It wouldn't let me post a comment so...

In answer to the Best American Short Stories Opinion Question:

My favorite short story was "Into Silence". There is a lot about this story that is left unclear: Janey's relationship with the man, why he came to their family, how Janey's mother died. I liked it though because of the historical-ness of it. There's a lot to do with society and how it looks down on people who are different. There was a lot of racism, and Janey's mother gets upset with her for visiting the black woman's home, saying that it "just doesn't look good". It also illuminates how set apart Janey is because of her deafness. There were very few people that she could actually hold a conversation with. Everyone looked at her like she was different. This story really made me want to go learn sign language. It was definitely my favorite. I didn't like many of the other stories. I don't feel like any of these sex and drug stories is really the "best" of american short stories. if they are, that's kind of sad.

Independent Shakespeare Play---Opinion Question

Since all of you read a different Shakespeare play over the summer, we will be writing a paper during the first few weeks of school about a particular literary aspect or purpose from your Independent Shakespeare play.  For our discussion about your independent play, I would like for you to choose either a favorite character, quote/dialogue, plot element, literary technique (etc.), and explain why it was your favorite.  Would you recommend your play to the rest of the class?  Why or why not? 

The Best American Short Stories 2010---Opinion Question

After reading The Best American Short Stories 2010, what in your opinion is the best of the "best" stories?  Why?  Were you able to find any deeper meaning or patterns in your favorite story or did you enjoy for another reason? 

Jane Eyre and How to Read Literature Like a Professor---Question #1

Did you notice any of the patterns Foster analyzed and discussed in How to Read Literature Like a Professor while reading Jane Eyre?  Which specific patterns, elements, characterizations from Foster's book can you connect to Jane Eyre?

Jane Eyre---Discussion Question #5

At a critical moment in the novel, Jane proclaims herself Rochester's equal:  "It is my spirit that addresses your spirit; just as if both of us had passed through the grave, and we stood at God's feet, equal---as we are!"  Rochester responds, "As we are!"  Why is Jane so passionately outspoken?  Is her self-valuation exceptional and true?  Is she more noble and impressive here than Rochester is?  Why is this long scene so important for the novel as a whole?

Jane Eyre---Discussion Question #3

How does the stormy weather in the opening scene reflect Jane's state of mind?  What do we learn about Jane's position in the household?  Why is the scene of her punishment in the red room so emotional?  How does the narration secure the reader's sympathy for Jane? 

Jane Eyre---Discussion Question #4

Jane is taking a walk when she first meets Mr. Rochester.  What is noteworthy about this first meeting?  What is the atmosphere?  What is the power dynamic?  How does he treat her when they meet back at the house?  What is Rochester attracted to in Jane?  What is she attracted to in him?

Jane Eyre---Discussion Question #2

Although Jane Eyre is a bildungsroman (a coming of age story), it is also a Gothic Novel.  What are some of the specific Gothic Literature elements that Charlotte Bronte utilizes throughout Jane Eyre? 

Jane Eyre---Discussion Question #1

How is Jane Eyre a bildungsroman (which is a novel that tells the story of a child’s maturation and focuses on the emotions and experiences that accompany and incite his or her growth to adulthood)?  What are some of the specific elements from the novel that show Jane Eyre's character coming of age? 

How to Read Literature Like a Professor---Question #1

As you read Foster's collection of essays, his main thesis is that EVERYONE has the ability to read and analyze literature like a professor if they know the patterns that all writers use throughout works of literature.  What are some of these patterns that Foster points out?  Also, are there any works of literature that you have read that fit into those patterns?

Example:  Mr. Linder (A Raisin in the Sun) is symbolically a devil figure trying to make a deal for Walter Lee's soul.

Literature is Everywhere

Good afternoon everyone!  I just finished listening to the new Mumford and Sons album, and the first song includes lines from Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing.  Just proves that literature is everywhere.

Feel free to post your own examples as you find them this summer!

Ms. Stokes

Welcome to the BISFA AP Literature Discussion Board

Welcome to our BLOG!  I'm very excited about discussing the literature we are all reading this summer.  This post is mainly a test and discussion questions for our first few blogs will be posted by Monday.

Have a great weekend.

Ms. Stokes