31

Hi Everyone!

This week, read The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allen Poe and answer at least 3 of the following questions in about one page total:

• How is this story a commentary on social-economic status of people?
• There is no reference to where or how the “Red Death” originally began, only to how it spreads. Why? 
• Since time is referenced so often, what is its importance to the story? And what is the meaning behind the hourly striking of the clock?
• How do the prince and his guests act like a disease in a body?
• How do you think the Red Death entered the Prince’s abbey that was sealed in “deep seclusion” from the rest of the world? 

30 The Lady, Or the Tiger // Due the week of April 28, 2015

Hi Everyone!

Read The Lady, Or the Tiger and answer both of the following questions in about 1 page total:

1. What do you think of the writing style and it's legend/fairytale-esque quality? Why is it effective or not? Give evidence from the story to support you.
2. Based on what we know of the princess, do you think she led the lad to the lady or the tiger? Provide evidence from the story to support your opinion.

29 A Very Old Man… // Due the week of April 21, 2015

Hi Everyone!

Read the following story:

• A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings

And answer at least one of the following questions in half of a page:

1. What's the role of poverty in this story? Who is poor? How does being poor change their role?
2. What if the Very Old Man had been a Very Little Baby? How would the story be different?
3. This story is one of the most famous examples of magical realism. How does García Márquez insert the fantastic into the realistic setting?
4. Would you consider this story comic or tragic? Why?

28 Homework // Due the week of April 28, 2015

Hi Everyone!

MONDAY:

• Write the next two pages of your novel, keeping in mind that you want to have some sort of theme/purpose/moral/lesson driving your novel.

TUESDAY:

• Read the short story "Metamorphosis" which you can find below. 
• Story Online Free
• Answer at least one of the two following questions with at least 1.5-1 pages of writing.
• Do you think there is a theme (lesson, moral)  to this story? If so, what do you think it is?If not, or either way, what is Faulkner's purpose in writing the story? Why? Give evidence from the story.
• What is the “metamorphosis” (change) of the title? There is the obvious change, but what might be a metaphorical meaning? Give evidence from the story to explain why you think your interpretation is correct.

• Write 3-5 discussion questions for class. 

27 Homework // Due the week of April 7, 2015

Hi Everyone!

MONDAY

Write the next two+ pages of your novella, keeping in mind that you want dynamic, round characters that will both:

• change in some way over the course of the novella. Feel free to make them change for the worse--there doesn't always have to be a happy ending 
• have multiple sides to them so the protagonist is not just kind and the antagonist is not just evil. The best antagonists are often relatable and even likable in some way

TUESDAY:

• Create a Powerpoint presentation (ideally on our Google Drive account so it's easy to get to from any computer) in which you give an overview of your historical decade of Afghanistan!
• Must be 15+ slides
• Include at least 6 pictures
• Include at least 6 information slides
• The remaining slides can be either pictures or information
• Be ready to present to the class next week
• Email me if you have questions!

26 Novellas and Joy Luck Club // Due the week of March 31, 2015

Hi Everyone!

MONDAY:
This week, you are beginning your novels! Given that you have 2 weeks (spring break), I'd like you to write a minimum of 4 pages double spaced—but feel free to write far more than this! I've had students write 80 page novels during these two months of time to write, so if you put your mind to it, you can really create a great chunk!

Just remember that everything you write should either:

1. Push the story plot forward or
2. Develop the characters

TUESDAY:

Read the rest of The Joy Luck Club and write 5 discussion questions :)

25 Joy Luck Club and Novella // Due the week of March 15, 2015

Hi Everyone!

The homework is broken up by day this week, so be sure to check the homework for your specific day.

MONDAY:

• Create a plot diagram for a story idea on which you would like to write a novella.
• You should plot out an inciting event, 4-5 rising action events, a climax, and your resolution (ending). 
• You can use brief phrases instead of complete sentences.
• Write a set of about 15-20 scenes that encompass your entire story.
• Write about a sentence for each scene so you know what happens during that scene.
• Don't include any scenes that you think will be boring or filler—no need!
• Every scene should do at least one of the 2 following things:
• Carry the story forward
• Teach us more about an important character

TUESDAY:

• Read Part 2 of the Joy Luck Club and write 5 discussion questions.