"Persepolis" Blog #1

In two paragraphs answer the following questions:

How did the interior of their homes reflect the external changes that were occurring? What two things did they need to protect themselves against?

Time Traveler's Wife (Blog #9)

How does the author manage her novel's fantastically intricate time scheme? For example, where in her narrative does she relate the same incident from different perspectives in order to supply missing information? How could this work as a foreshadowing technique moving forward?

The Road (Blog #2)

The sardonic blind man named Ely who the man and boy encounter on the road tells the father that "There is no God and we are his prophets" [p. 170]. What does he mean by this? Why does the father say about his son, later in the same conversation, "What if I said that he's a god?" [p. 172] Are we meant to see the son as a savior?

Fight Club (Blog #4)

From what we can tell so far, what seems to be the narrator’s relationship to Tyler? What feelings pervade these chapters, and what’s the narrator’s attitude toward life in general?

The Road (Blog #1)

McCarthy has an unmistakable prose style. What do you see as the most distinctive features of that style? How is the writing in The Road in some ways more like poetry than prose?

Girl, Interrupted (Blog #8)

Answer the question below fully in minimum two paragraphs.

Susanna has no apparent reaction to Daisy's death, but after Torrey, another patient, is released into the custody of her neglectful parents, she has an episode of what her case report calls "depersonalization" [p.105] and mutilates her hands to see if "there are any bones in there" [p.103]. Why? What is she looking for underneath her skin? What is the effect of the graphic physicality of this chapter?

Girl, Interrupted (Blog #7)

How does Kaysen describe McLean's "keepers"--its nurses, doctors, and therapists? How do you account for the difference between the hard-bitten full-time staff and the wide-eyed student nurses?

Girl, Interrupted (Blog #6)

At certain points the author suggests that there is something comforting, and even seductive, about insanity. What might make madness comforting to a young girl in the late 1960s--or, for that matter, to anyone at any time?

Macbeth (Blog #3)

Do you think it is necessary or excessive that Macbeth kills Macduff's son and wife? The murderers clearly see that Macduff is not there but proceed to kill the innocent child and his mother. How does this help the audience severe their sympathy and attachments towards Macbeth? In addition, predict the outcome of the play.

Girl, Interrupted (Blog #5)

Most of the early sections of Girl, Interrupted are devoted to the narrator's observations of her fellow patients. To what extent, if any, do these women seem "crazy" to you? What difference do you see in the book's treatment of "Susanna," the character, and its treatment of the other patients?

Girl, Interrupted (Blog #4)

Girl, Interrupted

Susanna Kaysen

1. Define the word "Juxtaposition". 

2. What does the author accomplish by juxtaposing her actual medical records and case notes with the narrative? How do these documents contribute to your impression of Susanna's psychic state? How would this book be different without them?

Macbeth (Blog #2)

You are an experienced Shakespeare enthusiast. Criticize the modern rendition of Macbeth thus far. This about:
-language
-setting
-props
-characters/casting
-suspense of disbelief (keeping the audience engaged in the action and believing what is on screen is really happening)
-the fact that movies can utilize various techniques live productions of theater cannot

Be sure to write as if you are a critic, but also keep in mind you are also writing for the internet, so keep it grammatically correct, but funny. Well-thought out answers and wit are both valued in your grade.

Girl, Interrupted (Blog #3)

In One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, the ward is made up of male patients. In our new book, Girl, Interrupted, our mental ward will be all female. First, tell me your first impression and the differences in narration after reading the opening chapters. What is different between their tones, mood, and overall attitude toward the mental institution? In addition, what similarities do we see between the idea of sane vs. insane. Who do you believe this far, is more sane, Chief or Susanna?

OFOTCN: The End (Blog #2)

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

Ken Kesey

The Finale

Respond to the conclusion of the novel.
1. What happened?
2. How do you feel at the end?
3. How does Kesey want you to feel at the end of the novel?
4. Do you feel like it is too open ended? 
5. Is this the best way to set McMurphy free? To set Chief free?
6. Who holds the power at the conclusion of the novel?

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest: Blog #1

Read Chapter 25 and answer the following questions:

Use quotes to support your answers to the following questions.

 1. Evaluate the fishing trip overall. Is it therapeutic? Why or why not.

 2. What does Chief notice about McMurphy as they are on their way back from the trip? Why/how is this significant? 

3. Compare these two events. What do both show about McMurphy's character?

Macbeth Blog #1

1.

"Stars, hide your fires;

Let not light see my black and deep desires. 

The eye wink at the hand, yet let that be 

Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see."

(Act I Scene iv) Macbeth

 Analyze this quote. What symbols are used to show Macbeth's indecision to kill Duncan? Why is this passage significant to the play and the play's outcome?

2. What are the three reasons Macbeth should not kill Duncan according to Act I scene vi?

3. What is the symbolism of the dagger that appears to Macbeth? Where is it directing him? What is it telling him to do?

4. 

"I go and it is done. The bell invites me. 

Hear it not, Duncan, for it is a knell

That summons thee to heaven or to hell." 

(Act II scene i) Macbeth

What is the significance of the bell? What are the many different layers to this prop/sound?

5. Read Act II scene iii. What is the purpose of this scene? What is the purpose of the character the porter? What is revealed in this scene and how?

6. Predict the end of Act II. What do you think will happen to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?