Blog #4 - How Far She Went

What is the role of the small dog in the plot? What about Sylvie, even though she is only present in backstory? Why are they essential elements in the story?  (2 paragraphs)

Blog #3 - How Far She Went

The story employs a third person limited point of view that shifts from the granddaughter to the grandmother.  Find two passages from the story where the use of this point of view is particularly effective in characterizing the granddaughter and grandmother as well as their relationship. (1 paragraph)

Blog #2 -

How is the grandmother characterized in the story? Discuss the use of detail in your answer.  How are small details used to create and enrich the characterization? Provide a specific example. (1-2 paragraphs)

Blog #1 - How Far She Went

Describe the plot structure of this story. How is suspense initiated and maintained throughout? Where is the climax of the story located? (2 paragraphs)

Blog #2 - The Dinner Party

Write a short scene (3/4 page to a page double spaced max.) mimicking the tone of "The Dinner Party", with most of the story laying beneath the surface. Include dialogue and two clearly defined characters that are unhappy. Type, print, and submit in class next week.

Blog #8 - The Things They Carried

What does "The Ghost Soldiers" add to this book so close to the end? Does it provide any new insights, perspectives, or experiences about any of the characters? What do you think is the purpose of a chapter like this one and does it change your opinion of O'Brien? Why or why not? (1 paragraph - at least 1 quote from the book.)

Blog #1 - Cryptology

Why do you think the author would make Nachman a mathematician? What does it add to the collection of stories? In the context of the story "Cryptology", what is another facet of Nachman's character that we discover through his bizzare encounter with Helen and her husband? (2 paragraphs - use 1-2 quotes from the book to defend your answer)

Blog #1 - The Dinner Party

From what point of view is the story told? How old are the characters, in your opinion, and which of the characters do you feel closest to, as the reader of the story? Why? Explain your answer with at least 1 quote/passage from the text. (1 Paragraph)

Blog #1 - Girl, Interrupted

What is a recurring theme that Kaysen brings up in "Applied Topography" and how does it affect the girls at McLean Hospital?  What is particular about Kaysen's voice and the details she chooses to share? What conclusions can you draw based on the tone of her stories?


(2 paragraphs - use quotes from book.)

Blog #1 - Cathedral

1. Like with the word 'snow' from "White Angel", think about what the word 'cathedral' evokes for you. Write a list of 7 words on a piece of loose leaf paper.


2. What does a cathedral symbolize in the framework of this story? Why a cathedral and not another building, for example? What does this add to the story and to the narrator's experience at the end? (1 paragraph - use 2 quotes from the story in your answer.)

Blog #3 - Brighton Beach Memoirs

How did The Great Depression affect literature? Why are some of the themes of that time period considered to be "universal"? Look up on article/essay on the topic (impact of The Great Depression on American literature) and incorporate at least one quote from the source in your answer. (2 paragraphs)

Blog #8 - Ms. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

How does Ransom Riggs build suspense in the novel in the pages you read this week (pages 120-140)? Find two specific examples of how the author uses language to make the reader feel unease, fear, and tension. (1 paragraph)

Blog #4 - Looking for Alaska

Miles writes, "Teenagers think they are invincible." How does the meaning of this phrase change after the end of the first part of the book? What do you think really happened? Explain your reasoning. (1 paragraph)

Blog #5 - The Great Gatsby

In chapter 4, we learn more about Gatsby. Do you trust him? What does he want Nick to do and why? How does Nick react? (2 paragraphs - use at least two quotes from the book.)

Blog #1 - Of Mystery There is No End (Nachman Stories)

Discuss any theme you found in "Of Mystery There is No End". Discuss at least two passages (with quotes) to explain why you think it is a recurring idea in the story.

Blog #2 - White Angel

Images of flight and flying appear throughout the story. Using specific examples, explain the function of two of these images, and why they appear where they do. (1 paragraph - use specific quotes from story.)

Blog #3 - Looking for Alaska

Pick any prominent theme in the book and discuss its importance. (1 paragraph - use at least 2 quotes from the book in your argument. How did you come to the conclusion that this was a recurrent idea in the book?)

Blog #4 - Walk Two Moons

What does Sal write about in her mini journal? Why is it important to the story that she writes about this? (1 paragraph - use one quote from the book.)

Blog #7 - Ms. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

What are two odd things that Jacob finds out/sees in chapter four? Based on these two things, why does Jacob think that he may have "given up too soon"? (1 paragraph - Use at least one quote from the book in your answer.)

