The Last Blog: And One Fine Morning

For your last blog post, I would like you to consider one idea:  What makes this book endure?
(Other aspects to ponder: How does Fitzgerald's novel speak to you in a real level?  Why is this considered one of the, if not the, greatest novels of all time?  What truths does he reveal?  What is Fitzgerald saying about x?  You can mention aspects within the text, but I want more of your focus to stem from the real world significance and application.  Be original.  Think for yourself. DO NOT plagiarize.)

So, before you start please read all the directions below:

I want you to ask 5 critical level questions (real world, extension questions) that really provoked your own inquiry.  Then, I would like you to answer my prompt above in a thorough and reflective paragraph with solid organization of a central idea.  You may use first person pronouns (no second please) and your writing must adhere to thoughtful convention use.
You must then comment on one other person's critical question (you do not have to write this in your own text box, but rather make a comment on someone else's post.)  I expect your answer, to their question, to be thoughtful and thorough.

Here are some examples of my own critical level questions:

1. What do we use to keep us going?
2.  To what extent do we build things up in our minds and then reality doesn't meet our expectations?
3.  Can one's background limit them in life?  Or how does a person's background affect their vision of a dream? Or do our environments shape the people we become?
4.  Is love the greatest entity worth living for?
5.  How do we put on appearances?  Why?  What are we covering? Not revealing?  What are we scared of?
6.  Why is wealth seen as the ultimate way of life?  Why have we put such a heavy weight on material things?
7.  Will the past always be viewed as  simpler, better time?
8.  Do you think most people feel stuck?  Trapped?  Are most people happy, sad?  Disillusioned?  Disappointed?
9. Is what we see ever true?  Do we ever really know somebody?
10. If it is true that we are on borrowed time and moving toward the inevitable, then how should we live?

Act 4 Blog

PLEASE READ THESE DIRECTIONS:
We are going to extend our Socratic discussion based on Act 4 of The Crucible. Answer my question first and I want you to respond to at least 2-3 others, make comments, and continue questioning one another.  In terms of comments toward one another, make sure you focus on the real world implications of this text, discussing what is significant and what we can actually take away.
I do not want one word responses; I expect formal writing and intelligent thought showing your discerning observations and analysis. Please keep in mind the ideological statements and central questions as a means of helping you to analyze further.  Depth is a must!


You must choose between question 1 or 2 and everyone must do #3.

1.  As you read this act, what spoke to you the most or evoked the most emotion?  What quote was the most powerful and why?  Make sure you really reflect on what Miller shows through the quote and why.


2.  Think about the definition of an allegory; we know this text is an allegory for the time period during which Miller lived.-list 2-3 characters, events, or facets of setting that you think are allegorical from the play and what do they correspond to specifically?

*3.  As a result of reading the play and seeing the movie, are you more interested in what actually happened in Salem in 1692, what actually happened during McCarthyism in the 1950s, what happens when an illicit teenage lover is spurned, the effects of infidelity on a married couple, etc. (these are just ideas, but there are obviously more)?  What is it about Miller's work that prompts your interest? (Question from Margo Burns)  Hence, tell me what you really walk away with in terms of what this play can teach us on a humanistic level.  This is a critical, yet subjective response and  I expect a detailed.

When you finish, make sure you ask questions and begin responding to others. Make sure to respond to different people; challenge one another, question each other; help each other to see more.

The Crucible Act 2 Discussion Thread

Today we are going to have a discussion thread based on Act 2 of The Crucible. I want you to respond to the comments and questions of your classmates (you must have at least 4 constructive comments, using textual support, and I always want you to end with a question-interpretative or critical.
I do not want one word responses; I expect formal writing and intelligent thought showing your discerning observations, analysis, and interpretation. Please keep in mind the ideological statements and central questions as a means of helping you to analyze further. I would like to see some abstract thought as well.

To start: (each person should answer this question)

How far reaching has this epidemic become? Everyone should start here with comments and then take the thread where it will go.  (Again, make sure you are using specific textual support)

Purifying the Puritans

Please read ALL of the following directions:
Based on your experiences with the readings and information you consumed on the Puritans, what commentary or critique can you give that shows how Puritan culture is reflected in the modern world? (Hence, where do you see Puritanical thinking/values/beliefs/ or language in our modern world?) 
I expect a solid response which shows depth in support and explanation synthesizing these ideas.  Be original, be thoughtful, be real.
When you are done with your response, please ask another critical question (just ask it under your response) that extends the topic AND as a part of your grade, you need to respond to at least 2-3 other people and their thinking.  Make sure you are being constructive and CHALLENGE one another.

Inspiration

Please answer the following prompts:  Be honest and specific:

1.  What inspires YOU?

2.  How are you staking your identity?

3.  What keeps you from finding that identity or being who you are (or do you even know who that is yet?)