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! :)