Blog #1 - Nachman Burning

In "Nachman Burning", we see a side of Nachman (in present day) that we are not familiar with. What facets of his character are introduced in this story? Elaborate on at least two details. (1 paragraph - use quotes from the story.)

Blog #2 - Looking for Alaska

Discuss Miles's fascination with last words. How does this odd fascination help him in his journey of self-discovery? (1 paragraph - use at least one quote from the pages assigned for homework... and remember to include page numbers!)

Blog #1 - White Angel

The story contains several juxtapositions of life and death imagery. Identify two of these images and briefly explain how Cunningham's use of this paradoxical imagery supports the themes of the story.

Blog #6 - Ms. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

What are Jacob's first impressions of the island?
In your opinion, how does Jacob's father compare to his mother by the end of the pages you read? (2 paragraphs - use ONE quote/example from the book in your answer.)

Blog #1 - Nachman From Los Angeles

Do you think Nachman will write the paper for Ali? How do you know this? How is Ali trying to persuade him? Use quotes from the pages assigned for homework in your answer. (2 Paragraphs)

Blog #1 - Looking for Alaska

Discuss what happens to Miles at the end of the section you read. Why does it happen to him, and why does Alaska react the way she does? (2 paragraphs - use quotes from the book in your answer for a full 5 points!)

Blog #1 - The Swimmer

What does Ned's journey across the "Lucinda River" symbolize? What is tragic about his story? Think about the overall theme of the story as you begin crafting your answer. (2 Paragraphs - use quotes from the story to defend your argument.)

Blog #5 - Mrs. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

What is one story Abe tells Jacob? Summarize it in your own words, using as much detail as possible in your own version of the story. (6 full sentences - remember to proofread your work!)

Blog #6 - The Catcher in the Rye

What is it that attracts Holden to Jane? If he likes her so much, why does he keep thinking about calling her, but never actually calls? (Hint: Think about what this could symbolize about Holden's character and his grieving process.) (2 paragraphs - use quotes from the book to defend your argument.)

Blog #5 - The Catcher in the Rye

We find out a lot about Holden through his reactions to and thoughts about Jane Gallagher. What do we discover about Holden's character? How does he act towards women in general? Talk a little bit about his attitude towards Faith Cavendish, in chapter 9. (2 paragraphs - use at least 2 quotes from the chapter.)

Blog #3 - Walk Two Moons

What kind of teacher is Mr. Birkway? Does Sal like him? How do you know? (6 sentences, using at least one quote from the book that defends your argument.)

Blog #4 - Mrs. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Describe Jacob Portman, based on what you know about him. (6 sentences - Use at least 2 quotes from the book.)

Blog #3 - Mrs. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Why do you think Jacob disagrees with the police officers that a pack of dogs killed his grandfather? Why does Ricky react the way he does, even though he was there on the night Jacob's grandfather was killed? How are Ricky and Jacob different, in your opinion? (6-7 sentences. Use specific lines from the book in your answer.)

Blog #2 - Mrs. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

What effect do the photographs have on your reading experience? How do they make you feel? Do they add anything to the book's content? (5 sentences - Explain in detail.)

Blog #1 - Mrs. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

What do you think about the grandfather's stories? What do you think the "monsters" symbolize? (5-6 sentences)

Blog #7 - The Things They Carried

Reread the final two pages of this book. Consider what the young Tim O’Brien learns about storytelling from his experience with Linda. How does this knowledge prepare him not only for the war, but also to become a writer? Within the parameters of this story, how would you characterize Tim O’Brien’s understanding of the purpose of fiction? How does fiction relate to life, that is, life in the journalistic or historic sense?

Blog #2 - They're Not Your Husband (with NY Times Source)

Compare and contrast Earl and Anders (from Bullet in the Brain.) Do you feel like you know either of them more, or less, than the other? How would you describe the tone of this story? Explain, using the NY Times article in your argument.

Blog #2 - Bullet in the Brain (With NY Times Source)

How do you feel about the protagonist, Anders? Do you think that Tobias Wolff intentionally describes him in a certain way at the beginning, then at the end, in order to make you feel a particular way about him? Did your feelings change? Explain, including the NY Times source in your argument.

Blog #6 - The Things They Carried

What did you think of the last chapter? Was the ending of the book satisfying? Comforting? Disturbing? Why did O'Brien introduce a new female character (Linda) in the last chapter? What does she symbolize, in your opinion? (2 Paragraphs - try to use as much detail as possible, using specific examples from the chapter.)

