English 3 - Summer Reading Extra Credit

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Write a letter to the author consisting of the following:

1. 2-3 sentence introduction to the letter to establish purpose, set tone, develop interest.
2. Discussion of your favorite character: identify him/her; when do we first meet this character? What is likable?
3. Discussion of the most memorable part: what events lead up to this part?  Why is this part one to remember?
4. Discussion of what you learned about human beings, their behavior, their motives and reactions.
5. Overall review of the book: what is likeable?  What is not likeable?
6. Suggestions of what you would do differently to improve the events, the ending, the characters.
7. Analysis of why this book is so famous.
8. 2-3 sentence conclusion to criticize or praise the author, thank him or scold him for creating this to read.

Paragraphs should be fully developed with a topic sentence and 4-5 sentences discussing the topic.

Work must be typed using 12 pt. font and double spacing.  Minimum 500 words is expected.  Once you are done, hand in a printed copy and also e-mail it to me as an attachment or a copy and paste.

Due Date:  Monday, October 29, 2012

Transcendentalism

Transcendentalism – a philosophical movement that occurred in the middle of the 19^th century (the 1800s) which influenced a great deal of writing of that time period.

Characteristics of Transcendentalism

· Simplicity of life

· A need to live in solitude

· A lack of necessity of material items

· A need to follow your own rules

· More focus on the inner self

· Relying solely on yourself and having the ability to think for yourself

· Breaking free from conformity

· A strong sense of nature

"The Raven"

http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/edgar_allan_poe/poems/18848

Characteristics of the Gothic Story

Setting is medieval - a caste or dungeon

The mood is of mystery or suspense

Metaphors of fear, horror, dread (ex. thunder, footsteps, creaks, bells, fog, etc.)

Omens,visions, or haunting dreams are mentioned

Supernatural, evil, or violent events occur

"Mad" characters

Merciless villains

The Inquisition is mentioned (and their method or torture)

Myths or legends are mentioned

Individualism vs. Collectivism

Individualism vs. Collectivism

The principal political issue in Anthem - and in society at large - is the issue of individualism vs. collectivism.  The society depicted in Anthem is a collectivist society.  "Collectivism," Ayn Rand wrote, "means the subjugation of the individual to the group - whether to a race, class, or state does not matter."  In such a society, the individual is owned by the group; he has no right to a private existence, which means no right to lead his own life, pursue his own happiness, or use his own property.  The individual exists only as part of the group, and his worth is determined by his service to the group.

The alternative to collectivism is individualism, the view advocated by Ayn Rand.  "Individualism," she wrote, "regards man - every man - as an independent, sovereign entity who possesses an inalienable right to his own life, a right derived from his nature as a rational being."  Individualism does not mean that one can do whatever he feels like doing; it means that every man is an individual and has the same rights.

Power Point Presentations

The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Slide #1 - Introduction

Slides #2-6 - Each slide must contain the following:

• A person that you have influneced or who has influenced you
• A picture of that person
• The lesson that you have learned through your experience with that person

Slide #7 - How important are you in this world?

Slide #8 - What have you learned about yourself through this introspection?

Prezi Presentation - English 2 H

http://prezi.com/cclfql_i4rno/using-prezi/