Endings

Which story had the best ending? Why?

No Country for Old Men

What are your thoughts on the ending of this movie? Do you like or dislike it? Why or why not?

Tralala

Here are a few of the questions that came to me as I read the text. Answer one or several.

Are Tralala's actions dictated by her environment? How much agency does she have over her life?

How much free will does anybody have? Does free will exist within parameters? Do those parameters differ based on external factors (time, place, class, race, gender, age, etc.)?

Are certain people who are more prone to Tralala's fate? Why do some people that grow up in circumstances like Tralala "get out" while others get sucked in deeper?

Can a human become pure animal? What makes that transition happen?
How and why does a conscience become hardened over time?

Genius

Read this article and summarize it: Genius: The Modern View

How does Brooks define genius? Do you agree or disagree with his viewpoint? Can someone become a genius in a particular field through hard work?

Free Post on Everyday Use

What did you think of "Everyday Use"? Post your thoughts, or post a question. Post anything. This is an informal discussion on the story; the only requirement is that you must respond to the person who posts before you. I'd like to see a little more dialogue on the board. I'll chime in too.

Free Discussion Lady Lazarus

What are your thoughts on Sylvia Plath's poem "Lady Lazarus"? Post your thoughts, or post a question. Post anything. This is an informal discussion on the story; the only requirement is that you must respond to the person who posts before you. I'd like to see a little more dialogue on the board. I'll chime in too.

Free Discussion on Aurora

What are your thoughts on the relationship between the narrator and Aurora in Junot Diaz's short story? Post your thoughts, or post a question. Post anything. This is an informal discussion on the story; the only requirement is that you must respond to the person who posts before you. I'd like to see a little more dialogue on the board. I'll chime in too.

Free Discussion on Banana Fish

What did you think of "A Perfect Day for Banana Fish"? Post your thoughts, or post a question. Post anything. This is an informal discussion on the story; the only requirement is that you must respond to the person who posts before you. I'd like to see a little more dialogue on the board. I'll chime in too.

Woman Hollering Creek

Describe what life is like in the telenovelas that Cleofilas and her friends watch. How is Cleofilas's own life different from the telenovelas? Why do you think she is drawn to these programs? Use a quote from the text to support your point.

A Good Man is Hard To Find

Taking special note of the moment directly before the grandmother's death, look closely at the last three or four paragraphs of "A Good Man is Hard to Find." What happens to the grandmother? Does she have an awakening or an epiphany? Use a quote from the text to support your analysis of the scene.

In a Grove

Invent a new character for the story "In a Grove" and write his or her account of the events. Model your writing style after Akutagawa's monologues, and pay close attention to minute details such as place and time.

Brokeback Mountain

Describe the setting in "Brokeback Mountain." How would the story change if it took place in a different location? Pick a geographic location other than Wyoming and discuss how the story would change if it were set in that place.

Grammar Links

Here are links to the most common grammar problems in the American Dream papers:
Comma Splices
Run-on Sentences
Sentence Fragments
Passive Voice
Wordiness
Unclear Pronoun Reference (Also includes info on errors of agreement)
Subject Verb Agreement

Syllabus Revision

After much thought and consideration, I have decided that we will not read Beloved this semester. Our class time will be better utilized if we continue to read shorter pieces and discuss them in small groups as we have been doing so far this semester. We need to focus on revising our short papers and developing our longer research projects; the novel and the group presentations will take too much of our time and focus away from these important tasks.

Instead of reading Beloved, we will read a few short stories by Alice Walker and Jhumpa Lahiri. I will provide you with these stories; you will not have to purchase another course packet. We will also watch another film.

Please return Beloved to the bookstore if you have already purchased it. If you have any problems returning the book, please see me.

I will give you a revised syllabus on Tuesday that will show all of the updated readings.

Student Expectations & Grade Disputes

Summarize this article:
Student Grade Disputes

Why do you think there has been a recent rise in grade disputes and grade inflation at the college level? Should students receive higher scores based on effort? Why or why not?

Leo vs. Sami

Compare and contrast Leo from "The Magic Barrel" with Sami from "A Man of Integrity."

ashleymadison.com

Write a short op-ed style piece that expresses your opinion about the ashleymadison.com website. Should this website be allowed to advertise their services on public television? Why or why not?

Poetry

What makes a good poem?

Accuracy & Truth

In an interview, Tim O'Brien said, "Good movies -- and good novels, too -- do not depend upon 'accurate portrayals.' Accuracy is irrelevant. Is the Mona Lisa an 'accurate' representation of the actual human model for the painting? Who knows? Who cares? It's a great piece of art. It moves us. It makes us wonder, makes us gape; finally makes us look inward at ourselves."

What do you think O'Brien means by this quote? Do you think "How to Tell a True War Story" is an "accurate" portrayal of Vietnam? What is the difference between accuracy and honesty? Can a work be inaccurate but honest? Or accurate but dishonest?

Do you agree with O'Brien's perspective? Why or why not?

How to Tell a True War Story

For class on Thursday, read "How to Tell a True War Story." Here's the link in case you don't have a copy:
How to Tell a True War Story

Also, take a quick look at this photo essay on the Vietnam War:
Vietnam War
(A few of the photos are graphic.)