Blog #2 - Music

Whose story is this? Although we agreed that the point of view is close 3rd person, is there any character we know better than the others, either physically or mentally? How do you know? Explain, using details from the book. (2 Paragraphs)

Blog #4 - The Catcher in the Rye

In your opinion, what does it mean to "fit in" or belong to a group? What do you think Holden would say about this? Do you think he wants to fit into any group? Explain. (2 paragraphs - use quotes from book to defend your argument.)

Blog #5 - The Fault in our Stars

Talk about how you experienced this book? Is it too sad, too tragic to contemplate? Or did you find it in some way uplifting? Do you think the book should've had a happy ending? Explain. (2 paragraphs - quotes from book.)

Blog #3 - The Heart is a Lonely Hunter

Talk about the party at the Kelly household at the beginning of Part II. How is Mick's behavior typical of an adolescent girl and how is it different? What is unique about Mick? In your response, speak of her love for music. How is music used in scenes to evoke a mood, punctuate certain paragraphs, or convey an idea or underlying theme? (2 Paragraphs - Use quotes from the book.)

Blog #1 - Music

Discuss one theme that is developing in "Music". Elaborate on it as much as you can, based on the few pages we read together. Remember: a theme is a recurring idea. Think of the bigger story: What is it really about? (1 paragraph - with at least 2 quotes from the story!)

Blog #3 - The Catcher in the Rye

Do you believe everything Holden tells you? If yes, why? If not, explain why he may be an unreliable narrator. (2 Paragraphs - Use quotes from the book to defend your argument and incorporate your two digital sources as well, making sure to cite them within the text.)

Blog #4 - The Fault in Our Stars

After his experience working in a children's hospital, Green said he believed that "life is utterly random and capricious and arbitrary." However, after finishing The Fault in Our Stars, he said he no longer felt that life's randomness "robs human life of its meaning... or that it robs even lives of people who don't get to live full lives." What does this mean, and why do you think he changed his mind about this? How does it tie into the meaning of the book? Explain. (2 paragraphs - use quotes from book!)

Blog #2 - Walk Two Moons

In Chapter 4, what do we find out is special about Phoebe Winterbottom? What does she do, and what does it tell you about her character? (5 sentences - use a quote from the book.)

Blog #2 - The Catcher in the Rye

On page 39, Holden displays two of the stages of grief (as outlined in the handout.) Explain what happens in the garage and how it is a perfect example of the Kübler-Ross model. (2 paragraphs - Use quotes from the book.)

Blog #3 - The Fault in Our Stars

What did you think about the book's humor? Is it appropriate... or inappropriate at times? Green has said that he "didn't want to use humor to lighten the mood" or "to pull out the easy joke" when things got hard. But he also said he likes to "write about clever kids, and they tend to be funny even when things are rough." Is his use of humor successful? How did it affect the way you read the book and how it affected you emotionally? Explain. (2 Paragraphs - use QUOTES from the book.)

Blog #1 - Walk Two Moons

Compare and Contrast Sal's "Hiddle" grandparents (on her father's side) to her other grandparents, on her mother's side. Are they similar in any way? How are they different? Explain (5 sentences - Use quotes from book.)

Blog #1 - The Catcher in the Rye

What does Holden most often criticize people for? (Hint: he's got a certain word for it.) Why is this specific criticism that Holden uses against other people ironic? Explain. (2 paragraphs - quote the book.)

Blog #2 - The Fault in Our Stars

What do you think about Peter Van Houten, the fictional author of An Imperial Affliction? John Green has said that Van Houten is a "horrible, horrible person but I have an affection for him." Why might Green have said that? What do you think of Van Houten? (2 paragraphs - use quotes from the book.)

Blog #1 - The Fault in Our Stars

Do you think Hazel and Gus define themselves by cancer? Do they confront it similarly? differently? In chapter 11, we learn about Caroline's brain cancer. How did she deal with it differently, and what conclusions can you draw based on this? Explain. (2 paragraphs - Use quotes from book.)

Blog #2 - The Heart is a Lonely Hunter

Which character do you sympathize the most with so far? Why? What does this character "want", at this point in the book? (2 Paragraphs - Use quotes from the book.) 

Blog #2 - Inside Out and Back Again

How similar is Hà to the author of the book, Thannha Lai? Although the book is a memoir, is there anything different between both of their stories? In the article I asked you to read for homework, what do you learn about Vietnam and Hà's (Thannha Lai's) journey from Saigon to the United States? (2-3 paragraphs, using quotes from the article and from the book when necessary!)

