april 4

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Today we will analyze "The Necklace" -- that is, we will take it apart and put it back together again in such a way that we can explain the story to anyone, even if they haven't read it.  For starters, if someone were to ask you what the story is about, what would you say?  What is the theme of the story?  How is the theme illustrated by the plot?

AGENDA:
1. Mindfulness
2. Journal/ review lit terms (analyze, theme, plot)
3. Focus on "The Necklace"
4. (*if there is time) Are we gaming the seniors?

POST:
Write a paragraph in which you help readers understand the theme and plot of "The Necklace" (title: NECKLASYSIS PART I)

the necklace quiz

At the beginning of the story, Mme. Loisel's unhappiness is due to a contrast between (1 point) what she's been promised and what she's recieved. what she once had and what she has now. what she has and what she wants. what she wants and what her husband wants.

What makes Mme. Loisel so happy at the party? (1 point) the opportunity to be among friends. the fact that Mme. Forestier has trusted her with the necklace. the way other people react to her. the fact that she is making her husband proud.

The events of the story suggest that what Mme. Loisel fears most is (1 point) poverty. humiliation. the loss of her beauty. boredom.

At the beginning of the story, Mme. Loisel dreams about being (1 point) independent. loved. famous. rich and stylish.

Why is Mme. Loisel upset at receiving the invitation to a fancy party? (1 point) She knows very few of the people who will be there. She doesn't know how to behave at a fancy party. She doesn't have the appropriate clothes to wear. She thinks her husband will embarrass her at the party.

Mme. Forestier responds to Mme. Loisel's story with (1 point) anger at having been deceived. amusement at the misunderstanding. bored annoyance. sympathy and dismay.

Which is most likely to leave you aghast? (1 point) finding a dead body. running a mile. eating a big meal.

You are most likely to cause vexation in a person who is (1 point) happy. irritable. hypnotized.

What effects do you think the news that the necklace is fake has on Mme. Loisel? Describe an immediate effect and a long-term effect. (2 points)

Note how minor characters (M. Loisel, Mme. Forestier) contrast with Mme. Loisel. Note which character you are using. (2 points)

What flaws in Mme. Loisel's character do you think lead to trouble? Explain your answer. (2 points)

first love in real life

Since we read the story "First Love" I thought THIS might be of interest.  Please comment to this post-- compare and contrast what you read here with the short story we read about first love.  What do these people experience that is similar to the main character, who wrote the story for his friends?  What is different?

april 3

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Please describe and explain your working process in class yesterday.  Did you set goals?  Did you discuss your work and/or collaborate with others?  Did you post to your blog and/or update your lit circle's doc?  Did you finish what you set out to do?  What do you imagine others (students, teachers) would say about your work?  How do you feel about your performance?

AGENDA:
1. Mindfulness
2. Journal
3. Check-in on progress
4. "The Necklace"

• Q&A
• Analysis
• Written questions (due at end of period 4)
  

POST:
What do you want to learn and get good at in this course between now and June? (title: ENDGAME) 

april 2

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Think of something that you know with confidence, or something that you know how to do really well.  How can you prove your knowledge to someone who doubts you?

AGENDA:
1. Mindfulness (*you're on your own this morning, so the practice is up to you)
2. Journal
3. Today's journal is especially meaningful.  Today I have been asked to proctor an exam.  The exam is being given -- like so many exams these days -- because of a general sense in our culture that it's easier to trust data than people.  Which makes me think of your blogs.  Please work hard on these today so that I can see progress.  If I do, we will pick up tomorrow as usual.  If I don't, we will have an exam on what we've read so far.
4.  Read "The Necklace" and post your notes

POST:
Please post your reading notes (title: THE NECKLACE READING NOTES)

game scoring

1. Please read THIS ARTICLE

2. Please comment to this post with three suggestions for scoring our game.  Support each suggestion with a reason from the article above

april 1

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "(Now & Then There's) A Fool Such As I" by Hank Snow; "Ship of Fools" by Robert Plant]

You have seven minutes to write an epic poem about a unified theory of consciousness and the history of the papacy concentrating especially but not exclusively on its social, political, economic, religious, and philosophical impact on Europe, Asia, America, and Africa. Be brief, concise, and specific. Be ready to recite your poem from memory in any ancient language (except Greek) to the 2000 people who will be waiting expectantly on the field outside our room in eight minutes.

[OR]

Attempt to explain why people like the experience of making/being made a fool at least once a year.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Recover & complete Friday's work
3. Game scores, test grades, and other forms of "Don't you judge me!"
4. Creating a scoring system for the game