Think back on all the works we've read this year (novels, short stories, plays, and poetry) and the themes we’ve discussed:
0 Comments
“Fairy tales aren't true. Fairy tales are MORE than true, not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be defeated." – author Neil Gaiman
At the beginning of this unit we discussed WHY people enjoy reading fantasy. Now that you’ve finished the novel, what do you think? What makes fantasy so entertaining for people? What real life ideas come up in this story -- about life, about good and evil, about friendship, about leadership, about humanity, about courage -- even though it’s not “true”? This book falls in the fantasy genre, but it deals with many real-life conflicts. None of us will ever face a dragon (we hope!) but we all will face a series of battles in our lives. How we fight those battles will determine the kind of men/women we are. Reread this quote from chapter 12 and think about the metaphor the author uses: “...it was now undoubtedly hot in the tunnel. Wisps of vapour floated up and past him and he began to sweat. A sound, too, began to throb in his ears, a sort of bubbling like the noise of a large pot galloping on the fire, mixed with a rumble as of a gigantic tom-cat purring. This grew to the unmistakable gurgling noise of some vast animal snoring in its sleep down there in the red glow in front of him. It was at this point that Bilbo stopped. Going on from there was the bravest thing he ever did. The tremendous things that happened afterwards were as nothing compared to it. He fought the real battle in the tunnel alone, before he ever saw the vast danger that lay in wait,” (ch. 12, p. 214-215).
What do we learn from this passage about facing the “dragons” in our own lives? At the beginning of the next story we’re reading in literature, the protagonist (Bilbo Baggins) is challenged to take part in an adventure. However, he is torn between wanting to stay comfortable and safe in the familiar and wanting an adventurous experience. What is an adventure that you (either currently or in the past) would like to take part in? It might be something as simple as learning how to code, or traveling somewhere new, or trying out for the basketball team. What is a modern day adventure that you would like to take part in but find yourself waffling between fear and excitement?
|
Composition: 8th 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
May 2024
Categories
All
|