Before we begin reading Of Mice and Men, we will examine the perspective of one of the greatest American authors of the 20th century, John Steinbeck. First, we will view a very brief biopic of Steinbeck. Pay special attention to the historical context for his work. Next, we will read his 1962 Nobel Prize for Literature acceptance speech. This is a google doc that you will all be able to comment on (and see one another's comments). Finally, we will examine some of the ideas present in the text through an Anticipation Guide. This is a google doc that each of you will customize with your own responses. The first reading assignment tonight will be up through page 15. Please complete a reading transaction guide as you read. | |
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As we wrap up our study of 1984, we need to think about what it all means. What is the message that Orwell is trying to convey? To do this, you will do a couple of things...
Tasks: - Review your anticipation guide. Have any of your opinions changed? If so, how and why? If not, which opinions were most challenged by the book? Which opinions were most reinforced? - Complete the essay assignment. This is an AP prompt, but it will not be a timed essay. I would like you to take your time and really develop a strong five-paragraph essay to respond to the prompt. Please have this typed and processed to be turned in on Tuesday. Beware - this could be a tough assignment! As we wrap up this text, we need to think about theme - what is the point, the message, of this novel? In your discussion on Tuesday, Rylee said, "If Winston allows himself to be brainwashed, this book is pointless." In light of what has transpired in these two chapters, what is the point? What is Orwell's observation of the human experience?
Today, we will look at some secondary sources and discuss some of the major topics covered in this novel. As we discuss, you will be asked to come up with some theme statements for this book. The site we will look at today is Shmoop. Fair warning, this site is visually obnoxious and distracting, but the content it contains is actually pretty good. The best part, in my opinion, is that it doesn't tell you the theme, it asks really good questions to make you think about the theme. Today, we will discuss Chapters 3 & 4 of Part 3.
- What are the three stages of Winston's reintegration? Which one is he in now? - What does O'Brien reveal about Goldstein's book? What does this tell us about the Brotherhood? - Up to this point, Winston has learned how the Party maintains power. In chapter 3 O'Brien asks Winston to explain why. What does Winston think O'Brien will say? - How does O'Brien explain this the Party's motivation? - How does Winston try to argue this point with O'Brien? What is O'Brien's response? - What image does O'Brien give as the symbol for the Party's power? Assignment: - What is the final phase of Winston's reintegration? What will have to happen for him to finally be reintegrated? Homework: - Finish the book, which ends on page 308. Be prepared to discuss theme tomorrow. I'm not feeling well today, so you are on your own. Please us my iPad to record your discussion so that I can listen to it later.
1. Discuss these two chapters together in class. Talk about: -The other people he sees in the Ministry of Love (and how they got there) - Winston's interrogation - O'Brien's role in the Party - The discussion between Winston and O'Brien - Why the Party doesn't just kill Winston (and what they want to do with him) - What O'Brien means to Winston - What became of Julia - Connection between Truth, 2+2=5, and his betrayal by Julia - What are your predictions for what will come next? 2. Watch the following TED-Ed video and answer the question below as comment to this post. http://ed.ted.com/lessons/an-anti-hero-of-one-s-own-tim-adams - What is the "anti-hero"? How would Winston Smith fit this archetype? 3. Read Chapters 3-4 of Part 3 for Thursday's class. After reading chapter 10, analyze the development of one of the major symbols - the paperweight, or song. Read your classmates' responses and ask a follow-up question of one classmate. Then, answer the follow-up that was asked of you.
Tonight - Read PartThree, Chapters I-II There is no writing assignment for today. Your assignment for the weekend is to read the remainder of Part Two, keeping in mind the question that Rylee posed in class - why would the government operate the way that it does? What does it stand to gain from "dehumanizing" the citizens of Oceania?
This section of the novel develops the relationship between Julia and Winston. In reflection, please respond to one of the following prompts.
1. Compare and contrast the perspectives of Julia and Winston. How is their rebellion similar, and how is it different? 2. Explain Hate Week. What is the purpose of this event? What does the Party do to build the atmosphere of the event. These chapters focus on the beginning of the relationship between Winston and Julia. Choose one of the following prompts and write a response. As part of your response, please pose another related question. When you have finished, please read your classmates' responses and reply to one with an answer to her question.
1. On page 126, there is long a description of a bird singing. Why would Orwell include this detail? What might its significance be? Use examples from the text to support your response. -or- 2. On page 128-129, Winston says, "I hate purity, I hate goodness. I don't want any virtue to exist anywhere. I want to be corrupt to the bones." What does he really mean by this? Why does he feel this way? Use evidence from the text to support your response. After reading this section and discussing it in class, you should have some ideas as to the themes that Orwell will be developing in this novel.
Today, I want you to think more about Newspeak. Look again at this discussion between Winston and Syme. Based on that discussion, what do you think Orwell is saying about the role that language plays in maintaining a society's freedom? Please answer in a well-developed paragraph. |