What side is Dickens on? The peasants or the revolutionaries?

ATOTC Response #4

For this fourth and final post, you need to analyze something specific in Part 2, Ch. 21--Part 3, Ch. 3.

Make us think about this reading!

ATOTC: Analyze a chapter's first line

ATOTC: Analyze the use of mythology in the novel

ATOTC: Analyze the organization of a chapter

ATOTC: Why does the French Revolution=ocean in Ch. 21?

ATOTC: Analyze footsteps

ATOTC: Analyze echoes

ATOTC: Analyze chapter titles

ATOTC: Analyze Mr. Defarge

ATOTC: Analyze Madame Defarge

ATOTC: Jarvis Lorry

ATOTC: Analyze Sidney Carton

ATOTC: Analyze Dr. Manette

ATOTC: Analyze Charles Darnay

ATOTC: Analyze the "doubling" in the novel

ATOTC: What is the significance/role of the plane tree?

ATOTC: Why all of the nicknames in the novel?

Let's Practice ANALYZING!!!!

Analysis=Amazing.

Analysis=Awe-inspiring.

Analysis="A" level thinking.

Ok, let's start with the basics:
1. When you analyze, you must say something that can be disagreed with.
2. The more thought-provoking, original, and surprising the analysis, the better.
3. The key is supporting your argument with text. In literary analyses, the support comes from the text you are analyzing. In media analysis, the support comes from the ad.
4. The closer you study the text, the better. Question every word choice, every sentence structure, every literary device. Assume there is meaning under the surface.
5. Summary=death of analysis. Your analysis dies a long, slow death when you summarize. Don't do it.

Now I want you to try to analyze some element of ATOTC. Respond to the prompt on the slip of paper you pulled by diving into the text, studying relevant quotes, and then assembling your insights into a coherent argument about the topic. Make us think. Make us want to argue with you--but, of course, we will eventually be persuaded by your keen use of the text. No matter what you do, TAKE A STAND. Teach us something that we didn't get just from reading the text. Make connections between quotes. Question word choices. Push surface conclusions.

This is where the fun begins. Sure, we could discuss the plot all day long, but analysis is where we begin to see how literature is art.

Good luck.

ATOTC: Part 2, Ch. 10-16 Response

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1. Analyze, don't summarize.
2. Analysis must be supported by a close examination of the text.
3. Hook and closing sentence must be thoughtful.
4. Eliminate wordiness.
5. Read previous posts; don't repeat earlier points.
6. Cite correctly. MLA format.
7. Dickens's not Dickens'
8. Top Ten Rules apply!

Challenge us! Try to teach us something!

Media Analysis Outlines

Remember: you want to do both a Part-by-Part outline AND a thematic outline.

Check Bb for a sample part-by-part outline.

Good luck! Go deep!

ATOTC: Part 2, Ch. 1-6

Remember: you want to challenge us with your insightful ideas and observations. Help teach each other this book. You can do it!

A Tale of Two Cities: Part 1

A few reminders:
1.) Analyze, not summarize. You must have something to say! Make a point--stick your neck out! Say something new and original...
2.) Develop develop develop. I am looking for depth in one topic, not breadth, so don't try to discuss everything--go into depth about one thing and explore it as fully as you can!
3.) Where appropriate, respond to and build on your classmates' postings. Your posting should not occur in isolation--this forum is meant to facilitate discussion outside of the classroom, so be sure to read the entries posted before yours and check the discussion board before class to read the entries posted after yours.
4.) Proofread your posting before you post it--I will be grading diction, syntax, and grammatical elements the same way I do papers. The tone can be conversational, but that doesn't mean that the writing can be sloppy.
5.) Include at least direct quotation from the text to support your argument. Don't forget to cite.
6.) Minimum length (unless otherwise noted): at least 8 well-developed sentences.TEACH US SOMETHING ABOUT THE TOPIC! HAVE FUN WITH THIS! Practice analyzing.

Lord of the Flies Test Review

Post your true/false questions here! Please post 5. Read previous ones before you post so you don't duplicate.

Also, please post one possible short essay question.

Wordiness Practice

Let's make these more concise!

Remind you of anything you have read?

Check out this review of a new memoir :-).

Subculture Proposal

This post should be at least one significant paragraph in length. It should include, at the very least, the following information:

1. A brief description of the subculture.

2. A brief rationale for why you are choosing this subculture. Why is it interesting to you?

3. Details regarding when, where, how often, and for how long this subculture meets. You also need to state exactly when (dates and times) you plan on observing this group.

4. Reassurance that you have received your parents' permission to observe this group. If your observation of the subculture will be conspicuous, you also need permission from at least one member of the subculture.

5. Questions you have about the subculture that you will attempt to answer. You should aim to have at least 7 insightful, thoughtful questions.

This assignment will be due Monday. It will be worth 20 points. 10 points will be awarded if all of the above information is provided thoroughly and thoughtfully. 10 points will be awarded for how well it is written (accurate diction, clear and concise writing, correct grammar, attention to top ten items, etc.).

List of 10 Subculture Subjects

A few suggestions...

1. The more specific and regimented and personalized the subculture, the better. The more material your observations garner, the better.

2. Read over the lists of your classmates. Choose subjects they haven't come up with. Be original.

3. Choose subcultures you genuinely want to learn about. Your interest will come through in your writing.

This post is due by the beginning of Thursday's class.

John Grisham on Writing

In today's NYTimes, John Grisham reflects back on the jobs that preceded his fame as an author. I found the entire OpEd interesting, but I especially appreciated his closing paragraph:

I had never worked so hard in my life, nor imagined that writing could be such an effort. It was more difficult than laying asphalt, and at times more frustrating than selling underwear. But it paid off. Eventually, I was able to leave the law and quit politics. Writing’s still the most difficult job I’ve ever had — but it’s worth it.

To check out the entire essay, go here.

Object Poems

Post your descriptions of an object poems as a comment to this post.

Remember that poetry is both auditory and visual--make sure your poem both sounds and looks exactly as you want it to before you publish your comment. Structure matters.

Do not reveal your object in your comment (keep it a secret!)

Posts due by the beginning of class. They are time marked on the blog, so make sure you get it up BEFORE the class bell rings!

6 word memoir

Ernest Hemingway deemed the following his greatest work: "For sale: baby shoes, never worn." This "6 word story" form has become very popular as of late, for like Twitter, it challenges writers to say a lot but in a concise way.

For your first response, I would like for you to describe yourself in a 6 word statement. I know there will be much more I need to learn about you as the year progresses, but this will serve as our foundation!

For more on 6 word memoirs, check out this book and this NYTimes article.