3/13: Work beginning now is posted on the page linked to below that says "1950s poetry and short stories."
3/12: Work on the paired assessment (see requirements below). Due at the beginning of class tomorrow.
3/6: HOMEWORK: Now that we have finished All My Sons, let’s wrap up our discussion about the play by thinking about where we started – ideas about the family in 1950s America, the role of women, the explosion of consumerism and the aftermath of war. This weekend, choose two of these ideas to explore in the play. For each idea, find two sections of the play (a page or so for each – it could be a speech, it could be a conversation, it could be the action taking place, it could be what’s left unsaid. The must be from different sections of the play) that you think are essential to understand how the play is grappling with the thematic idea you’ve chosen. On a separate piece of paper: Write down the page numbers of the section, briefly describe the scene, then write about WHY it matters (what does it tell you about how the theme idea is working in the play). Make sure you back it up with specifics from the text. Repeat the process, then move on to your 2nd thematic idea. Bring these to class on Monday – they will count as an up or down participation grade (completed = A, less than complete = 50, no real attempt = 0). We’ll use them to pull together ideas that you can use on an assessment of the play next week. No coupons
3/5: All My Sons: The notecards you wrote about Chris and Joe and the tensions in the family revealed a stark difference of opinions about Joe and Chris and their relationship that I want to explore. Some people also continued to express doubt/disgust about Chris’ relationship with Annie and about his feelings about his brother. All of these ideas were interesting, and I thought the best way to explore them is to watch one of the early scenes from the play. I love this version because it is a filmed play version, so you are seeing the set as Miller envisioned it, and it’s a close as we can come right now to seeing the play staged.
As we watch, please pay particular attention to the aspect of the play indicated for your color card (below). On the front of the notecard, make a list of what you notice (fill the front with lists). After we are done, I am doing to ask you to react to what you saw. tell me what new insights you have about character, about relationship, about particular tensions in the play, what ideas that had before have been reinforced for you and why, how does this help shape your view of the play at this point? Yellow = Joe, Purple = Chris, Green = relationship.
3/2: Tonight, read this article about the Monuments Men. I am asking you to read this for two reasons – 1) because it is interesting and timely, and 2) because their work took place at about the same time that Miller wrote his play, and both, I think, show views of women and their abilities and strengths in ways that reinforce but also break the stereotype we have of 1950s women. In your blue books: list your 4 most interesting ideas about the monuments men piece (particularly about the role of women). Then, reflect more about the women in the play (particularly Annie and Mother). Tell me where you see the stereotype in their characterizations and where you see strength or qualities of independence The reflection should fill at least a page.
2/26: We started All My Sons today. Homework is to finish reading Act 1 (see attachment below - look on the 2nd page of the attachment).
2/25: On the front of the notecard, describe what you see in the war painting by Norman Rockwell. Describe "plot," characterization, relationships. themes, setting, etc. Look at the title and see how that informs your thinking. Make sure to look closely and carefully at detail to understand the picture as a whole. When you are done - analyze what you see in an effort to understand what view of war and its effects on Americans Rockwell is exploring.
2/23: blue book work today: First, brainstorm what you know about the 1950s. List everything - important people, ideas, cultural landmarks, etc. Then, situating ourselves in the 1950s: first order of business – describe the photographs you have in front of you (attached below "1950s photo + Bryson"). Describe what you see, the “plot,” the tone, etc (for the two photos together, this should take between 2/3 to one full page). Then, read Bill Bryson’s introduction to his book. Pay careful attention to his very first sentence. As you read, look for places where Bryson supports that sentence but also where he contradicts it in an effort to see whether his opening is straightforward or ironic. When you finish, return to the blue book and reflect on what you’ve read and Bryson’s view of the 1950s. After you’ve done this, revisit your photographs and examine what new insights Bryson’s opening might have given you. Jot these down (bulleted if you want).