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!)