Chapter 14

OK, so I'm stumped. I've been trying to think of a character in a story I think could be a Christ figure. It may take me a little while.

This chapter, like many others in this book, does one main thing--it makes me think. It makes me think back over books, stories, and poems I've read to try to identify some of the issues this author has discussed. It's amazing how much you miss if you don't read closely. Is Hamlet a Christ figure? No. Macbeth? No. Maybe I need to think American. Willy from Death of a Salesman? Not really. Like I said--I'm going to have to think for awhile.

For this chapter, just tell me what you think about it. Also--can you think of any stories where there is a Christ figure?

(I'm going to try to find at least a short story where this could be a possibilty.)

Chapter 13

I have to agree that many of the things we read are political in one sense or another. Think back to just this week--the portion from Toni Morrison's book Sula--that was definitley political. Although the story was simply about a woman on a train, it said much more than that.

We are going to read a play soon called The Importance of Being Earnest. It is a comedy, and I think you guys will really like it, but it is very political. It is what's called a satire. That's when a writer uses comedy/humor to make a more serious point. Think Saturday Night Live--many of the great skits (especailly the political ones) are really meant to send a more serious message.

Why do you think writers disguise their points in fiction? Why not just write an essay about what they really think?

Chapter 12

I really liked this chapter. It was nice to finally hear an "authority" tell me that not every symbol has to mean the same thing to every reader. I think I am more like those of you who want someone to tell me exactly what the symbol stands for, but it is nice to realize that I can figure it out for myself and get it right--even if it's only right for me.

I agree with him that there are things that have a certain meaning--The Road Not Taken is always going to symbolize a choice we did not make--but that choice is different for everyone.

So what do you think about symbols? Are you one of those readers who sees symbolization in everything? Do you have difficulty identifying symbols? What books, stories, or poems can you think of with a symbol? What did it symbolize?

Chapter 11

OK--so can you think of any novels without violence? Without injury or death? I'm sure you can--but I can think of many more that have some sort of violence. Even some of the short stories we have read have violence. For example, in The Chaser we know eventually there will be violence.

If any of you have read The Lord of the Flies, you would probably agree that the author thinks most humans are violent when given the chance and in the absence of rules.

What do you think about this? What books have you read that include violence? What kind of violence was it? What does it say about human nature? How did it impact the novel? Is violence in literature necessary? Why?

Interlude

I am so glad that he addressed this topic. I think it about it a lot. (Well mainly when I'm studying/teaching difficult poems or when I'm reading the answers to the AP Hamlet study guide we will use--did Shakespeare REALLY think that deeply when he was writing about the child actors? I don't know.)

However, I do think Foster brought up some good points. Those of you who love to read are probably stronger writers--you learn something from every book you read, even if you don't realize it. While I'm not sure that every classical author truly meant for us to interpret themes and ideas in the ways that we have, I think they definitely had to put much more thought into what we are reading than we can even imagine.

I know that when I write something it takes much longer to write it than it takes for someone to read it--and I'm not trying to relay some subtle theme...What do you guys think? Is everything on purpose? Do the authors really intend for us to make all the connections to all the allusions and all the symbols and all the themes etc...???????

Chapter 10

I think this is a topic we all probably understood before we read this chapter--we just may not have recognized it.

The weather in a story or poem (or movie) definitely helps set the mood. When we read Macbeth, you will see how much the weather plays a role in the plot. It acts more as a reflection of what the characters are feeling. So what about what you've read before? Can you think of any stories where the weather was a factor? What about in the novels you've read? I am reading East of Eden by John Steinbeck. It takes place in a very dry part of California, and the quest for water is very important. The characters can't wait for the rain. It reminds me of their lives--for the most part they are very dry--but every once in a while something major happens (a rain storm???) and things get very interesting.

So now it's your turn. Think of a story, poem, or movie where rain or snow is factor and/or a reflection of what's going on.

Chapter 9

Hopefully now you will see why we'll spend some time this year on Greek Mythology!!

What do you think? Will having some knowledge of Greek mythology enrich your reading experience? Does using mythology make the writing/story better? What about naming characters after mythological characters? Can you think of any?

Chapter 8

I love fairy tales! And how cool is it that he mentions Paducah?!

So, can you think of any stories you've read that remind you of fairy tales? Anything with an evil stepparent? A "prince" who rescues a fair maiden? A jealous "queen"?

I can't help but be reminded of Harry Potter. He has horrible stepparents and although a handsome prince doesn't come to his rescue--a big, hairy semi-wizard does. (Think back to the first novel when Hagrid appears.) I also think about how when he's at school, it's like Cinderella at the ball--all of the magic works. At midnight/summer break, it's back to his normal, dreary life.

Your turn. Think of a short story, novel, TV show, or movie that reminds you in some way of a fairy tale. Explain why.

