Socratic Discussion: Things Fall Apart; Lab (Portfolio Work)

By -
This morning, after our writing prompt, please discuss the book Things Fall Apart.

Before we begin, write a quick character list for the characters in the book. If you have specific questions/concerns or ideas about the book, what are they? Take about 3-5 minutes to complete this. You can use this for our discussion and to study from for your upcoming test.

After our discussion, please use the lab to continue writing for your portfolio. There will be a test on Things Fall Apart on Wednesday. Please prepare and bring your books to class.

Discussion seed questions/topics:

  • Discuss gender roles in the book. How does the author handle gender--what seems to be his point or attitude or position on this subject? How do the scenes in the book illustrate this?
  • Discuss the cultural importance of tradition and/or religion in the book. How does Igbo religion and traditional practices differ from our own? What scenes concerning this had an impact on you as you read? 
  • How does Achebe's use of African terms/vocabulary used in the book create authenticity for us as readers?
  • Using the concept of functionalism or social role theory, how does the book support these theories/social philosophies through its characters, setting, and plot?
    • Functionalism: all people have a certain role to fill in a society.
    • Social Role Theory: societies have distinct roles based on age, gender, or economic status that divide a society's work force. Each division has a specific expectation within that society as to who can fulfill a certain role.
  • Discuss relevant themes and messages inherent in the book. How are these themes introduced and developed in the book? Consider specific scenes in the book to support your answer.
  • Other questions/issues you would like to discuss this morning?

HOMEWORK: Prepare for Things Fall Apart test on Wednesday. Continue writing for your portfolio.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Namesake Analysis/Discussion Chp. 1 & 2; How It Feels To Be Colored Me

By -
Image
Let's go back to examining  The Namesake , Chapter 1 this morning to continue examining the writing style going on here. Take a closer look at these passages: Pg. 3 (1st full paragraph) to 4 (end of 1st full paragraph): How is Ashima's character compared/contrasted with the American women in the hospital? What do you notice about the sentence structure of this paragraph? What does the use of dialogue in this paragraph provide for the reader? What literary devices do you notice? Can you find figurative language/metaphor/alliteration or other elements of imagery? How are the sentences similar to a contraction (the action in the scene)? Pg. 10-12: how is Ashoke's character presented? How does his story parallel or contrast with his wife's? How is Ashoke different from the other American men in the waiting room? What details do we learn about him?  Pg. 13-14: Nickolai Gogol and the short story "The Overcoat" is alluded to here. Just notice it for now. This al
Read more

Clash of the Titans (Conclusion); Creation Myths

By -
Clash of the Titans (conclusion) Clash of the Titans   (1981)--produced and designed by  Ray Harryhausen . Directed by  Desmond Davis . Starring:  Laurence Olivier  as Zeus,  Maggie Smith  as Thetis,  Harry Hamlin  as Perseus, and  Burgess Meredith  as Ammon. Clash of the Titans (2010) & Clash of the Titans (2010) Medusa Scene Wrath of the Titans (2012) Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief (2010) Percy Jackson Sea of Monsters (2013) Percy Jackson Titan's Curse (2017) Use mythic criticism to review (in writing or as a podcast or vlog post)  Clash of the Titans . Take notes during the film to help you prepare your review. Myth Criticism  asks: 1. How does the story resemble other stories in plot, character, setting or use of symbols? 2. Are archetypes presented, such as quests, initiations, scapegoats, descending, or withdrawals and returns? [Use your handout/notes to help!] 3. Does the protagonist undergo any kind of transformation (such as movement from innoc
Read more

Wilderness Tips - Examination & Analysis

By -
Image
Use period one to continue the story draft you started last class. Use your time to develop your ideas, theme, work on plot, character development, setting, and other aspects of your fiction writing. Remember, your story should include the following: Write a draft that includes a flashback . Consider an urban setting, but at some point in your story, move to a more natural setting. The setting should reflect the inner conflicts of your protagonist if possible. Avoid character cliches: surprise your reader (and possibly yourself or even your character) Include a secondary character who should act as a foil to the protagonist. Write in present tense ; (flashbacks can be written in past tense); Use 3rd person POV (limited, omniscient, objective). See the previous post for more details. Period 2: Let's discuss what we've read so far in the collection. Wilderness Tips is   Margaret Atwood’s second volume of short stories ( Bluebeard’s Egg and Other Stories (198
Read more