9-28/10-1 Themes

Lesson:
We completed the first part of our Lord of the Flies final in a group of two or three. If absent, please complete the activity below on your own. The outline form can be found on the assignments page:

Lord of the Flies
by
William Golding

Final Part One: THEME

The THEME of any work of literature is the main idea or the message the author is conveying about life,
human nature, or the human condition.

One way to determine a novel’s theme is to consider the main conflict(s) presented in the story, and look closely at how the author chooses to resolve the conflict. By examining who or what the author chooses to have “win,” we can usually understand the author’s message.

For this assignment, you will explain Golding’s theme as you interpret it,
and creatively explore whether or not you agree with him.

Step 1: On a separate piece of paper:
∑ write (or type) a brief retelling of the climax of the novel – the high point of the tension where the primary conflict “takes a turn” and we see who/what will “win” (one or two sentences)
∑ quote the passage that you think best represents the climactic moment, and cite it by page number
∑ give a brief explanation of your reasons for choosing this point in the story as the climax
(Hint: remember the definition of “climax” and use it to explain your choice!)
(5 points)

Step 2: Carefully consider the conflicts of the novel, the climax you cited in Step 1, and Golding’s resolution. Who/what “wins” in the story? Based on this, what do you think the author is telling us about human nature? About civilization? In other words, what is William Golding’s main theme?

On the form attached to this paper, outline a five-paragraph essay about Golding’s main theme in Lord of the Flies. This outline can be used as the basis for writing an extra credit essay if you choose.

Step 3: Consider whether or not you agree with Goding. What different theme might you want the novel to communicate to readers? How might Golding have changed the outcome of the novel if he had wanted to convey your message instead?

9-26/27 Masks and symbols

Lesson:
Today we looked at symbols in the novel.
A symbol is something that stands for something else. It is nn element in a story that may represent another meaning, often an abstract idea
If absent,make a list of 8 symbols from the novel. Then, complete the masks assignment on the assignments page. You will need to paint a face and take a picture of it OR come in during lunch to use my face paints. Bring a friend!!

HMWK:
Book test next class
Mask write up due next class
ROugh Draft of story due next class
Vocab test Tuesday (Alpha)/ Wednesday (Omega)

Projects:
Preliminary Works Cited page due next October 3rd. See Great Minds link to access.

9-24/9-25 Freud of the Flies

Lesson:
We took a YIRTB quiz in class
We went over the last readings and over Freud's ideas of an Id, Ego, and Super Ego. If absent, look these up on-line and answer the following questions:
As the boys' stay on the island lengthens and the savagery increases, how is Freud's concept of behavior apparent?
Consider the id, ego and superego for the following characters and describe an example from the novel for each:
Jack
Ralph
Piggy
Roger
Simon

We then did a writing exercise. Reread the start of chapter 10 where Ralph and PIggy talk about the murder of Simon but don't REALLY talk about it. Now you try this:
Choose one of the scenes listed below and write a conversation between the two characters. Use dialogue and characterization only to make the situation clear to the reader, but never state the problem/ conflict directly!!

A. You have just told your best friend that you agreed to go on a first date with this great guy/gal you’ve met. You are ecstatic and can’t stop talking about all the great qualities he has. Your best friend has always had a crush on your new boyfriend/girlfriend, but has never had the courage to ask him/her for a date. She doesn’t want you to know, but it’s difficult for her/him to hide their disappointment.


B. Two teenagers bump into one another in the school halls. He loves her but she thinks he’s very uncool. Show the interaction that occurs between them.


C. You’ve just overheard your friends spread rumors about you to a group of classmates. You are obviously hurt but try to pretend nothing has happened. Your friend has no idea you were eavesdropping. He walks into the classroom for 1st period and sits down next to you. Take it from here…..


Turn this writing in to class next time if you were absent.

HMWK:
Study your 25 vocab words. Write sentences with them.
Finish the book.
ROugh draft deadline has been extended to the 29th (Sheldon)/ Oct 2nd (Churchill)

9-19/9-20 We're going to have fun on this island!!!

Lesson:
We looked at the beginnings of stories that we wrote and what makes a good beginning.
We went over, again, the requirements for your Power Struggle Story.
We went over comma rules for introductory clauses. Get notes from someone if you were absent.
Vocab change……
You will pick your own 25 words form the remaining words in the novel!!!
There will be a test at the end of the novel.
You will be required to use the words in a sentence that gives the definition that proves you know how to use the word.
-----------OR----------------
I will have a test like the last one where I choose out of the 43 words in the last chapters
We had group discussions on the group in place of a quiz. If absent you will have to do this alone. The assignment can be found on the assignments page.

HMWK:
Make your vocab list
Character sheet (found on assignments page)
Read Lord of the Flies Ch 9 & 10
Rough draft for your own story is due September 26th/27th

9-17/9-18 Monsters?

Lesson:
We took a vocab test and a YIRTB quiz. If absent, make sure you make these up.
If absent, answer the following journal prompts:
What are your earliest memories of monsters?
What kinds of monsters captured your imagination?
What was the source of your monsters?
What is it about monsters that attracts and repels us?
What do you know about monsters from other cultures?
Do humans need monsters?
Can people be monsters? How do they become this?

We discussed the beast in Lord of the Flies.
If absent, look up Maslow's Hierarchy of needs and answer these questions.

Which do you feel you need to be on this scale to have a society?
Where are different characters at on the needs scale?
Ralph
Jack
Piggy
Simon
Roger

We then went over the Power Struggle Story assignment. It can be found on the assignments page.

Homework:
Brainstorm five ideas for a power struggle story and write three one paragraph beginnings.
Read Ch 7 & 8
Study Vocab 5-8

Projects:
Four Great Mind Paragraphs
DUE NEXT CLASS!!!!

9-13/9-14 2007 Painted faces and long hair

Lesson:
Turned in island map
Went over vocab words by acting them out
Discussed Chapters 1-4 of Lord of the Flies

HMWK:
Read Ch 5-6
Setting quote assignment
Vocab test next class

Projects:
Collected Great Minds signature slip
4 great mind paragraphs due on the 19th

9-11/9-12 Lord of the Flies Begins!!

Lesson:
Took a Yes I read the book quiz. If absent, make sure to make this up.
Turned in the survey/setting assignment, the parent questionnaire, the signed syllabus, and the Lord of the Flies discussion questions.
Talked about human nature in groups and did an activity to observe this.
Discussed the book using our discussion sheets.
Discussed a bit about William Golding's life.
Received books

Homework:
Study Vocab Chapters 1-4
Read Chapters 3-4
Draw the setting assignment (on assignments page)

Projects:
Signature form due
Choose four great minds. Rank in order. Write one paragraph regarding why you'd choose each one.

Yarrrr! Ye found the blog!!! 9-7/9-10

Introduction to Literature class
About Mr.K and introductions
Discussed savage vs. civilized
Assigned Lord of the Flies and other assignments

You need to click on the link to "Grades" to get to basmati. Click on the South Eugene link and type in your student ID and the code you received in class.

HMWK:
(Copies of all can be found on the assignments page)
Signed Syllabus
Signed Parent Questionnaire
Signed Basmati form and attached printout
Student Questionnaire and setting write up
Passed out vocab for Lord of the Flies. Test on September 13/14 for Chapters 1-4.
Read Chapters one and two of Lord of the Flies
Discussion questions for the first two chapters of Lord of the Flies



Projects Homework:
Great Minds signed instructions (click on the Great Minds link)