Chapter 7

OK--so this one I definitely see. I can think of many allusions to biblical events and characters--especially in poetry. Many of the sonnets we will read will have biblical allusions. Novels are no different. One of the latest Jodi Piccoult novels is about a little girl who can heal and perform miracles, and I loved The DaVinci Code and Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. If you haven't read them, they are centered upon the mystery of the bible and religion--and its political/financial power. (Both are really great movies too.) I think many of us forget that that although the Bible is religious in nature, it is also one of the most popular works of literature as well. It has poetry and stories people have read, studied, and loved for centuries. No wonder it is alluded to so often.

Here's your task--identify at least one biblical allusion. You can talk about poetry, short stories, novels, or even movies. Also, comment on why you think the Bible is referenced so often.

Chapter 6

I think I've mentioned this at least a couple fo times, but there are an endless amount of allusions to Shakespeare throughout our culture. I've even heard allusions to Shakespeare on the soap opera The Young and the Restless! (Yes, I watch it. It's trash. I love it. But hey--if they're quoting Shakespeare it can't be that bad!!!) Why? Because Shakespeare's plays, plots, and characters are real life. Even though we may not see actual ghosts on the top of our castles, we (as a society) deal with step-parents, lost love, jealously, mental illness, war, murder, and all of the countless other subjects of his plays, on a daily basis. I think that's why Shakespeare is used so much still today. His plays mirror the many aspects of our lives.

What do you think? What allusions can you remember? Did any of those listed in the chapter sound familiar? Why do you think Shakespeare is so popular?

Chapter 5

OOPS!! I didn't mean to spoil Hamlet for you! Hope you aren't too disappointed!After reading this chapter I am now thinking back through all of the books I've read trying to make some connections. It's really hard when you are put on the spot. I remember doing a paper in college on Shakespeare and how many of the the plots from his plays were borrowed from other books and plays. I remember being shocked--how could he be considered a genius if he borrowed his ideas from others?? Now though, I realize the author of this book is right--there aren't really any "new" ideas--we read books, watch movies, live life--and from that we (and the authors we read) use those experiences to create new ones.

The author said "there's only one story." What does he mean by that? What is the story? Also, do you agree that no story is entirely original? Why? Bonus: Can you name a book you've read that "borrows" some aspect of the plot from another work?

Chapter 4

Wow--so the sonnet is the only poetic form we need to know? I wish he were the one writing the AP exam! However, I have to agree to a certain extent, it is probably the most common type of poem we study.Other than his explanantion of the types of sonnets and his remarks that Shakespearean sonnets are divided into 2 parts (the first two quatrains and the final quatrain/couplet)--with which I totally disagree--I thought he made a lot of sense. Before you try to pick apart a poem, you should read just to get the point, the enjoyment. (I know--many of you don't enjoy them!)Also, there can be quite a bit of meaning in only fourteen lines. I loved how he mentioned that short poems must take far more time to write than longer ones, because everything has to be perfect. How true that must be.

OK, so for your response--tell me what you thought about the sonnet included in this chapter or what you thought about Foster's (the author) explanation for what's important in poetry. Your response should be 50 words. (EXACTLY)

Chapter 3

When I read the title of this chapter, I was a little surprised. Other than Dracula, I didn't think there was that much true literature about vampires. (Yes--I loved the Twilight series, but I know they probably won't be listed on the AP exam!!) However, it was really interesting to think about how many "vampires" there are in literature who aren't literally sucking the blood from their victims. One of the short stories we will read, "The Rocking Horse Winner" comes to mind. The young boy's mother's greed acted as a vampire in that story. She was the older, corrupt figure, while her son was the innocent victim. Her greed eventually took his life.I thought it was interesting that he mentioned that ghosts are often much more than just a scary apparition. I'm glad that he made mention of Hamlet's father's ghost. You guys will see how much influence his appearance will have on the plot of the entire play.

So what did you guys think? Can you think of some other "vampires" in literature--figuratively or literally? When does a ghost do more than say "Boo!"? Or talk about another of the author's points--does everyone have a dark side?

Chapter 2

This chapter really made me think. I never had considered this possibility before, so now I am racking my brain trying to remember meal scenes from novels I've read. One of the first ones that comes to mind is the wedding celebration scene in Kite Runner. After the main character got married, the two families shared a meal--proving that that the two families had joined as one. This makes sense to me, becuase we do that in our society too. I had just never considered the symbolism of the reption/meal. So far I like this book.

OK, so what do you think? Is eating a meal in literature more than just eating a meal? Do you agree with the author? If so, why? If not, why not? Can you think of an example from literature of a meal/communion with a deeper meaning? If so, describe it. Be sure to include the title and author.

How To Read Lit Ch.1

What is the real reason for including a quest in a piece of literature? What did you think? What made sense? Can you think of any quests in other pieces you've read?