of your rough draft for editing. I will return and go over your timed writings over Suns and/or 1984, and we will edit your Animal Dreams essays in class.

Also, we will use the remaining part of class to work on your literary terms presentations, so come with questions and ideas.

ANIMAL DREAMS QUIZ--STUDY HINTS

Tomorrow will be our final quiz over Animal Dreams. IT WILL BE SHORT ANSWER rather than multiple choice like the first quiz. You should know major details of the novel including.......

*What is Loyd's hobby?

*What holiday is celebrated in Grace on Nov 2?

*What unexpected honor does Codi receive?

*Where do Codi and Loyd go for the holidays?

* What item does Codi choose to honor and remember Hallie?

Expect these questions and more on the quiz. Happy reading!

ANIMAL DREAMS QUIZ ON TUESDAY

For those of you who got a late start, keep reading Animal Dreams. We will have another quiz on tuesday. Don't forget your Friday essays for tomorrow!

ANIMAL DREAMS QUIZ and YEAH FOR YOUR PROJECT PROPOSALS!

Monday's Animal Dreams quiz will be purely a reading accountability evaluation. In other words, did you read the required chapters?

Know the general premise of the novel (example: why does Codi return to her hometown?) and be able to associate character names with details about them (example: what does Emelina's husband do for a living?)

Important characters to this point include (but aren't limited to) Codi, Hallie, Loyd, Emelina, Doc Homer and John Tucker

On a separate topic: Project Proposals.....

I was so pleased with the project proposals from this class overall. Most of you have solid, thoughtful projects, and your proposals were complete including signatures, descriptions, commitments statements, etc. What a nice job everyone did! I am looking forward to seeing you complete your projects as the year goes on.

I will try to come and see as many of you as I can in action as the year progresses.

SENIOR PROJECT PROPOSALS

For proposals this week, please make sure you do the following:

1) Go to the Senior Project website linked to this blog and click on "Portfolio"; then, fill in the template with your own information.

2) Be sure to have the mentor form signed by your mentor.

3) If you are holding an event as part of your project, please be sure you have secured permission for the location.

4) Complete the statement of commitment at the end of the proposal.

**If you have a partner, your proposal should largely be identical EXCEPT for the learning stretch and research topic.

**Email or stop by room 260 with any questions

SENIOR PROJECT PROPOSAL DAYS AND TIMES

WE HAVE RECEIVED THE OFFICIAL OK TO PROCEED WITH THE FOLLOWING DAYS/ TIMES FOR PROPOSALS. IF YOU ARE PRESENTING YOUR PROPOSAL DURING A TIME THAT IS NOT DURING OUR CLASS, YOU WILL RECEIVE A PASS FROM ME TO ATTEND YOUR PROPOSAL.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 ROOM 260 (DURING OUR CLASS)

11:00-- Austin C.

11:10-- Haley O.

11:30--Hailey W.

12:30--Alyssa B.

12:40-- Kody J.

12:50-- Katie S.

1:00-- Dot S.


WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

ROOM 262

10:00-- Kelsey R.

10:10--Tony H.

10:20-- Shelly S.

10:40--Zoie B.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

ROOM 260 (DURING OUR CLASS)

11:00 Adriana Q.

11:10-- Cady C.

11:20--Kara D.

11:30--Jacob and Ethan

12:30--Josh K.

12:40-- Amanda

12:50--Katy R.

1:00--Megan and Thomson

ROOM 130

Nick--2:00

Timed Writing Prompts on Angel

Be sure to take a look at the timed writing topics on Angel under "Lessons." On Friday, we will discuss important components of a timed essay. Come ready to finish our discussion on Suns.

The class as a whole did an awesome job of discussion on Wednesday. Let's hope we cover as much ground on Friday!

Also, keep listening to the "This I Believe" essays. Begin thinking about what is important enough to you that you could write your own essay of belief.

Be sure to complete your first Friday Essay for tomorrow's class (typed, double-spaced, MLA format).

BRING SUNS BOOK AND SENIOR PROJECT IDEAS TOMORROW!

