First, you get drafted, then you look at photos...

1) We're going to start reading The Things They Carried on Wednesday, next week, so let's start thinking about where we are going...

2) Write a letter to your Mom or Dad or .... what would you leave behind for them to read after you've left to be "inducted into the armed forces"? 

3) Photo Analysis Assignment - the photos are here...

Read this book review: http://www.nytimes.com/books/98/09/20/specials/obrien-carried.html

Happy Valentine's Day Whatever!

1) My love is like a red, red rose... Blah! Sob, sob. Let's break up, instead.

 Are you up for The Break Up Tweet Challenge? Write a 126 character break up line. Let's write them all on the board. I'll submit the top ones. If you win, you can wrestle me for the ipod.

2) What thematic connections did you make across all four stories (and one poem)?

3) Our First Compare and Contrast Essay - 600 words

Compare and contrast a similar theme 

in two of the stories that we have read.

• Plan with an outline first.
• Develop a powerful thesis statement
• Find three or four quotes (minimum) to use as support.  

DUE MONDAY - then, we can start a novel study!

Here is a great link over-viewing what I will present to you in class: http://www.nvcc.edu/home/ataormina/eng256/support/litcompare.htm

Lit Terms Quiz and Last Story

1) Quiz


2) A short, short stream of conciousness story - "Girl," by Jamaica Kincaid (you can even listen to a recording of the story with this link... you can also find it in Discovering Literature

3) Pre-reading - What connotations does the word "Girl" have?
(Cluster on the board)


4) Read aloud or listen to online version.


5) Discussion Questions

• What does the syntax (sentence structure) help us understand?
• How does the balance of the mother's voice vs. the daughter's voice help us as readers?
• What does the wordle (below) of the story help us to see?
• What is the significance of the parallelism (repetition to make a point) of the slut comments?
• What kind of woman do you see this girl growing up to be?
• Once you understand that the story is set in Antigua which has a long history of slaves, and where, surprisingly, many slave families have clung to the old notions that they are meant to be slaves, how does your reading change?

6) Make notes/answers to these questions - you'll need them for Monday. I've moved our comparing and contrasting work to that day.

- You can also take time to work on your poem.

Have a happy weekend!

Thursday - Where are you from?

1) Question sets due for the last two stories - "Handsomest Drowned Man" and "The Chrysanthemums".

• Discuss and then submit.

2) Let's take a little step back today - we've been considering stories, and contexts of stories, and writing about stories... but we have not paid attention to the most relevant story of all - YOURS.

• Where do you come from - discussion.

3) Where do you Come From Poem.

• Handout

I come from the steps of Lakehead University, a child of children...

Assignment: Where are you from?                                                              12 marks

Write your own version of this poem.

·         Be detailed, descriptive and evocative.

·         Include a new title (it does not have to include your name).

·         Be descriptive.

·         Evoke the senses – make me see, taste, smell, feel, hear…

·         Images should be unique and meaningful, colourful and rich.

·         Tap into your story – everyone has one.


Tomorrow: Quiz on terms and Comparing and Contrasting.

Tuesday - Teacher Away

(Hi all! I'm having trouble with my voice. I am seeing a specialist on Friday - in the meanwhile, I am to rest it a little bit - so teaching is a challenge. Please be patient as we figure it out.)

1) Library - get out THE BRICK, our text, Discovering Literature.

2) Review Symbol/Symbolism - Something that represents something else. A symbol uses an object or action or image that means something more than its literal meaning. For example, an eagle can be a symbol for freedom, independence, etc.



3) Read Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums." p. 229?


4) Discussion Questions - What are the connotations of the word flower (review connotation - make a cluster around the word flower on the board). How are the Chrysanthemums the central symbol? How does the symbol evolve?


5) Assignment - questions # 1-8

Beggar Response

Beggar Response

Your Task: Given that pan-handling/begging is a complicated issue with many perspectives and arguments, present your opinion on “spare-changing.” Should we leave them alone? Should we give them a loonie or two? Should we yell at them to get a job? In your multi-paragraph response you will also be discussing the theme (although it is really a moral) of “The Beggar,” by Anton Chekhov.

Supporting Quotes (check out the Writer’s Guide on the blog):

-         Four quotes from the story itself.

-         Quote the film, at least once.

-         Quote at least one newspaper article twice.

Works Cited:

You must cite and quote all your sources. Microsoft Word does it for you now… I’ll show you.

Due Monday. Minimum of 500 words.

Sample Introduction
Begging, as a profession, and as a blight on society, has historically provoked much heated debate. Kick them off the street! Give them social services! Ignore them! It seems that there is no clear and easy solution to what most, but not all, consider the problem of “spare-changing” ( Panhandling, 2012). After reading Chekhov’s classic tale, “The Beggar,” readers will be no more clear on what to do. We are led to believe that Skvortsov’s kindness and job provisions have saved the lazy liar, but learn, in the end, that the passive aggressive efforts of the cook are really what “saved the wretch” (Chekhov). Begging is a complex issue, and like so many complex issues, the answer may like first with an honest appraisal of the reasons people beg. Only then, will we be able to help, if help is wanted.


I'll upload the pdf of the doc soon... sorry for this quick cut and paste.

Panhandling, the Documentary

The Panhandler from Bud Galloway on Vimeo.