We’ve read several genres this fall: character study (“Thank You, Ma’am”), horror/Gothic (“The Tell-Tale Heart”), dystopian/satire (“Harrison Bergeron” & “The Veldt”), and gothic/satire (“The Lottery”). Which of these stories did you enjoy most? Which did you enjoy least?
In Shirley Jackson's horror fiction story "The Lottery," a seemingly normal town has a disturbing tradition to which everyone conforms. Jackson uses her story to point out the danger of conformity and tradition. On the other hand, tradition is a good thing that unites groups of people as families, cultures, religions, countries, etc. Though Jackson's story is satire, it asks an important question: At what point is it important to speak out against the majority? It is scary to stand up and say "No" when everyone else is conforming. Have you ever had to do so? Think of someone in your life or someone from history who chose not to conform to "group think" and instead stood up for what is right.
This week in literature we will have a debate about whether equality should be our #1 goal in society. In what ways is equality an important goal? In what ways could it be a destructive goal? What are your conclusions regarding this debate?
The theme of the story we will read this week has to do with the way technology spoils and sometimes even devours us, much like lions devour their prey. How do you use technology these days? Do you have a phone/computer/tablet? What apps/sites do you go to? How many hours a day would you say you are on your device? Have you ever tried to take a break?
One of the tools a writer uses to tell a story is point of view. That is, WHO is telling the story. Choose a favorite book, TV show, or movie - whose perspective is the story told from? How would the tone and themes of the story change if it were told from another character - or an objective narrator’s - point of view?
In reference to a story you will read for literature on Wednesday (8/30):
Instead of screaming and yelling at Roger, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones shows him grace and tenderness. Was this the right thing to do? What would you have done in her situation? Describe a time when someone showed you grace (which, by definition, you did not deserve). |
Composition: 7th GradeGuidelinesThe whole purpose of this assignment - whether you're reacting to an idea, sharing your own story, or analyzing the reading - is to discuss the ultimate issues of life. With that in mind, make sure that you: Archives
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