Midterm Exam: Can you Guess the Essays?

One of the best ways to study for an essay exam is to try and get inside the teacher's head. To help each other study, this blog will serve as a forum. Try to think of possible Daily Reflection questions or Critical Lens quotes that I might ask. Then, try to plan out your response. Remember: they will probably ask you to compare works of literature. Focus on common elements among the stories we have read. These include:

• To Kill a Mockingbird
• Oedipus Rex
• "Marigolds"
• The Odyssey
• And Then There Were None
• Edith Hamilton's Mythology will NOT be on this exam.

Pose a question or quote for your classmates to consider and analyze so they may post ideas on what works of literature they would choose and how they would approach the question. I will post a sample question to get you started.

V-Squares earned for participating on this blog site will be distributed after midterms during the 3rd quarter.

Have fun...and good luck on midterms :-)

Is Atticus a Criminal?: Bob Ewell's death

In class, you have begun to debate if Atticus can be called a hypocrite. Let's push this further (thanks, Zoe!). In failing to arrest Boo Radley at the end, Sheriff Tate is breaking the law, as is Atticus, who knows the truth of Ewell's murder. Do you agree with some critics that Atticus's actions are hypocritical, immoral, as well as illegal? Support your position.

Atticus: Father of the Year?

Many readers feel that Atticus Finch represents the epitome of the perfect father. Setting aside the argument that "perfection" is an impossible standard, there may be equally compelling evidence that Atticus has many paternal shortcomings. Weigh in on this argument, citing evidence from the text to support your claims....and Happy New Year!

Racism in Maycomb

Does Atticus, or anyone else for that matter, have a chance at changing Maycomb's ways? Harper Lee implies that Maycomb is both obdurate and open to change; which side do you feel is more compelling? Where is your proof? Which character do you feel is the most racist? Remember to include all of the different types of racism that exist in the novel (e.g., religion, color, sex, class, etc.). As always, I look forward to reading your responses.

To Kill a Mockingbird Debate #3: The "Nicest" Kid

Knowing how much you all love the questions with no correct answer, I think I have a good one for you...Which of the children is the nicest; Scout, Dill, or Jem? You will need to explain what you mean by "nice" and support your argument with details from the text. As always, "listen" and respond to each other and, above all, be respectful. Good luck; I cannot wait to read your responses and discuss them in class next week. PS: I'm open to your suggestions for TKM Debate Blogs! What do you think?

TKM: Debate #2 12/6 - Dill's influence

In class on Thursday, Craig raised the point that if not for Dill, the children would not be as tolerant and open-minded as they are. Who do you feel had the most profound influence on the children's understanding of equality and human kindness? Gee, so many characters to choose from! TRY to pick just one and, as always, back it up with proof from the text!

Don't forget to identify who you are to receive participation points!

Class of 2011- Memorable Class Moments

Class of 2011 - Memorable Moments!

It happens to everyone: words get jumbled between the brain and mouth, we enter into a conversation a moment too late... or we are simply confused. Ironically, these are the moments that help us remember the important information from class; laughter is a powerful learning tool. This is an opportunity to remember the special moments, lessons, activities, characters, and, of course, the miscommunications from our class. Help me to keep track of them and I will compile these into a booklet at the end of the year. Please remember that class rules apply: I will not tolerate any malicious attacks on any student or teacher. This is not meant to poke fun at anyone; it is meant in a spirit of reliving the occasional happy moment in our very special circle of hell :-)