december 7

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Today we'll read about a bombing.  Kind of fitting, since today is the anniversary of Pearl Harbor.  Before 9/11, Pearl Harbor was the biggest attack on the United States; unfortunately there are many examples of this sort of destruction throughout history.  Why do you think people resort to this type of violence?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Read 180/ Reading Inventory?
3. Discuss final review feedback & make a plan
4. Fahrenheit 451

december 6

JOURNAL TOPIC:
What are the biggest issues facing today's high school students?  It seems like there's a lot to choose from: divorce, substance abuse, bullying, technology, the climate, the economy, politics... Do you think it's one of these, or the resulting fatigue/anxiety/depression, or something else?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Final review: lit terms
3. Fahrenheit 451

FINAL EXAM PROMPT

In the novels Tangerine and Fahrenheit 451, some of the characters are static and some are dynamic. First, explain the difference: what makes a character dynamic?  Then, choose a dynamic character from either book and explain at least three ways this character changes throughout the book.  Why does this character change?  How does this character's evolution reflect the overall theme and tone of the book?  *NOTE: Please remember to include at least five lit terms in your analysis of the text.

december 5

JOURNAL TOPIC:
What is exciting to you about the end of the semester?  What is making you nervous about the end of the semester?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Read to the end of the chase & finish/turn in yesterday's questions
3. Final Essay: prompt & introduction paragraph
4. Fahrenheit 451 questions (group #4/ complete list HERE)

december 4

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Yesterday we read a scene in Fahrenheit 451 that was absolutely brutal.  Montag set Beatty on fire with a flamethrower.  When Ray Bradbury wrote this book, such a scene was nearly unthinkable in civilized society-- why do you think Bradbury had Montag kill Beatty instead of just run away and escape?  Is it satisfying to read that a villain dies?  If you could choose, would the hero kill the bad guy or find another way to survive or win?  Why?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Read 180/ independent reading
3. Fahrenheit 451
4. Notes on preparing for our final exam

fahrenheit 451 questions / part four

1. What is the significance of the title of this chapter? How does it contribute to the overall themes of the novel?
   
2. What is the initial mood of this chapter as Montag and Millie begin to read the stolen books?
   
3. The novel is riddled with literary allusions, references to other texts. Firstly, name a minimum of five
   authors or texts referenced in F451. Secondly, explain the author’s choice of works (why did Bradbury
   choose what he chose?).
   
4. a. When Millie questions Montag’s desire to read, Montag explodes. He says, “‘We’ve started and won
   two atomic wars since 2022!...the world is starving, but we’re well fed...Is that why we’re hated so much?...Do you know why? I don’t, that’s sure! Maybe the books can get us half out of the cave’” (70). Why is this the first time Bradbury has given us any indication of the novel’s setting – specifically the time and the place?
   b. What does Montag instinctively hope to learn from books?
   
5. When Montag realizes that Millie will not support his desire to learn from books, he has a second
   flashback of an old man he once met in a park. Explain the significance of this flashback.
   
6. On his way to meet Faber, Montag has another flashback of a time from his childhood when he
   attempted to fill a sieve with sand only to have it continually slip away. He then has the thought that “if you read fast and read all, maybe some of the sand will stay in the sieve” (74). He attempts to read and to memorize the text he is carrying, but cannot concentrate due to the incessant wailing of the advertisements on the train. Describe the atmosphere of this scene. How does Bradbury manipulate our feelings for Montag?
   
7. Faber is an instrumental figure in this novel. He, like Clarisse, awakens Montag’s mind by telling him what it is that Montag feels is lacking in his life, which is not the books themselves, but is quality (true details that reflect life), leisure to think, and the right to act as individuals (79-81). How do the two men propose to change this state of affairs?
   
8. Describe the irony present in the line “‘The salamander devours his tail’” (82).
   
9. What is the effect of Faber’s metaphor in which he describes himself as a Queen Bee (87)?
   
10. How does the actual war (fought with bomber jets) mirror the war planned by Montag and Faber?
    
11. The conversation between Millie, Mrs. Phelps, and Mrs. Bowles is significant for many reasons. Firstly,
    what does it reveal about the women’s characters? Secondly, what effect does it have on Montag and why?
    

december 3

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Dr. Seuss once wrote, "How did it get so late so soon?  December is here before it's June.  My goodness how the time has flewn. [sic]  How did it get so late so soon?"

Here we are.  It's December.  In the blink of an eye, we'll be on Winter Break, and then-- but, wait.  Let's slow things down for a moment.  One of the things I love about reading is how the author's ideas sometimes connect with what I'm thinking, or feeling, or experiencing.  Sometimes connecting the dots takes a little effort, but the effort is always worthwhile, because whatever I'm reading becomes more meaningful in those moments.

So, here is today's journal question: what idea/s from Fahrenheit 451 can you apply to real life?  What have the characters done or said that make you think about yourself, people you know, or the bigger issues we all deal with in 2018?

AGENDA:
1. Journal (extended time; treat this like a practice essay for our final exam)
2. Reading + questions
3. Writing prompt (4th period)

Set a goal for the end of your semester.  What do you want to learn or accomplish between now and finals week?  What grade are you aiming for?  What do you plan to do over these next couple weeks to achieve your goal?  (title: MY SEMESTER GOAL)