Entry #4: Layers of Setting

What different “layers” of text are revealed by the use of setting? Consider cultural values, augmenting characterization, imagery, tone, irony, theme, etc.

Entry #3: Toying with Tension

     In what ways do authors use “tension” in their work? Consider tension in diction, between characters, in tone, in contrasting settings, in narrative structure, in dialogue, etc.  

Entry #2: Crafting Characterization

 How do authors approach characterization with their unique craft? What are the most effective approaches they take?

Entry #1: "Opening" Literature

In what ways do authors approach "opening" their work to readers? Consider exposition, initiating action, establishing tone, characterization, foreshadowing, thematic foundations, etc.

If you're stuck. . .here's the kind of thinking I'm trying to elicit. . .

1.       What are the advantages to the author’s chosen point of view?

2.      Does the author use  point of view primarily to reveal or to conceal?

Or think about hero's journey!

The Departure

Home Culture – a place the protagonist thinks is normal, familiar, common

Call to Adventure – a normal occurrence motivates the character to feel restless with his/her life

Refusal of “The Call” – character chooses not to move forward usually out of fear of the unknown

Supernatural Aid – character given a supernatural/guiding/ guardian person or item to assist the step forward into the unknown

Crossing the 1st Threshold – moves out of the comfort zone and walks alone – usually confronted by an obstacle to overcome before full entry into the unknown

Introduction to Our Blog

Independent Reading Project

A note on the quality of your work: One observation from AP readers is that students are not able to wrestle with complex texts. I am not so sure that the ability is lacking. Rather, I think it is the desire or the willingness to read hard texts and think deeply about them that is sometimes missing. It does require discipline to train yourself to read complex texts, but it is worth it, not only for the AP tests, but also for college and beyond.

In addition to giving your brain an added workout, having read and studied these books may be a significant help to you on question #3 on the Lit exam.

You will be required to provide substantial posts. 

 

Blog Entries

1.                 In what ways do authors approach “opening” their work to readers? Consider exposition, initiating action, initial tone, characterization, foreshadowing, theme hints, etc.

2.                 How do authors approach characterization with their unique craft? What are the most effective approaches they take?

3.                 In what ways do authors use “tension” in their work? Consider tension in diction, between characters, in tone, in contrasting settings, in narrative structure, in dialogue, etc.  

4.                 What different “layers” of text are revealed by the use of setting? Consider cultural values, augmenting characterization, imagery, tone, irony, theme, etc.

5.                 How can authors use one solitary passage to illuminate the meaning of the whole text?



As we explore our “driving questions,” your job is to respond using any methods like those listed below. You see, when you read, you use close reading techniques to hone your skills—and by reading your classmates’ responses, you can glean new ideas for your own writing.

Below,  you will find some “established” starters for blog entries—some may be more relevant than others. Remember, never summarize the text!! All entries are to be analytic exercises that explore our driving questions. Also, be sure to vary your entry types (don’t do the same thing over and over again).

You will also find the grading rubric. You determine your fate with this assignment. Good luckJ

Check out an old blog for some ideas if you're stuck:)

http://portraitofaclassroom.blogspot.com/

Possible Starters:

• Start with a quotation from a chapter and comment on it. Why is it important?  Extend beyond the text itself. Ex: maybe the passage is important for a character, but how about us?

• Pull out a soliloquy or short scene from a play and analyze it. Why it is important? What is revealed, etc.?

• Reading between the lines. Sometimes it’s what characters don’t say that matters. Cite a passage and explain what’s really going on. Be sure to show how you know it.

• Analyze the development of a dynamic character: how is it she/he grows, learns, etc.? (AP tests are full of passages that show character growth).

• Cite and explain and ironic passage. How does irony function in the work?

• Cite a passage and analyze the author’s style: choice of words, syntax, tone, etc. Why do you think the author used this style for this work? How effective is  he passage at achieving the author’s purpose?

• Cite and agree, disagree or qualify a point of view in the work—either by character or author.

 Give context for the point of view first.

• Something else? Think of something. You can do what works for youJ

Grading Criteria: When you write your blog entries, remember that I will be grading it using this rubric. Also, remember that your classmates will be referencing your blog so do your best work.

5 100 – 90 % ·makes an appropriate response to the topic ·highly original/responses unite and challenge others’ comments ·paragraph(s) clearly organized ·clear sentence sense, variety and transitions ·shows superior command of language structure and vocabulary ·shows superior grasp of spelling and mechanics ·includes correct MLA citation (for entries only ) 4 89 – 80% ·makes an appropriate response to the topic ·somewhat original/responses address others’ comments ·paragraph generally focused ·some sentence variety; few fragments or run-ons; some transitions ·grade level vocabulary ·some spelling and mechanical errors ·includes MLA citation with minor errors (for entries only ) 3 79 – 71 % · attempts to make an appropriate response to the topic ·somewhat original/ responses do not address others’ comments ·some paragraph order ·many simple sentences; fragments and run-ons; few transitions ·ordinary vocabulary ·many noticeable spelling and mechanical errors ·includes MLA citation with major errors (for entries only )

2 70% ·somewhat attempts to make an appropriate response to the topic ·originality not evident/ responses repeat what others have shared ·limited paragraph development ·simple sentences; many fragments and run-ons, no transitions ·ineffective vocabulary ·mechanics and spelling errors interfere with reading/meaning ·does not include MLA citation  (for entries only ) 1 69 – 59% ·lacks appropriate response to the topic ·originality not evident ·lacks organization ·unclear sentence structure ·ineffective vocabulary ·mechanics and spelling errors interfere with reading/meaning ·does not include MLA citation  (for entries only ) 0 ·If you do not write a blog at all, you will get a grade of Zero!!!