Since I have had several students express interest in discussing senior projects, we will spend some time tomorrow individually discussing your project ideas. Please come with some specific ideas for your project along with any questions you might have.

Also, we will spend the other part of class discussing Suns, so don't forget to bring your book!

1984 TEST on Tuesday! Also, bring SUNS to class!

The test is multiple choice, true/ false, and quote identification.

The best way to prepare is to do the following:

1) Review the questions and quotes I posted on the blog over the summer.

2) Review the notes you took as you read the novel.

3) Reread/ skim various parts of the novel.

Also, don't forget to bring your name tag to class, and PLEASE BEGIN BRINGING YOUR THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS NOVEL TO CLASS STARTING ON TUESDAY!

IT'S TIME!! SEE YOU THIS WEEK!!

I am looking forward to seeing you all on Wednesday!

(If you are in Mrs. Rolley's class, I am looking forward to seeing you sometime this week also; however, you will no longer need to follow this blog for information. She will let you know her process for keeping you updated. It's been fun reading your comments over the summer).

Just a reminder that you will need to turn in your summer assignments on the first day of class, so I hope you are finishing those now. Some of you have emailed with questions, so I know you are finishing them.

Also for Wednesday, you will need the following:

1)Pen, pencil, eraser
2) A three-ring binder with dividers
3) a copy of 1984
4) and of course your summer assignments

Come to class prepared to discuss 1984 and review for the test. Post any questions here under the comments section, and get ready for a fun, exciting, thought-provoking year!

Mrs. Harl

A Thousand Splendid Suns, Part IV (Chs. 48-51)

Use these questions to guide your reading/review of Part IV of Suns:

1) How does Laila's life in Murree contrast with her life in Kabul?

2) Why is Laila afraid to hope for peace in Afghanistan, after the U.S. war on the Taliban is over?

3) What forces tug on Laila to return to Afghanistan?

4) How does the letter of Mariam's father show his character? Does it redeem him in some way? In what ways is it ironic?

5) What is fitting about Laila's return to Kabul and her work at the orphanage?

6) How has Mariam become a symbol of Kabul for Laila?

A Thousand Splendid Suns, Part III (Chs. 27-47)

Use these questions to guide your reading/review of Part III of Suns

1) What are Rasheed's motives for taking care of Laila?

2) How has U.S. foreign policy led to the continuing chaos in Afghanistan?

3) What are Laila's motives for the decision she makes regarding marrying Rasheed?

4) What is the effect on Laila of wearing a burqa?

5) What is the significance of Mariam and Laila having tea together?

6) How does the presence of the Taliban in Kabul affect Rasheed differently from Laila?

7) What does Mariam come to understand about motherhood?

8) How do both Zalmai and Aziza demonstrate that they are conforming to their gender roles in their culture?

9) Is Mariam justified in her act? How is this a kind of fulfillment for Mariam?

10) How does Mariam show that she has grown into a woman of strong character at the end of Part III? How does she find peace?

A Thousand Splendid Suns, Part II (Chs. 16-26)

Use these questions to guide your reading/review of Part II of Suns:

1) In this section we are introduced to young Laila and her family. What were Laila's parents like when they were young? How and why have they changed? How does their relationship affect Laila?

2) Why does Laila's father believe in the importance of education for women? (You may also want to research the history of educational opportunities for females in Afghanistan.)

3) What is wrong with Laila's mother?

4) What is Tariq's disability? How does he deal with his disability? What does this show about his character?

5) How is Laila's family affected by the deaths of their two sons?

6) What is the role of religion in the novel? Does it provide any consolation to the people?

7) Why does Laila's father take her to see the two Buddhas at Bamiyan?

8) How does the relationship of Laila and Tariq change?

9) What is the impact of the Soviet withdrawal on the citizens of Kabul?

10) What finally convinces Laila's mother to leave Kabul?

A Thousand Splendid Suns, Part I (Chs. 1-15)

Use these questions to guide your reading of Part I of Suns:

1) The novel opens with a curse word, uttered in frustration by Mariam's mother, when Mariam breaks a treasured heirloom. What does Mariam's memory of this suggest about her sense of herself and her relationship with her mother? How does this opening set the tone for the novel?

