Recommend or Not? "Of Mice and Men"

In a paragraph of 150 to 200 words, explain why you would (or would not) recommend the film to a friend. Be specific about your reasons. Please complete your paragraph by 6:00 on Tuesday night.

Be prepared to do in-class writing (test mark) for the film on Wednesday. The topic choices will vary and include writing an essay (if you choose).

Character Activities for "Of Mice and Men"

Do all work by Tuesday at 6:00 please. Write two short paragraphs, one on the protagonists and the other on your assigned character.

For the protagonists, Lennie or George, explain one of either man's traits based on a single scene (2-3 minutes of screen time). Give an example of an action or gesture that helps to communicate the trait. (150 word maximum)

For your assigned character choose one of the topics below (150 word maximum):

Comment on the way the character is introduced to us in the movie and how that introduction helps us get to know that character’s personality.

Write an interior monologue (what a character might be thinking) during a scene where the character is silent (speaks no dialogue for a minute or more).

Give an example of any repeated actions or gestures made by the character and how these help to communicate a trait of character to the viewers.

LINK to a copy of the script for Of Mice and Men

Blogging Journal for "The Lottery"

Please put your Blogging Journal reponse here as a comment to this post by 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11. You may wish to read the article, "Monstrous Acts and Little Murders" for some background on Shirley Jackson and some interesting facts about the story.
NEW: Link to the story.

Blogging Journal for "The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse"

Please put your Blogging Journal reponse here as a comment to this post. I provide a copy of the story in Word format for your use during our study. "The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse." I've provided a sample response, using quotations. Follow my model in your answers this time to practice this important skill.

Descriptive Essays

Post your final drafts here as a comment. Please check your work carefully before posting!

Note that it is not a requirement, but I encourage you to share your writing with your classmates.

Here is a link to my fifth draft of "Hiking with John." I changed the title back as "A Chance Encounter" felt cliched.

Brad's Third Draft: "A Chance Encounter"

Here's a link to the file where my changes and comments are available to view. Save a copy to your own computer if you wish. File is in Word 2003 for XP. Make sure you select "reviewing pane" to see the comments.

"A Chance Encounter": Third draft of the essay (working title: "Hiking with John")

"Cat in the Rain" Blogging Journal

Please put your writing on one of the 15 topics from your Blogging Journal sheet. Remember that, once you use a topic, you may not write on it again! Homework is due by 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 12.

Thanks Everyone!

I appreciated all your hard work and devotion to getting your account set up today. Not fun, but a necessary and important step.

I'm looking forward to all your paragraphs of introduction!