DEATH OF A SALESMAN BONUS (AND FRIDAY'S CLASS)

On Friday, we will begin with oral interp, then discuss Death of a Salesman, and then I'll give you introductory info and supplemental reading material over The Stranger.

In preparation for the Salesman discussion, I'd like to ask a few questions ahead of time. Anyone responding (substantively, of course, using examples from the text) on the blog BEFORE Friday's discussion will RECEIVE BONUS POINTS on the discussion grade. Multiple responses here will also count as part of your contribution to the discussion (though it doesn't replace your responsibility for participating in class).

Here are the questions to think about (and hopefully respond to):

1. What do you think is the significance of the play as a whole? In other words, what are Miller's messages/themes? How does he express these messages/ themes?

2. Which characters do you find most and least appealing, and explain why?

3. Do you have any sympathy for Willy or not? Explain specifically why or why not? Do you think Miller likes or sympathizes with any of his main characters?

4. The characters' various speeches at Willy's funeral/gravesite are very different. Charley, Biff, Happy, and Linda all have very different things to say at the end of the play. Which of the characters' dialogue stands out to you the most, and what do you think the words say about the characters themselves?

5. Did you like this play? Why or why not? Explain your thoughts using specific examples from the text.

You may respond to one or more of the questions, and as always you are encouraged to respond to each other as well. If you have a difficult time speaking in class, this is a good alternative way to contribute, THOUGH I SAY AGAIN......IT DOESN'T REPLACE the need to contribute in class as well:)


I hope you guys are having a good week. It has been strange not seeing everyone this week. I am excited to hear about how your presentations went. I've been hearing very good things about them.

WEDNESDAY'S CLASS

Tomorrow (Wednesday) you will finish reading Death of a Salesman, watch the rest of the movie, and take the quiz. Some of you will present your senior projects to the judges.

On Friday, I will be sneaking up to school just for your class to listen to your fabulous oral interpretation, discuss Act II of Death of a Salesman, and introduce Camus' The Stranger.

REGARDING THE INTERP:

1. DON'T FORGET THAT THERE IS A SHORT WRITTEN COMPONENT IN WHICH YOU MUST TYPE OUT WHY YOU CHOSE THOSE PARTICULAR LINES AND WHAT THEIR SIGNIFICANCE IS. This is on the handout I gave you weeks ago. If you lost yours, I left some extras for Mr. Gladish to give you.

2. Also, be sure to bring me a copy of what you're reciting, so I can see if you have it memorized AND I can cue your line in case you forget.

***By the end of this 9 weeks, I will give you a schedule for the rest of the year. It will basically consist of reading one novel of your choice (off the AP list I hand out), writing about it, and finishing your scrapbooks.

***There will also be one creative project. Those who are working on the editing of Hamlet may use that as their creative project.

Any questions, post them here. Otherwise, I'll see you friday. Continue to look for gradebook updates as I grade your work from home.

SENIOR PROJECT PRESENTATIONS

Good luck on your Senior Project Presentations this week! I know you will all be great. You did a nice job on your in-class presentations, and most of you only had a couple of changes to make.

HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS WHEN YOU PRESENT TO THE JUDGES:

1. WHEN YOU WALK IN THE ROOM, INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND SHAKE THEIR HANDS BEFORE YOU WALK UP TO THE FRONT OF THE ROOM. For example, you would walk in and walk right over to the judges and say, "Hi, I"m Ashley. Nice to meet you." Then shake hands. They will be impressed by this.

2. DRESS PROFESSIONALLY. NO JEANS! GUYS SHOULD WEAR DRESS PANTS OR KHAKIS AND GIRLS SHOULD WEAR DRESS PANTS OR A SKIRT.

3. IF YOU HAVE TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES, DON'T PANIC. Most of you are in the IMC (Sorry Max and Kirstie), so you have close access to Mr. Hammonds if you need help.

4. TALK ABOUT HOW MUCH YOU ENJOYED THE PROJECT AND HOW MUCH YOU LEARNED. If you seem passionate and positive about what you did, it will make a better impression.

5. BE CLEAR AND DETAILED ABOUT EXACTLY WHAT YOUR PROJECT INVOLVED. I noticed in your presenations last week, many of you glossed over the details quickly and assumed I had a thorough sense of what went into your project. Remember, these judges are listening to dozens of presenations. BE VERY SPECIFIC ABOUT WHAT YOUR PROJECT INVOLVED.


NOW, HERE'S THE SCHEDULE.

IMC FICTION ROOM: MONDAY, MARCH 2

8-8:15 Coleigh and Alyssa
8:15-8:30 Sara F.
8:30-8:45 Shawn (and Sam)
8:45-9 Rachel and Sarah
9-9:15 Wes and Tyler T.
9:15-9;30 Ben
9:30-9:45 Tyler V.

11:15-11:30 Ashley (and Jenna)


IMC FICTION ROOM: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4

8:15-8:30 Kaity
8:30-8:45 Tamara (and partner.....is it Michelle? I'm drawing a blank on her name)
8:45-9 Lauren (and Korrinne (sp?))
9-9:15 Colten (and partner)

ROOM 200: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4

8:30-8:45 Max
8;45-9 Kirstie


Good luck everyone! I know you will do a great job. Let me know how it goes.

DON'T FORGET TO POST BELOW FOR DEATH OF A SALESMAN ACT I!!!!

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27

As many of you already know, Colten's dad passed away yesterday. Visitation is from 2 until 8 on Sunday at Alexander West and Monday from 9 a.m. until the 11 a.m. service at New Beginnings Christian Fellowship Church.

Many of you have already expressed your concern for Colten. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts.

DEATH OF A SALESMAN REQUIRED POST

Respond to one or more of the following questions over Act I of Death of a Salesman. Here are the requirements:

1. You must POST TWICE
2. Posts must be SUBSTANTIVE
3. At least one post must be IN RESPONSE TO THE POST OF A CLASSMATE.
4. The two posts are due by Monday, March 2 at 7:40 a.m.
5. At least ONE POST must be made BEFORE Sunday, March 1.
6. You must use specific examples from the play in each post.

Here are the possible questions:

**What do you think of the characters in the play? You may focus on one character or discuss more than one.

**Discuss/analyze Willy's relationships with his sons. What stands out to you the most about his interactions with them?

**Why do you think Miller includes all the flashbacks in the play? What is their significance on the reading/understanding of the play as a whole?

**What kind of person is Linda? Discuss her relationship with Willy. Would you consider her to be a "good wife?" Why or why not?

** What are some of the quotes in the play that stand out to you (These may or may not be quotes we've already discussed). Why do you find them significant?

**What other aspects of the play do you find discussion-worthy? Explain why.

SALESMAN QUIZ--ACT I

Tomorrow we will have a 25 point quiz over Death of a Salesman Act I. Don't forget to finish reading Act I!!!! It will be multiple choice and quote identification.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25--MY LAST CLASS

Tomorrow is my last day with you all and I want you to know how much I have enjoyed this class! You are all thoughtful, intelligent, and creative people. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of you.

While it is my last official day, I will still be involved in the planning (and unfortunately, some of you may say) in some of the grading for the class.

I will keep the blog up and running, and should you have any questions or concerns.....feel free to ask. I want to make sure your class is taken care of through the end of the year.

You should expect to read the Stranger and one other novel on the AP book list. You will also have a couple more writing assignments AND time to work on your scrapbook. We will also continue to have required discussions and postings on the blog.

I anticipate the last 9 weeks being an easier grading period; however, you will definitely still have work to do.

I just want you all to know what a special group of students I think you are and that I've really enjoyed teaching and learning from you.

See you tomorrow!