2) Jalil is a complex character. Does he love his daughter? How does he show his love? How does he show that he does not fully recognize her as his daughter? Why does he treat her as he does?

3) Why does Mariam ask her father to take her to the cinema for her 15th birthday present? What does she want?

4) Why does Mariam finally say "yes" in the marriage ceremony to Rasheed? What does Mariam realize about her father? How does that make her feel? Does this explain why she goes along with the marriage to Rasheed?

5) What are Rasheed's reasons for making Mariam wear a burqa and what do they tell us about his ideas about his role as a husband and man and his expectations for Mariam?

6) Mariam learns some of her husbands' history when she looks inside the drawers in his room. Why does she rationalize about what she sees?

7) Why does Rasheed want a boy? How might life have been different for the family if Mariam could have had a baby?

SUMMER BLOG ASSIGNMENT #2--DUE THURSDAY, JULY 14; RESPONSE IS REQUIRED

We will post a required response for both 1984 and SUNS so that everyone can start to really think about the significance of these novels before classes begin. If you have any questions or feel confused about parts of the novel, you should absolutely include that in your response. The purpose is to help guide you through this reading (and for some to save you from yourselves and encourage you to get that required reading finished on time). The TWO parts of this required response are listed below.

1) Please respond to one of the following using supporting details from the novel to support your answer.

2) Please respond to the comments of another student. What specifically about their comments interest you? Do you agree or disagree, and most importantly….why?

****YOU MUST COMPLETE BOTH 1) AND 2) ABOVE! A FEW SENTENCES ARE SUFFICIENT.

CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING FOR RESPONSE
I. Besides Winston, whom do you think is the most significant/ interesting character? Why?

II. What do you think is the significance of the novel’s ending? What is Orwell’s message by ending this way?

III. Compare some aspect of the society in the novel to American society today (or in the last decade)? Are there any surprising similarities? (Differences are plentiful and obvious, so if you choose this question focus on similarities).

PLEASE AVOID REPETITION. IF OTHERS HAVE ALREADY SAID WHAT YOU ARE THINKING, CHOOSE A DIFFERENT QUESTION FOR RESPONSE, CHOOSE A DIFFERENT ANGLE ON THAT QUESTION, OR COME UP WITH A TOPIC OF YOUR OWN FOR RESPONSE. (THESE QUESTIONS ARE JUST A GUIDE…..IF YOU WISH TO RESPOND TO ANTOHER ASPECT OF THE NOVEL, FEEL FREE TO INTRODUCE A NEW TOPIC.)

The following quotes are from 1984. Can you identify the speaker? (Hint.....you'll have to on the test! THIS IS A SAMPLING FROM THE QUOTE IDENTIFICATION SECTION.)

“It’s a beautiful thing, the destruction of words. Of course the great wastage is in the verbs and adjectives, but there are hundreds of nouns that can be got rid of as well.”

“Oranges and lemons, say the bells of St. Clement’s. That was a rhyme we had when I was a little boy. How it goes on, I don’t remember, but I do know it ended up, Here comes a candle to light you to bed, Here comes a chopper to chop off your head.”

“The rhyme was ‘rod.’ Do you realize that there are only twelve rhymes to ‘rod’ in the entire language? For days I had racked my brains. There was no other rhyme.”

“You are the last man…You are the guardian of the human spirit. You shall see yourself as you are.”

1984 part III-- Look for a REQUIRED RESPONSE post coming soon!

You should now be finished with 1984. Here are some questions to consider. They are taken from the upcoming test you will see during the first week of classes.

1. Why is it impossible for Winston to tell what time of day it is in the Ministry of Love?
2. Of what does everyone in Winston's cell seem to be dying?
3. Describe O'Brien's actions in the Ministry of Love. What is his ultimate goal?
4. What does O'Brien say is the difference between the Party killing its members and the Catholic Inquisition of the Middle Ages?
5. Why does O'Brien say the Party seeks power?
6. What is the meaning of the term "crimestop"?
7. What happens in room 101?
8. Describe the events after Winston is released. What ultimately happens to him?
9. What do you think is Orwell's overall message(s) in this novel?

