Thursday, January 10, 2008

"Araby" Analysis Assignment

Choose one of the following topics and write a one page analysis. Your analysis should be at least three paragraphs long.

How does Joyce use sound imagery in the story? How does it contribute to the overall tone or mood of the narrative?

Comment on Joyce's use of light and dark imagery.

Comment on how Joyce uses sophisticated language to elevate the theme of childhood love.

Is the ending effective? Why or why not?

What aspects of the boy's story to you think are universal to everyone?

Friday, January 4, 2008

"Araby" by James Joyce

Read James Joyce's short story "Araby," and answer the following questions:

Who or what is Araby?

From whose perspective is the story told?

What does the boy say he will do at the bazaar?

Why do you think the boy decides not to buy anything?

Explain the significance of the last line of the story:
"Gazing up into darkness I saw myself as a creature driven and derided by vanity; and my eyes burned with anguish and anger."

What do you think this story is about?

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

The Handmaid’s Tale
Critical Thinking Questions for 10, 11, 12

Why do you think most music is banned in Gilead? Why would music be threatening?

Summarize what happens to Offred when she goes to the doctor’s office.

Why would a commander’s sterility be kept a secret? (Think about this carefully and elaborate)

Based on what you know so far, how are women treated in Gilead? Describe the ideal Gileadian woman.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

The Handmaid’s Tale
Critical Thinking Questions for Chapters 1&2
Review the epigraphs at the beginning of the book. Why did Atwood choose these quotations to open the story? What do they suggest the book will be about?

What is the tone of the opening chapters? How does Atwood establish this tone?

Skim over chapters one and two. What similarities do you see in theme, character and detail between The Handmaid’s Tale and 1984?

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Critical Thinking Questions
1984 Pages 147-217


Briefly summarize Winston’s first encounter with O’Brien.

What is “the book?”

How does the Party convince the citizens of Oceania that they are at war with Eastasia, not
Eurasia, and have been for years?

According to Emmanuel Goldstein, what is the real meaning of “War is Peace?”

Explain “doublethink.”

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Homework for Thanksgiving Break:
Please read pages 147-217 in 1984 (approx. 15-20 per day)
Don't forget about your Newspaper Assignment (Due October 12th)
Have a great break!
Grade 12 Academic English
1984 Essay Assignment

Choose one of the following topics and write a 1200 word essay. Your essay must follow proper MLA formatting and be structured correctly. You must use textual evidence to support your argument in the form of properly cited quotations. I would like to see a draft of your essay on October 19th, and your final copy is due Friday, October 26th.

Consider the role of technology in the text. What does Orwell suggest is the relationship between advanced technology and absolute power? Why would Orwell include technology as part of the dystopic environment of Oceania?


What is the role of romance and sex in this text? Why does Winston suggest that having sex with Julia is both a personal and a political act?


Trace a pattern of imagery and explain how it develops one of the major themes of the text. Consider images of violence, technology, pain, control, etc.


Explore Orwell’s use of foreshadowing and its importance to the story. How does he indicate to the reader that Winston’s fate is doomed?