A Farewell to Arms - Books Four and Five - POST BY FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 28th

Comment on the end of the novel.  Did the ending surprise you?  Anger you?  Disappoint you?  Satisfy you?  Comment also on the theme of weather.  What did rain symbolize in the novel?  Use quotes and page numbers from Books Four and Five to support your comments!  Make sure to comment on other posts as well!

A Farewell to Arms - Book Three - DUE MONDAY SEPTEMBER 24th

Comment on the transition in Book Three from Love to War.  What impression of war are you given?  What are Henry's beliefs on the war?  What does Henry's abandonment at the end of Book Three suggest?  Were you surprised?  Use quotes and page numbers to support your comments.

The Awakening - Week of September 17, 2012

Please post by Monday, September 24, 2012

“’In some way you seem to me like a child, Edna.  You seem to act without a certain amount of reflection which is necessary in this life.  That is the reason I want to say that you mustn’t mind if I advise you to be a little careful while you are living here alone.  Why don’t you have some one come and stay with you?  Wouldn’t Mademoiselle Reisz come?’” Stated by Madame Ratignolle.  Page 153. 

Evaluate Madame Ratignolle's assessment of Edna.  Give evidence (quotes and page numbers) to support your evaluation.

In addition, were you surprised by the ending of this book?  Explain.  

A Farewell to Arms - Week of September 10th

Comment on the development of Henry and Catherine's relationship.  How do their surroundings (hospital specifically, Milan more generally) contribute to their growing relationship?  One theme that is developed in A Farewell to Arms is the relationship between LOVE and PAIN.  What are some examples for each character of LOVE and PAIN that each experienced?  Use quotes and page numbers to support your responses!

Please respond to the postings of other students by Monday September 17th.

The Awakening - Week of September 10, 2012

Read pages 94 – 139 (Chapters 16 – 27) and post by Friday, September 14.

By the end of chapter 17, as Edna prepares to return home to New Orleans, it is obvious that she feels unsatisfied with her life even though she has a kind husband, nice friends, healthy children and financial stability (things that “should” have fulfilled a woman in Edna’s position).  She begins to pull away from the life she is expected to lead and moves into the life she wants to lead.  What evidence do you see of this transition?  Analyze whether or not you believe Edna should be satisfied.  Please use quotes and page numbers to support your ideas.  

Please respond to the postings of other students by Monday, September 17.  

A Farewell to Arms - Read this please!!

There are two discussion topics for Book I.  Please make comments on both topics and check back in so you can respond to the ideas of others as well!

A Farewell To Arms - Book I - Due Friday September 7th

Comment on how at least ONE character from Book I  influenced Henry – or how he influenced  them.   (The Priest, Rinaldi and Catherine Barkley) Include quotes and page numbers to support your ideas. Once you have posted your ideas, please check back periodically to comment on at least two other posts.  

A Farewell to Arms - Book I - Due Friday September 7th

We learn a lot about the conditions for soldiers in World War I in Book I of A Farewell to Arms.  Comment on some of those conditions including how the conditions affect the actions of the soldiers.  Include quotes and page numbers for your examples.  Once you have posted your ideas, please check back periodically to comment on at least two other posts.  

Awakening - Chapters I-XV, Pages 44-94 - Due Friday September 7th

We are influenced by all sorts of people in all sorts of situations.  Edna Pontellier has many people who influence her life.  Some are family members, others are people she meets while staying in Grand Isle.  Mademoiselle Reisz, Adele Ratignolle, Robert Lebrun, Alcee Arobin, Leonce Pontellier, Doctor Mandelet, The Colonel, Madame Antoine, are not all, but certainly some of those people.  Comment on how characters from Chapters I-XV  influenced Edna – or how she influenced  them.   Include quotes and page numbers to support your ideas. Once you have posted your ideas, please check back periodically to comment on at least two other posts.

Welcome to Honors Option!

This blog will give you the opportunity to voice your ideas, analyze the subject matter, and answer questions we may throw your way.  Every student taking on the Honors Option in American Studies will be expected to use this site consistently throughout the school year.  Good luck and be sure to come and see us (any of the four teachers - Barnea, Barth, Cadorette, Knowles) if you have questions or concerns along the way.