HAVE A HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! WE WILL OFFER A MEETING TIME SOON FOR ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO REVIEW AND DISCUSS THE NOVEL.

1984- Part II

By now, you should be finished with part two of 1984. Some questions to think about for the test and for discussion include the following: (Again, I suggest you WRITE OUT answers to these questions and of course post any thoughts or questions that you have).

1. Describe Julia's feelings about the Party.
2. Who is Syme, and what is his significance to the novel?
3. Explain the importance of O'Brien. How do you think he will be important in the overall theme and plot in the parts of the novel yet to come?
4. Describe another of Winston's dreams about his family. Why is the dream significant?
5. Describe the meeting between Julia, Winston, and O'Brien. What are some of the important details that emerge to the reader during this meeting?
6. What are some of the main ideas in Goldstein's book?
7. What is Ingsoc and it's central tenet?
8. What is doublethink?
9. What eventually happens to Julia and Winston in the room over the antique shop? What role does Charrington play?

The items above are hints about the questions you might see on the test. Please post any questions you might have now, so you are ready when we return to school.

I hope you are finding the novel interesting!

PACING FOR 1984

In order to stay current with the summer reading, I recommend the following for 1984:

Have part II (through page 185) read by the end of this week (June 25).

Have part III (through the end of the book) read by July 1.

You should absolutely have the novel finished by the end of June, in order to begin Suns in early July.

Also, if anyone is interested in getting together at the end of June to discuss 1984, let us know and we will offer some dates/times.

Questions about part I are welcome! I encourage you to post any questions or comments about part I of 1984 to the comments section of the corresponding blog post. It might help clear up any confusion you are having over the novel, plus we will know that you are reading!!!

Hope you are having a great summer!

WELCOME TO 1984

By now you should already be reading 1984 and ideally should have part one (through page 87) read by the end of next week. If you follow the reading guide posted for you (1984 by the end of June and SUNS by the end of July), you will be in great shape by the time we return in August. Small pieces is the best way to handle this material.

On this blog, I will post study questions that should help you prepare for the test you will have during the first week of school. If you have questions or find yourself completely confused, PLEASE post a question. Don't worry about feeling silly for asking. I guarantee that if you are confused about something, you're not the only one.

THE TEST WILL INCLUDE QUESTIONS OVER THEMES AND IDEAS AND ALSO MANY QUESTIONS ABOUT PLOT DETAILS TO CHECK FOR CAREFUL READING. Yet another reason to take detailed notes as you read.

Now, on to the study questions. I recommend WRITING OUT ANSWERS TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AS YOU READ, as well as TAKING SEVERAL PAGES OF NOTES over the plot. Also, WRITE OUT ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE OVER THE NOVEL as you read. If you leave 1984 in June and go on to SUNS in July, it will be nice to look back on your notes over 1984 at the beginning of the school year as a reminder.

PART ONE QUESTIONS
1. What is the significance of the "Party" posters described at the beginning of the novel?
2. Explain the Two-Minutes Hate.
3. What is the irony in taking children to the park in the novel?
4. Describe the children in the novel. What are their attitudes towards adults? Describe their behavior.
5. Describe the dream Winston has about his family? Why do you think this might be significant?
6. Describe Winston's job. How does he feel about it?
7. What items are rationed and what items are made plentiful? Why are these items significant to the plot and theme of the novel?
8. Describe the Proles? Who are they? Why are they important? What are their values?
9. What is the Party's view of marriage? Describe Winston's marriage and his feelings for his wife.
10. What was the one possession Winston had held that was "concrete, unmistakable evidence of an act of falsification " by the party?
11. Explain the Party's view of capitalism.
12. Make a list of some of the terms used in the novel that are unique to this community controlled by Big Brother.
13. Make a list of things from the novel that have confused you or interested you so far.

