Language as Art

Final Exam Details

Finals will be conducted over the next two days. The exam is made up of 35 objective, multiple-choice questions and one essay question. The students will be given two essay topics regarding the reading we have done, and they will choose one of the two to answer.

The students will need the two stories and poem for the essay. I have provided links to each. Since backpacks cannot be brought to school, the students can fold up the material and place it inside a pocket or purse. Students were instructed to leave paper in the room today, therefore, all they require is a pen or pencil.

Download Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe 

Download Good Country People

Download Desiree's Baby

Quiz Tomorrow!

I was out of the classroom today. During my absence students were to read "Good Country People." According to the notes left by the substitute, many students did not read, but simply sat quietly staring off into space for the period. It should be understood that there will be a quiz on the reading tomorrow. Additionally, I will be taking up the "family trees" that were to be completed after reading the story.

Come prepared tomorrow!

Download Good Country People

Good Country People

Tomorrow we will read the last selection in our unit - "Good Country People" by Flannery O'Connor.

Several students did not bring in either their poem or their research on Flannery. I have given a one-day extention to turn in the work.

League Members - Remember to wear your T-shirt tomorrow. Additionally, the campus book store will be open and Chik-fil-a is definately open and Wendy's is within walking distance.

Poets Unit!

I am looking for the poets. Unfortunately, most students don't know they are indeed poets. The students have the weekend to finish their poem - and yes - this is for a grade. Additionally, the Flannery O'Connor research is due on Monday as well. For the research details, see last night;s blog  - the attached PowerPoint there will provide all details.

Quizzes Look Better

The second poetry quiz, replacement quiz, was given today and the cursory look is an improved one. I'll try to get the numbers loaded tonight but no promises. Tomorrow students begin work on own free verse poetry. Parents need not ask to read the poetry as the students are promised privacy.

Students were give the research requirements on Flannery O'Connor today. The due date is Monday. The attached PowerPoint provides the details.

Download Flannery O'Connor

 

Poor Efforts - Poor Results

The quiz grades were not good overall. These grades will be entered as "non-graded." A second quiz will be given on Thursday, and the best grade grade of the two will be entered as a 15 point quiz grade in the reading category. It would be in everyones best interests to study. Use the mnemonic devices you were taught in late March to learn the names of the various stanza lengths, meter types and line lengths. Don't have these vocabulary terms? See last Friday's blog.

League of Extraordinary Writers! I need the permission slips for the KSU field trip. These must be turned in by Thursday.

Quiz! Quiz Tomorrow! Poetry Quiz Tomorrow!

Tomorrow is a poetry quiz. Students should be knowledgable of the terminolgy and be able to apply yhte knowledge. This is only a short quiz; the final exam will cover the same material - only more in depth.

All material that is fair game for tomorrowcan be downloaded from last Friday's blog. Three PowerPoints and the poem "Annabel Lee."

Poetry Terms and Philosophy

Poetry is proceeding. The tterms and phiosophy are important lessons for both the present and the future. Next Tuesday we will have a quiz on some of the information taught thus far. In an effort to ensure all students have the required information, I have attached all three PowerPoints and the poem "Annabel Lee."

Download Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe

Download Poetic Meter

Download Poetic Principle

Download Poetry Terms

Explication

Today we explicated John Lennon's "Imagine" and considered the meaning of his song. The song was controversial in '71, but it has become a popular anthem for peace in recent years. I chose for its current relevance and symbolic messages.

Tomorrow, we will spend the day on learning to talk the language of the poet. This lesson in poetic terminology will be valuable for both the response to literature essay here and much of the literary writing in high school.

Tomorrow I'll attach some helpful PowerPoints.

No homework.

"A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall"

No - this not a weather forecast although it would seem so. This song by Bob Dylan sends a message that is perhaps as true today as it was in 1962. The song's inspiration comes from a 14th century ballad called "Lord Randal." I chose this poem today because yesterday I did hear students evaluating "Annabel Lee" with any depth. "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall" is nearly all symbolic and requires careful explication to fully comprehend Dylan's warning. The students needed this challenge.

Tomorrow we will return to "Annabel Lee" as well as add additional information about poetry and poetic terminology.