A Raisin in the Sun - the rest of it...

A Raisin in the Sun is all about decisions. Discuss the significant decisions made by the different characters as well as how these decisions affect plot, character development, and theme.

A Raisin in the Sun Act One July 19-25

Act One establishes relationships and conflicts. Which character do you believe struggles the most? In what way does this character struggle? Which character do you think is most entitled to part of the insurance money? Discuss. Which character is least entitled to the money? Why? Do you think that Walter and Ruth have a solid marriage? Discuss.

The Great Gatsby Chapters 6-9

In the preface to The Great Gatsby (Simon and Schuster 1992 edition), Matthew J. Bruccoli writes, “ The Great Gatsby does not proclaim the nobility of the human spirit; it is not politically correct; it does not reveal how to solve the problems of life; it delivers no fashionable or comforting messages. It is just a masterpiece.” Discuss the many parts of this quote in terms of the characters and the plot. Is it a masterpiece? Explain.

The Great Gatsby Chapters 1-5

The Great Gatsby Chapters 1-5

In chapter one, Nick states that his father believed “…a sense of the fundamental decencies is parceled out unequally at birth.” Discuss this belief in terms of the characters you have met thus far. Explore the idea further to show how the American Dream has been corrupted in terms of these characters.

Final East of Eden Blog

Blog for Chapters 45-55 (the end) of East of Eden

Explain how Steinbeck uses these chapters to tie up the loose ends to his story. Discuss the fate of the characters and the end of the novel. Comment on the ending.

Blog 3 Chapters 30-44 June 12-18

East of Eden Blog 3 Chapters 30-44 June 12-18

These chapters are full of conflicts and struggles for the Hamiltons, the Trasks, and Cathy (Kate). Discuss the conflicts and struggles as they apply to the different characters. Themes of man’s loneliness, failure, and guilt dominate these chapters. Furthermore, we see how man searches for truth in an attempt to make sense of life’s hardships. Discuss these emerging themes in terms of the characters.

Blog 2

East of Eden Blog #2 Chapters 15-29 June 5-11

Steinbeck uses these chapters to form various relationships and to show how those relationships change throughout time. In this blog, I want you to discuss those relationships. Make sure that you discuss these relationships as they are presented early on in the chapters as well as how the relationships have changed by the time you have made it though chapter 29. I have listed possible topics…

Adam and Cathy
Adam and Lee
Adam and Samuel
Samuel and Cathy
Kate (Cathy) and Faye
Adam and the twins
Lee and the twins
Samuel and his children
Cathy and men in general
Cal and Aaron

Also…
Steinbeck discusses the brothel as an instituition as vital to men in those days as church. What do you think?
Steinbeck explores the concept of guilt and its impact on mankind…your thoughts?
Steinbeck introduces prejudice through which characters?
Feel free to comment on the discussion about Cain and Able.
Finally, I would love to see some discussion about the irony that Steinbeck employs in these chapters.

Helpful Hint

I have found that it is better to type your blog response into a WORD document and copy and paste it into the response box. If you don’t do it that way, some times your post won’t show up (I learned the hard way…of course).

Assignment for May 31 - June 4

East of Eden Chapters 1-14
This week we will primarily focus on how Steinbeck uses juxtaposition as a means of setting up various contrasts. Discuss the contrasts in terms of the patriarchs of the two families, Samuel Hamilton and Cyrus Trask; contrast the matriarchs, Liza Hamilton, the first Mrs. Trask, and then the second Mrs. Trask (Alice). Contrast Adam and Charles Trask and discuss the source of tension that exists between them. Be sure to comment on the Biblical allusions that Steinbeck incorporates in the first 14 chapters. Discuss Cathy Trask and her shocking acts. Is she Satan’s spawn, the epitome of evil? Is there any logical reason for her behavior? Finally, we see a few themes emerging. Identify and comment on those themes.

Schedule

This is the reading schedule for this year:

May 31 – June 4: Chapters 1 – 14 of East of Eden
June 5 – June 11: Chapters 15 – 29 of East of Eden
June 12 – June 18: Chapters 30 – 44 of East of Eden
June 19 – June 25: Chapters 45 – 55 of East of Eden
June 28 – July 9: Chapters 1 – 5 of The Great Gatsby
July 10 – July 18: Chapters 6 – 9 of The Great Gatsby
July 19 – July 25: Act 1 of A Raisin in the Sun
July 26 – August 6: Act 2 – 3 of A Raisin in the Sun

Summer Reading 2010

Hey. I will be posting the schedule for summer reading soon. Make sure that you blog on each post before the summer is over. Do not be repetitive with your responses, and avoid plagiarism. Thanks! HAPPY READING! :)