One of the themes of this novel has to do with the expectations of society and the hypocrisy of adults. Mark Twain used the perspective of a young man to point out many of the silly rules and expectations that society holds. Do you see this reflected in our society today? What rules or expectations do you find silly, hypocritical, or just plain dumb? Remember to explain your answer with examples and details.
In our next novel (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer), we are introduced to a society that holds a lot of superstitions. A superstition is “any belief or practice that is considered irrational or supernatural: for example, if it arises from ignorance, a misunderstanding of science or causality, a positive belief in fate or magic, or fear of that which is unknown.” For instance, the main character in this story, Tom, believes that Fridays are bad luck. Do you consider yourself (or do you know anyone who is) superstitious in any aspect of life? What superstitions exist in our society today?
At the beginning of the novel, Johnny is very much a boy. He is arrogant, childish, and only thinks of himself. By the end of the novel he has become a man. Therefore, this week’s question has to do with adulthood: At what point does a person become a man (or a woman)? In some traditions there is a particular age when you are considered “grown-up”: in the Jewish tradition that age is 13. In the U.S., you are legally an adult when you turn 18. What do you think the measure of an adult should be? How do you know when you’ve crossed into adulthood?
As one author put it: “If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily,” so what are you thankful for this holiday? Be specific - we are all thankful for family and friends - what or who specifically are you thankful for and why?
“In a way he had died in that room; at least something had happened and the bright little silversmith’s apprentice was no more. He stood there again at the threshold, but now he was somebody else,” (p. 175). Johnny undergoes a major life change as a result of his accident. This forever changes the course of his life. Describe a time when you went through such a physical or emotional life change. What happened? How did your life change as a result? What did you learn from this experience?
“...some of us would die - so that other men can stand up on their feet like men. A great many are going to die for that. They have in the past. They will a hundred years from now - two hundred. God grant there will always be men good enough. Men like Rab,” (ch. XII, p. 297). As Christians we are commanded to submit to the authority God has placed in our lives. But sometimes it is important to stand up for the freedom of others. Who else in history has stood up for the freedom of others? How do we know when it’s time to live in peace, and when it’s time to fight to protect people?
“Now, as he saw Dove daily about the Afric Queen, he could hardly remember his feeling of hatred, his oaths of vengeance. Seemingly hatred and desire for revenge do not last long. He had made new friends.” This passage relates to an old saying: The best revenge is living well. What does that mean? Explain how you relate to this idea and why you either agree or disagree with it.
“Well--you go around calling people squeak-pigs and you’ve just about got to take it when they hit back,” (p. 91). The mark of a true friend is that he/she pushes you to be the best version of yourself that you can be, rather than simply being a “yes-man.” Rab does this for Johnny: He is kind and helps his friend out, but he is not afraid to tell Johnny when Johnny has done something wrong. Who in your life do you consider a true friend, and not simply a yes-man?
The next story we’re going to read is about a 14 year old young man who has an artistic gift. He wants more than anything to be a silversmith and to one day own his own shop. What are your ideas for the future? What gifts do you have? What do you see yourself doing in 10 years (this does not have to be career related, just something you would like to do in the future)?
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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