Friday, May 2, 2014

Upcoming Assignments!

Today we have a yearbook presentation in class at around 9am, so we need to move quickly today.

We have a quiz on chapter 6 of the Great Gatsby.  Then we will have our class discussion.  There are only 8 questions so you will have 10 minutes to finish the quiz.  Chapter 7 Quiz will be on Friday 5/16 and the quiz for chapters 8 & 9 will be on Monday the 19th.

We have a long delay in quizzes due to CST testing (the week of May 5th) and SBAC testing (the week of May 12th).  However, just because we are busy with testing does not mean we will not have other work.

Exhibitions are fast approaching!  They will take place on May 20th-27th.  Please look at the available dates and times and discuss availability with your parents and mentor.  Return a copy of this sheet with your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice by Wednesday (5/7).

You have until the end of the day to finish your Great Depression Assessment Essay.  Please see me if you would like me to proofread your essay.  Remember to take a look at the outline and rubric and read over your paper before turning it in.

Today we will begin the analysis of a poem by Langston Hughes.  Langston Hughes was a famous poet and one of the defining voices of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920's.  You will read and analyze "Let America Be America Again".  One of the major themes of The Great Gatsby is the corruption of the American dream.  Think about the novel as you read this poem and recall our history lessons about the 1920's.

After your reading please do a written response to the poem according to the following outline:

Write a paragraph for each
1.  Briefly summarize the poem     What is Langston Hughes saying about America and the American Dream?

2.  Reflect on the life of Langston Hughes.  How does his life/experiences influence his writing?
     How does this express feeling of America in the 1920's?
     How does this represent life during this time?
    
3.  How is this reflected in attitudes of characters in The Great Gatsby?
     Examples include: Tom's views on minorities, Tom's relationship with George, Daisy's relationships, Old money vs. new money, Myrtle's views of George and Tom, Gatsby's quest for wealth and ultimately Daisy's love, characters lack of consequences for their actions.

4.  What is the American dream?
     What are your thoughts on the American dream today?  Does it still exist?  To what extent?
     Use examples for your experience (i.e. education, college, equality, etc.)
     Was Langston Hughes correct?  Or have things gotten better (or possibly worse)?

This assignment will be due on Friday (5/16).  Remember to use evidence/quotes from the poem (and book) to back up your statements.  You may want to complete reading in Gatsby to help with paragraph 2.


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