Unrequited Love

Unrequited love is love that is given but not returned. For example, if you were desperately in love with someone but they failed to love you in return, your love would be unrequited.

A Midsummer Night's Dream explores several instances of unrequited love, but the most predominant instance in Act 1 is that of Helena and Demetrius. Is Helena pathetic for pursuing Demetrius so insistently, or can we call her brave? Is better to follow your love, even if your feelings are unreturned? At what point should you back down and give up?

As always, BE SURE TO READ THE OTHER COMMENTS BEFORE POSTING YOUR OWN. PLEASE COMMENT ON OTHERS' COMMENTS AND AVOID REPETITION.

The Big Take-Away

What is your big take-away from The Kite Runner? In other words, what themes did you see emerging from this novel that might be relevant to your own life?

The Final Kite Runner Fishbowl!

This is your last chance to express your thoughts on The Kite Runner. If you haven't gotten into a hotseat yet, try it out today! Enjoy!

Kite Runner Fishbowl #7: Chapter 23

Above is a picture that our friend Rob sent us of the infamous soccer stadium.

This is our second-to-last fishbowl discussion! If you haven't made it into a hotseat yet, try it out today. Also, remember to bring in quotations from the text whenever possible.

Enjoy!

Kite Runner Fishbowl #6: Chapter 21

The picture above is one that Rob sent us last spring from Afghanistan.

Keep up your insightful questions and comments. Remember to bring in textual references/quotations when possible.

Enjoy, and special thanks to Rob for enlightening us!

Kite Runner Fishbowl #5: Chapters 17-20

Keep up your insight and professionalism!

Kite Runner Fishbowl #4: Chapters 14-16

Fantastic comments, outer circle! Keep up the good work, but I have two challenges for you to take on today:

1. Get yourself on the inner circle at some point.

2. Bring in a direct textual reference (quote and/or page number) in at least one of your comments/questions.

Enjoy!

Kite Runner Fishbowl #3: Chapter 12

Your goal today: Try to bring in a quotation from the text.

Remember what "A" quality blogs look like...

Kite Runner Fishbowl #2: Chapters 9 and 10

Have an enriching discussion about Chapters 9 and 10 from The Kite Runner while the inner circle discusses similar topics out loud.

A few reminders:

1. Hit F5 to refresh your screen (new comments do not automatically pop up).

2. Show professionalism by using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation; remember that the world will be looking at our blog.

3. If you are responding to someone directly, reference them in your comment.

4. Bring in quotations when possible.

Enjoy!

Kite Runner Fishbowl #1: Through Chapter 8

Remember that your goal is to participate thoughtfully at least five times during today's discussion. A few thoughts:

1. Hit F5 to refresh your screen (new comments do not automatically pop up).

2. Show professionalism by using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation; remember that the world will be looking at our blog.

3. If you are responding to someone directly, reference them in your comment.

4. Bring in quotations when possible.

Enjoy!

Steinbeck and the American Dream

On the first day we discussed Of Mice and Men, I asked you to define "the American Dream."

Now that we've finished Of Mice and Men, I want you to respond to the following, slightly tougher question:

How would Steinbeck define the American Dream? How do you know?

Enjoy! Remember to read and comment on each other's posts.

Stereotypes and Steinbeck

Think back to the article we read in class today ("The Nazi in the 7th Grade") as well as Chapter 4 in Of Mice and Men. Have a discussion we each other using the blog in which you respond to some or all of the questions below:

•What is a stereotype, and where do stereotypes originate?
•Many people think that we’re all somewhat racist, deep down. Do you agree? Do you think people hold onto their stereotypes?
•All the men on the ranch in Of Mice and Men would be considered “working class” or even “low class.” What stereotypes do they have of Crooks, and why do you think they hold onto their stereotypes of Crooks?

Remember to proofread before you post, and be sure to comment on others' posts. Enjoy!

Practicing for Tomorrow

Take a look at Daniel Sprick's self-portrait, "Release Your Plans."

I'd like you to identify any two "clues" that you think are important to understanding this picture, and then I'd like you to take a guess as to what you think the larger theme of this picture might be.

Remember to read others' comments before reading your own so that you can comment on other people's thoughts (it should be a conversation), and so that you avoid repeating what somebody else already said. Also, please use proper spelling and grammar.

P.S. This picture is hanging in the Denver Art Museum right now.

American Gothic

In class today we discussed using small but significant clues to sneak your way into a "text." Please peruse the above painting, titled "American Gothic," and respond to the following questions:

1. How would you describe the relationship between the subjects of this painting, and what clues helped you figure this out?

2. Why do you think the painting is called "American Gothic"? What image of America does this painting create? Do you agree with this image?

Remember to read the other posts to avoid repeating someone else word for word. Instead, focus on having a conversation with your classmates. Posts are due by 10 pm Sunday.

If You Really Knew Me...

In an effort to get to know each other and trust each other, I'd like you to take a little risk and post five things that you'd like other people in the class to know about you. The quirkier/more unique and personal, the better.Here are my five:

1. I am a terrible sport and throw a fit when I lose--especially when it comes to board and card games.

2. I have a phobia of people throwing up.

3. I like to watch one rerun of "Scrubs" before going to bed because I find it relaxing.

4. Sometimes I'd rather curl up in bed and read a book than go out and socialize. I would have never admitted this in high school because I used to think that it made me a dork. Now I'm automatically a dork because I'm old and a teacher, so I don't really care.

5. I really want to be writer, but I've never submitted anything to publication because I'm afraid of my work being rejected.