Blog #2 - Brighton Beach Memoirs

Think about what each character "wants" throughout the play, and ultimately, what each of them truly "needed" all along. Explore this idea of want vs. need with the following four characters: Eugene, Stanley, Blanche, and Kate. (2 paragraphs - quoting lines from the play.)

Blog #1 - The Heart is a Lonely Hunter

How would you describe the relationship between Singer and Antonapoulos? Why do you think McCullers made this the first chapter of the book? Think about the title, as well as the themes of isolation and loneliness that we discussed in the handouts. (2 Paragraphs - Use quotes from the book.)

Blog #1 - We Real Cool & The Golden Shovel

What are four similarities and four differences between the two poems? Write out specific lines from both poems to state your argument. Which version do you like best? (3 Paragraphs)

Blog #2 - The Importance of Being Earnest

Which union—Jack’s with Gwendolen or Algernon’s with Cecily—seems more likely to succeed? (2 Paragraphs - Quote the book at least twice in your argument)

Blog #1 - Inside Out and Back Again

Why does Ha love papaya so much? What might the fruit represent for her? How is that the same as or different from what the chick means for Brother Khoi?

Blog #7 - Perks of Being a Wallflower

After watching an art film with Mary Elizabeth Charlie says: “The movie itself was very interesting, but I didn’t think it was very good because I didn’t really feel different when it was over.” (p. 124) Do you agree with Charlie that in order to be “good,” creative works must make you feel differently? How did you feel after reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower? (2 Paragraphs - Use quotes from the book.)

Blog #5 - The Things They Carried

What is the role of women in the book and how are they viewed by the other male characters? Think of Martha, Mary Anne Bell, and Henry Dobbins's unnamed girlfriend in your analysis. In your opinions, are they complex characters? (2 Paragraphs - Use 1 external source and 2 quotes from the book)

Blog #1 - Brighton Beach Memoirs

What is the effect of having Eugene as both the protagonist and narrator of Brighton Beach Memoirs? In your opinion, how much older is Eugene the "narrator"? Find passages that indicate that he is older than Eugene the "protagonist" of the play. (2 paragraphs - use specific lines from the play in your argument)

Blog #6 - Perks of Being a Wallflower

Charlie's friends are moving away at the end of the story. Where does this leave Charlie? Has he changed or grown over the course of the novel or has he stayed the same as when we first met him? Do you think he can he make new friends? (1 paragraph - use specific quotes from the last chapter in your answer.)

Blog #1 - The Importance of Being Earnest

Based on the first act of Oscar Wilde's play, what is the meaning (and irony) of the title, "The Importance of Being Earnest"? What else is ironic in the first act of the play? (2 paragraphs - use quotes from the book!)

Blog #4 - The Things They Carried

What is a "true war story", according to O'Brien? Go through the final chapter we read together and think about our discussion on fact versus truth. O'Brien repeats what a true war story should be over and over again. Elaborate on what he means by each of his points. (3 paragraphs - Use online source and 2 quotes from the book.)

Blog #1 - Danny and the Deep Blue Sea

How are Danny and Roberta different? How are they similar? (2 paragraphs - mention specific passages from the play)

Blog #1 - James and the Giant Peach

Compare James and the Giant Peach to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. How are James and Charlie similar? How are they different? (1 Paragraph)

Blog #6 - Divergent

Tris's mom says, "Human beings as a whole cannot be good for long before the bad creeps back in and poisons us again" (p. 441.) Do you agree or disagree? (1-2 paragraphs - use quotes from book)

Blog #3 - The Things They Carried

In what way does Elroy Berdahl change the course of O'Brien's journey? Support your opinion with at least 1 passage from the text.

Blog #1 - Marriage is a Private Affair

Comparing Jamaica Kincaid's "Girl" and Chinua Achebe's "Marriage is a Private Affair":
From which point of view is each story told? How does point of view shape your response to each work? Explain, using quotes from both stories to support your answer. (1-2 paragraphs)

Blog #5 - Perks of Being a Wallflower

Why do you think Bill doesn't tell Charlie from the beginning how smart he thinks he is? What kind of a role model is Bill to Charlie? (2 Paragraphs - Use quotes from the book!)

Blog #5 - The Great Gatsby

How are women portrayed in The Great Gatsby and what seems to be their role in society? Compare and contrast the novel to another work of literature that portrays women in a similar way. (2 Paragraphs - use quotes from the book!)

