Things to read & Think about

http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-unlikely-story-of-a-change-is-gonna-come
http://www.npr.org/2014/02/01/268995033/sam-cooke-and-the-song-that-almost-scared-him
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEBlaMOmKV4
http://newsreel.org/video/THE-LANGUAGE-YOU-CRY-IN

Here are the questions for chapter 19.  Please answer all in your reading journal.  Be prepared to discuss the contents of 17, 18, 19 on Tuesday. As you finish reading 17 & 18, continue to take notes on Hester's actions and descriptive language for Dimmesdale.  This type of close reading/note-taking is an essential academic skill to have.

1. Beyond Hester’s explanation, why won’t Pearl come to Hester without the scarlet letter?
2. What is significant about the fact that Pearl will not bring her the scarlet letter, but makes her pick it up for herself?
3. Why won’t Pearl show any affection to Dimmsdale? Why does she want him to walk with them hand-in-hand in the marketplace?
4. This chapter begins on the same optimistic note that ends the previous chapter. On what kind of note does the chapter end? Why?

Extra credit:
Here is a quote for you to think about:

“Man has been called a rational being, but rationality is a matter of choice—and the alternative his nature offers him is: rational being or suicidal animal. Man has to be man—by choice; he has to hold his life as a value—by choice; he has to learn to sustain it—by choice; he has to discover the values it requires and practice his virtues—by choice. A code of values accepted by choice is a code of morality.”

How does this relate to our characters (Hester, Chillingworth, Dimmesdale)? How does this relate to your life in the next year? Do you agree with it? Disagree? Why? Thoughts, feelings, comments, arguments, rants are welcome.  

Think about the legacy of Dr. King and his message.  Spend a meaningful and reflective Monday.  

Homework for 01.09-10 weekend

›

Read Chapters 13 & 14. Choose ONE questions to answer in your reading logs. 

What social and philosophical changes is Hawthorne describing in this chapter?

›What social and philosophical changes is Hawthorne describing in this chapter?

›Compare the initial intent behind the scarlet letter to the actual effect on Hester.

›What image is Hawthorne evoking with Chillingworth, old, one shoulder higher than the other, digging up roots and collecting leaves, etc. in the forest?

›What is Hester’s response to the announcement that the Council had debated allowing her to remove her scarlet letter?

›How is the doctrine of predestination reflected in this conversation between Hester and Chillingworth?

›What pleas of Hester’s arouse sympathy and admiration in Chillingworth?

Saturday Regents prep - 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. We will concentrate on multiple-choice questions: types, tricks, format, etc.  Come!

January 26th is the ELA Regents day. I am celebrating at the Met. Join me! Turandot is playing at 8 p.m.

For more information, Metropolitan Opera

Holiday Break Assignments

In the spirit of giving and our well-established minimalist approach to school work, here is the tiny bit of miniscule speck of work I expect you to do over the break.
1. Periodical Report - Read an article of your choice from the Atlantic Monthly (theatlantic.com) and write a three paragraph report (summary, reflection, language analysis)
2. The Scarlet Letter - read Chapter 7 (lightly) and Chapter 8 (in depth) and write a two paragraph response that answers the following question:

How does Hawthorne develop the central idea of Puritan hypocrisy?

Be sure to: 

• Use characterization, conflict, setting, or structure.
• Use quotes and indicate the page numbers.
• Introduce the central idea and establish parameters for analysis.

There will be a vocabulary quiz on Monday, January 4th, 2016 from Chapter 8.

Helpful link to study the words.  You need to cut and paste Chapter 8 text into the textbox and practice and review.

 

The Scarlet Letter - Chapter 8

There may be a possibility of extra credit work, pending your parents' contacting me through Jupitergrades.

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate and Happy New Year to all!

Bonus Points - Republican Debate OR Veterans' Day Parade

For extra credit, you have an opportunity to practice analyzing argumentation.  As much as you may not care about politics, the outcomes of the democratic practice of self-determination directly affect you.  Political debates are a time-tested opportunity for the participants to showcase their rhetorical, linguistic, and dramatic skills.  And we get to decide whom to trust with our representative governance. As such, you can watch the debates and write about one candidate's position and his/her ability to effectively deliver and defend the argument.  Be sure to watch till the end to monitor consistency and "acting" style. - 1 paragraph.

How to watch:

The Old-Fashioned Way: Fox Business will carry the debates live. Several cable providers are making the network available during the debates to subscribers who do not normally get it.

On the Desktop: The network will be streaming the debate live on its website, and cable logins will not be required to watch.

On Mobile: The debate will also be streaming on the Fox News app, available on mobile phones and tablets.

 

OR You can pay respects to our veterans and go to the Veterans' Day Parade (11.11.15) that will take place on 5th ave between 26th and 52 streets.  It starts around 11:25 am.  This year commemorates the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.  This will be one of the last times you will be able to cheer on and thank the greatest generation.  They are old now and getting older.

 

Write a personal reflection on your experience (1-2 paragraphs) and send me a selfie from the parade osakhno@schools.nyc.gov

 

I'll be around 42 street - Bryant Park vicinity.