Monday, December 15, 2014

Slaughterhouse-Five Socratic seminar follow-up

Why did Kurt Vonnegut choose to structure this text the way he did?  What effect did he want this novel to have on its readers?

(If you have comments or observations that do not align precisely with those questions, that's okay. These are just suggested jumping-off points.)

Respond by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18 for full credit.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

In Cold Blood Socratic follow-up

Goonies -
If you were out last Thursday for our Socratic seminar over the first two sections of In Cold Blood, please respond to one of the following questions with an answer of approximately 300-400 words.  Evidence from the text is preferred (read: better for your grade).

- Discuss Perry Smith and Dick Hickock's emotional health.  Are they mentally ill?  If not, what do you perceive motivates them to do such horrible acts?  (The answer may be different for each of them.)

- In what ways have the townspeople of Holcombe reacted and changed since the Clutter murders?  What is it about the Clutters that made such an impact on their community, both in life and in death?

- Comment on Truman Capote's bias.  Is it fair or right for him to give so much air-time to the murderers?  Do you feel sympathy for Dick and Perry?  Why or why not?

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

August 1 Essay Responses Go Here

Hello, hello.

Under this thread you should post a reaction to a second piece from the essay anthology (distinct and different than the first). 

Remember that in addition to this anthology, you are expected to read one of the following:

a) Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
b) The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis
c) Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

For the first 1-2 weeks of school, be prepared to discuss anything from the anthology, as well as your spiritual text of choice.

Be well, read well.
LAR

Thursday, June 19, 2014

July 1 Essay Responses Go Here

Greetings, Class of 2015!

If you are looking for where to put your responses to the essays in your summer reading packet, this is the place.  Remember they are due here by 11:59 p.m. on July 1.  Refer to your summer assignment for content and length requirements.  I hope you're enjoying summer, as well as some good books.

LAR