Wednesday, Sept 16th

Watch the documentary and consider what it reveals about war.  Be aware that the imagery is archival footage of actual soldiers and actual wars.  Some of it is difficult and tragic and heartbreaking.  I think we learn from our painful reactions to the visuals, but if you prefer not to see it, just LISTEN to the audio, or avert your eyes periodically.  You can usually tell from the narration when tough image is coming.

Classwork:  Make a list of significant phrases from the letters in the documentary.  They can be particularly descriptive of the war experience, emotionally moving, reflective of something from The Things They Carried, etc.  You should have a minimum of TEN entries.

Homework:  Revisit the novel.  Make a list of at least 5 significant quotes; you can purposely match them to your documentary list if you like.  These should be quotes that 'carry' some of the 'weight' of the novel, answer an essential question, reveal an important theme, develop a character, symbolize some larger idea, etc.  Be prepared to contribute to our whole class discussion on Friday.

Classwork: Read the poem attached here.  What does Hardy seem to be saying about the effect of war on individuals?  Complete the documentary clip assignment (at left).  Make notes in your journal for BOTH the poem and the video.

Re-read the chapter along with the introduction attached here.  Annotate/make notes on the chapter for IMAGERY, SYMBOLISM, and CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT.  Why might Tim O'Brien have alluded to Hardy's poem with his title?  How do the two texts "talk" to each other?

Now, write a comparison statement of theme about the two texts.  You may use the following stem:

In both Hardy's poem and O'Brien's short story, the narrators (analytical verb) that (central idea/literary argument/theme). 

Weekend Homework:  

Traditional Only- Death Scenes writing due on Monday.