Blog #2 - The Things They Carried

Elaborating on what we spoke about in class, what are the differences between memoir and fiction? Is it acceptable to invent details and lines of dialogue when writing a memoir? Similarly, is it acceptable to incorporate real-life details in a work of fiction? Do you think the author should tell the reader what is factual and what is not? Explain. (2 paragraphs)

Blog #5 - Divergent

What do you think about Tris's thoughts about herself? She says "I am ___" quite a bit in the book. Does her self-description always match up with reality? In what ways are Tris and Four similar? (2 Paragraphs)

Blog #4 - The Great Gatsby

Describe the fight between Gatsby and Tom. What do these men think of each other? How are they similar and how are they different? (2 Paragraphs)

Blog #1 - The Things They Carried

Analyze the symbolic role of an item a solder carries with him in Chapter 1. What does it represent and how does it fit in the context of the Vietnam War? (1 paragraph)

Blog #4 - Perks of Being a Wallflower

Identify three of the themes in the book and elaborate on them. How is this an "atypical" novel, both in content and format? (2 paragraphs)

Blog #3 - Perks of Being a Wallflower

On page 37, Patrick calls Charlie a "wallflower" and says it's because "he sees things, keeps quiet about them, and understands." How do you think the title -- Perks of Being a Wallflower -- ties into this observation? Explain what you think the title means. What could the disadvantages of being a wallflower be? (2 Paragraphs - with specific references from the text)

Blog #1 - They're Not Your Husband

What are Earl's three biggest flaws? What are Doreen's three biggest flaws? Explain, based on the reading. (2 Paragraphs - use specific lines from book!)

Blog #2 - Perks of Being a Wallflower

Why do you think Patrick doesn't get upset at Brad for hiding their relationship? Are there ever instances where you should hide your love/feelings for someone? (2 paragraphs - use quotes from book.)

Blog #3 - The Great Gatsby

In chapter 5, we see a different side of Gatsby in his encounter with Daisy. How is this scene revealing in its portrayal of Gatsby's character? Is he in sync with the passage of time? Explain. (2 Paragraphs)

Blog #1 - A&P

Do you think Sammy's decision to quit his job at the A&P was justified? Would you have done the same thing in his position? Why or why not? In your response, use specific examples from the story. (2 Paragraphs)

Blog #2 - The Great Gatsby

Describe the valley of ashes. What does it look like and what does it represent?
Why do you think it is introduced in the same chapter as Nick/Tom's trip to New York City? Explain. (1 Paragraph)

Blog #4 - Divergent

During initiation, is it selfish of Tris to crave victory, or is it brave? How similar/different is she from Katniss in The Hunger Games? Explain, using specific references from the text. (2 paragraphs minimum)

Blog #2 - Speak

What kind of teacher is Mr. Freeman? What makes him a good teacher? Describe him, using examples from the book. Have you ever had a teacher like him? Explain. (2 Paragraphs)

Blog #1 - The Great Gatsby

Nick starts the novel by relaying his father's advice "Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had." List Nick's advantages. Does he reserve judgment so far in the novel? Explain. (2 Paragraphs - Remember to quote the book)

Blog #3 - Divergent

Tris says about Candor, "it must require bravery to be honest all the time" (p.62) Do you agree? Why or why not? Explain. What is your definition of bravery? (3 paragraphs - remember to quote the book for a full answer)

Blog #1 - They're Not Your Husband

Is there a particular theme that stuck out to you in Carver's They're Not Your Husband? Explain.
(1 paragraph - don't forget to quote the story!)

Blog #2 - Divergent

How does the idea of “faction before blood” come into play throughout the book? 
Do you think this idea has a place in today’s society, or is it contrary to what most people believe? In our society, what ideas and beliefs are people loyal to in the way Tris’s society is loyal to the concept of the factions?

Blog # 1 - Bullet in the Brain

How does the tone of the narration change after Anders is shot? Why do you think the narrator notes all the things Anders did not remember until that moment? How does it make the story more powerful? Explain. (2 paragraphs)

Blog Question #1 - Speak

Besides being a book about school bullying, what would you say that Speak is also about?
Choose one of the following themes in the book: family, friendship, alienation, depression, fear, guilt. How does that particular theme define Melinda's character and give the plot a deeper meaning? (1-2 Paragraphs)

Blog Question #1 - Divergent

Which faction--Amity, Erudite, Abnegation, Candor, Dauntless--do you think you would belong to?
If you had a choice, which faction would you choose? Explain. (1-2 Paragraphs)

Blog Question #1 - Perks of Being a Wallflower

Why does Charlie write to an anonymous friend?
What does it say about him as a character? Explain. (1-2 Paragraphs)