Sunday, November 30, 2008

Writing Topic 3

Crucible Writing Activity 3: Toying With Our Emotions

1.) Describe John Proctor’s redemption. Questions to consider include: Why is he unable to be redeemed in the beginning of the play? What are key shifts that allow him to be redeemed? How is he ultimately redeemed?
2.) Describe Abigail Williams treacherous fall. Questions to consider include: Why does the audience dislike Abigail? What makes her, as opposed to the other sinners, specifically the most detestable? How is her end worse than all the other characters?

What I would like you to focus on in these essays is the human side of each of these characters? How does the author manipulate the reader into feeling certain emotions for these characters? What is it about being human that makes us feel this way?

This essay should be at least 2 pages long and no longer than 5. It should be in MLA format. I expect there to be no errors, so make sure you have someone proof read.

100 Points.

Due: Friday December 5th

To Redeem: To set free; rescue. Or: To save from sinfulness.

Treachery: Willful betrayal of trust.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Post Essays

Post your essays please so I can type my comments on your blogs.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Thanksgiving work

So, I didn't want to give you guys an essay since we won't have a chance to go over it or talk about it, so instead you will be doing something you are more familiar with. You'll be writing 3 letters (at least a page) from characters in the play to one another. The time or place is determined by you (aka you could do a love note from Abby to Proctor before the play started, or a note from Danforth on his death bed). The theme could vary, it could be an apology note, a love note, a note from proctor to his son before he died, whatever.

What i'm looking for is your in depth understanding of the characters. I want you to demonstrate that you know how they would act in certain situations and I want you to use the language they would use.

Each letter is worth 20 points for a total of 60.

As always, no errors.

Post on blogs before next Tuesday (I don't have you on Monday), and bring in a typed copy as well. (by the way, try and post it as soon as you do it, so that I can grade it earlier....as a favor to me. Don't worry if you don't do it till later though).

They can be as long as you'd like, but at least a page (also keep it in the form of a letter).

Any questions, email me.

Have an outstanding thanksgiving. God bless.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Keys for essay writing

Discuss essay topic:
Key things for them to forget and to understand:
1.) Preparation is key.
2.) Outline at least
3.) I want their argument, I don't want to read the text again.
4.) I expect there to be no mistakes.
5.) It should be perfectly logical. Why is one paragraph where it is? Why one quote where it is? Etc.
6.) Only essential passages.
7.) Give them the writing keys.
8.) Start right away.
9.) HAVE PEOPLE EDIT!!!
10.) Their brains are becoming safer, but not yet completely safe. DON’T DO LAST MINUTE OR AT 2 AM!
11.) Don't have stupid mistakes, DON’T TEST ME!!!!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

1st Essay topic

Make an argument that one character from "The Crucible" deserves the most blame for the events that took place in Salem (100 points).

Characters you may choose from:
Tituba
Proctor
Parris
Hale
Danforth
Abigail
Mary Warren.

The paper is to be no longer than 3 pages. Double spaced. MLA format. Due Tuesday November 25th.

PLEASE EMAIL ME ASAP WITH THE CHARACTER YOU WOULD LIKE TO WRITE ABOUT!!!!! I'd prefer not to read 14 papers about the same character.

Remember, you are making an argument. There are no right or wrong answers, but your argument can certainly be better or worse!

This is your first major paper for this class, but remember, COLLEGE LEVEL WORK!!!!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Reading Assignments Crucible

Here are the rest of the Crucible reading assignments.

Crucible 5: 68-83
Crucible 6: 83-98
Crucible 7: 98-113
Crucible 8: 113-127
Crucible 9: 128-145

Standard assignment of 2 quotes, 2 responses and 2 questions unless otherwise noted.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

HW 11/13

Read to page 67

2 questions, 2 responses, 2 quotes.

Monday, November 10, 2008

HW 11/12

My fault for not posting this earlier:

Read to page 49.

Usual 2 quotations, 2 responses and 2 questions (make sure you have those written in your book as well).

Also, a list of the characters we have met so far, with information about them that will be useful in following the plot (i.e. has slept with john proctor, drank blood in the forest, danced naked....basically, she's absolutely insane!)

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

HW 11/6

Read to page 36 (after long speech).

Assignment: 2 key quotations about the townspeople, 2 explanations of why the quotes are important, and 2 questions that can guide discussion.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Monday In Class/ HW

Begin by reading the Historical accuracy of this play, then read through page 8. Characterize (list a couple of adjectives and describe them) any characters we meet (with quotes for support).
Then describe in two paragraph the background of the play that you think will be important.
(in the computer lab upstairs).

HW: Read to page 20 (halfway through where John Proctor Enters).
Write 2 quotations, an analysis of the relevance of the quotations, and two questions that can guide a discussion.