Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Blog Entry for Tuesday's Long Block

Hello All--

I hope that this message finds everyone well. Right now, I have been up for a little over an hour--getting reading for the day and wishing I was in South Berwick, Maine instead of Manchester, NH. I trust that yesterday went well and that today will also be a success.

For the second half of class today, please complete the following writing assignment:
On page 60, it reads: "'Hey listen,' I said. 'You know those ducks in that lagoon right near Central Park South? THat little lake? By any chance, do you happen to know where they go, the ducks, when it gets all frozen over? Do you happen to know by any chance?' I realized it was a one in a million chance."

I love how this passage starts--and Holden's declaration of "Hey Listen." It feels as if he is talking to me (the reader) instead of a cab driver-it seems like he is asking me as a reader to help him--help him find his way, help him navigate the waters of his current problems. Thus, it transforms this questions from a literal idea into a more symbolic thought, or question: how is Holden like one of those ducks and will he ever find out where they go when their world freezes over?

In the 40/45 minutes you have in the rest of class please respond to that question. I would highly suggest that you write as much as possible--that you concern yourself with both quality but also quantity: get as many ideas down as you possible because you will be given the time to back and revise some of them at a later date.
-These do not need to be analytical responses. You can use I.
-While you do not need to write body paragraphs--your writing should try and argue a point.
-You should however include pieces of textual support and focus on trying to provide some analysis on how your piece of textual evidence answers the questions.
-Work on clearly and directly articulating the ideas you have.
-Think about how other motifs help answer this question and what themes that they are connected to.
-You should post your writing at the end of the class period.

I know that some of you might find this a difficult task--and I am sorry that I am not in class in order to answer your questions and help you along. However, have confidence in your abilities, write through your problems, and believe the fact that 'with a little elbow grease everything is possible."

Can't wait to see you soon--but thank you in advance for your efforts and dedication.

Best,
AK

Saturday, April 17, 2010

The Catcher in the Rye--Post No.1

Please respond to the following question by the start of class on Monday. Your responses should be around 350 words, you should cite the text, use proper grammar, however, you are free to use the "I." Your responses can be personal in style but should be professional/academic in tone and substance.

At the start of chapter 3, page 18, Holden says: "I read a lot of war books and mysteries and all, but they don't knock me out too much. What really knocks me out is a book that, when you're all done reading it, you wish wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it."

In The Catcher in the Rye, what is one passage (paragraph) or idea that has 'knocked you out,' that has inspired or provoked you?
Please clearly state what this idea or passage is, articulate what you believe the purpose of this passage/idea is in regards to Holden's narrative, and then discuss why you are personally drawn to it.

As always please let me know if you have any questions--but I would encourage you to try and work through this assignment on your own and see what you come up with.

I look forward to reading your responses and learning from your ideas.

Best,
AK