Read The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne and The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. As you read, share your observations and analysis with your classmates on this blog as directed below. Keep your quoted passages and reflections original- we can all google Sparknotes and Shmoop for ourselves. Then respond thoughtfully to the posts of three (3) of your classmates with your interpretations, impressions, and reactions to their thoughts about each book to create a conversation. Make sure you add something new to the conversation in your responses. Ask a question, challenge an assumption, offer a different interpretation or a new insight. "I agree" does not qualify as a meaningful response.
You should submit a total of 6 original posts and 6 comments.
Due Dates:
All posts about your first book should be completed by July 31, 2019.
Posts about your second book are due before the first day of school.
The goal of the response portion of the assignment is to set the tone for the year and develop a thoughtful conversation about our reading. Obviously, the conversation only works if people participate. Adding something at the end that no one will see does not equal participating in the conversation.
Failure to complete these assignments before your return to school may result in your removal from the class.
For each reflection post, start with a quotation from the novel and comment on it, focusing on one of the following:
1. Cite a passage and explain why is it important to the meaning of the work as a whole.
2. Read between the lines. Sometimes it’s what characters don’t say that matters. Cite a passage and explain what’s really going on. Be sure to use evidence to support your conclusions.
3. Analyze the development of a dynamic character: explain how she/he grows, learns, changes, etc. and how his/her evolution is important to the meaning of the work as a whole.
4. Cite a passage and analyze the author’s style, word choice, syntax, tone, etc. How does it contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole?
5. Analyze the author's use of literary devices (e.g. metaphor, symbolism, juxtaposition, foreshadowing, irony, satire, etc.). and consider how it contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.
6. Cite a passage that evokes a strong emotional response from you and explore your reaction.
7. Cite a passage that you find confusing as a reader. Pose genuine clarifying questions for yourself and others.
8. Explore the similarities and differences in plot, theme, and style between the two novels. Analyze how these similarities and differences impact the meanings of these works as a whole.
9. Analyze the impact of point of view on the reader’s understanding and the meaning of the work as a whole.
10. Something else? Think of something. We will add to this list as we go.