I ENCOURAGE YOU TO POST AN ANSWER TO OR QUESTION ABOUT AT LEAST ONE OF THESE ITEMS. DISCUSSING IT AS WE READ IS THE BEST WAY TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THE NOVEL AND PREPARE FOR THE TEST AND ASSIGNMENTS THAT ACCOMPANY THIS WORK.

I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS NOVEL. HAPPY READING, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO READING YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS!

THANKS FOR YOUR RESPONSES! IF YOU'VE EMAILED ME AND HAVEN'T HEARD BACK, PLEASE TRY AGAIN:)

Thanks to all who have posted responses to the blog question! It was nice to see all of your different ideas about what you consider to be qualities of a scholar. I am impressed with your answers, and I enjoyed reading them.

As you can imagine, I began receiving many, many emails as we neared Monday's due date. Some of you were having problems posting, lost your invitation, etc. I have tried to respond to all of them; however, if you emailed me and did not receive a response, please try again (preferably to my yahoo account for now). I didn't mean to overlook any of your questions; I just have received a very large quantity of messages in the last few days and want to make sure everyone receives a response.

Check back soon for discussion over 1984! If you haven't started on the novel, now is the time! Happy reading!

SUMMER BLOG ASSIGNMENT #1--DUE MONDAY, JUNE 6

By Monday, June 6, you should do the following:

THIS ASSIGNMENT INVOLVES POSTING TWICE, SO IT WILL BE EASIER FOR YOU IF YOU DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE DUE DATE TO MAKE THE FIRST POST.

ALSO, PLEASE IDENTIFY YOURSELF BY NAME, SINCE IT IS SOMETIMES DIFFICULT TO TELL BY YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS.

1) In a couple of sentences, answer the following question: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A SCHOLAR? This is your OPINION. Avoid providing dictionary definitions unless accompanied by your own opinions and examples.

2) Respond to someone else’s comments, and be specific about why they are noteworthy. (Try to keep this positive; for example you might say, “I like what Ashley said about…..because…..” or “I found Tyler’s comments really interesting because…..”)

Although this is not a lengthy assignment, it will be the first impression we have of you as a thinker and writer. Try to be thoughtful in your response.

BONUS POINTS TO ANYONE WHO RESPONDS TO PART 1 OF THIS ASSIGNMENT (scholar question) BY JUNE 1.

We can't wait to read your responses! Hope you are all studying diligently and getting plenty of rest in preparation for final exams!

****YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO COMPLETE THIS ASSIGNMENT UNTIL YOU HAVE ACCEPTED AN INVITATION TO BECOME AN AUTHOR ON THE BLOG. I AM SENDING THOSE OUT TODAY (FRIDAY) VIA EMAIL. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE SEND ME AN EMAIL MESSAGE****

Welcome to A.P. Literature

Welcome to what will hopefully be a good resource for you as you navigate the summer reading for our AP Literature and Composition class. This will be a place for us to discuss the novels and address any questions you have over the readings or summer assignments. Also, I know Senior Projects and Scrapbooks are always a concern, so we can address those questions as they arise as well.

I WILL PERIODICALLY POST INFORMATION TO THIS BLOG WHICH WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: a guide to notetaking, podcasts over themes, characters, etc. in your summer novels, directives to my teacher webpage for sample test questions over the novels, and other relevant information.

Posts to this blog are part of our classroom discussion. That means the rules are the same here as they would be in class. Consider appropriate topics, language, and content, just as you would when we return to school in August.
The first item of business is helping you navigate the summer reading.

My suggestion is to BEGIN WITH 1984. During the month of June, I will post information on my webpage including sample test questions, discussion questions, and links with information about the novel. I will also pose questions on this blog for discussion to help guide your reading and facilitate your understanding of themes and ideas in the novel. PLEASE CHECK THE BLOG FREQUENTLY THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND TO PARTICIPATE IN ONLINE DISCUSSION.

ON TO 1984! Make it your goal to finish it by the end of June. TAKE A LOT OF NOTES! It will make life much easier in August when you prepare for the test.