What It All Means

Based on our reading of The Great Gatsby, I would like us to have a real world discussion based on the text's values and messages.  Start your own rant but I expect you to challenge each other's thinking and use a line of inquiry to keep the thread of discussion moving.

First, you must each individually write about what this text made you see, ponder, or reflect.  W hen you are done I want you to ask a strong critical level question and begin responding to others from there.  Challenge each other's line of thought and keep the discussion going.

Chapter 7 Socratic Discussion

Please read the following directions before you begin:
a. Answer the following questions regarding the subsequent prompts; I expect textual evidence as possible much as  and a reflective response from each of you.
b.When you are done you must write a question; start with interpretative level first (stay in the text) and then you need to start answering people's questions.  Keep refreshing your page to read new responses and questions that your classmates write.  Respond to at least 4 of your classmates questions/ideas/responses; keep the thread moving and continue to ask solid questions-I expect you to challenge each other as there is so much to discuss in this chapter.  I will let you know when we are transitioning.  If you are going to agree/disagree or ask a question towards someone, out their name at the beginning.

For each individual to answer:
1. What does Gatsby mean when he says that Daisy's voice is "full of money" (120)?
2.  What is the significance of the passage when Nick realizes he turned 30 (135-136)?
3.  What is the ultimate climax of this chapter and what do you feel about the tension?  Do you feel for the any of the characters?
4.  Why did Fitzgerald describe the way Myrtle died in the manner he chose (breast flopped open, mouth open.)? Analyze the physical description given.

Dreamer Mentality

Please respond to ALL of the following questions-make sure to give a thorough response, end with a question and respond to at least one other person's comment.

Idealism has always been a way for people to escape reality, or to pursue a reality that isn't quite tangible.  Having dreams for something more has many effects.
 If you are a dreamer, do you have to be more careful? Nick says to Gatsby, "You can't repeat the past." What do you think? Are there repercussions? Are people more apt to not get what they desire?
Characterize Gatsby's dreamer mentality and what you see in his idealism (try to use textual support to back up your opinion)

Money, Money, Money...

Please answer the following prompts in a detailed, fluent response. Make sure to comment on other people's views within your own response. Take your level of thinking higher. Make sure you are beingthorough and honest.

What are your perceptions of material wealth/money? What is "wealth"? Do we see too much excess today? If your financial status a reflection of how successful you are? What is success to you? Are we always wanting more? Do we "want" too much? Is being content or fulfilled enough? When is enough, enough?

Act 4 Discussion Thread

PLEASE READ THESE DIRECTIONS:
Today we are going to have a  Socratic discussion thread based on Act 4 of The Crucible. Answer my questions first and I want you to respond to at least 2 others, make comments, using textual support, and I always want you to end with a question-interpretative for right now.  I will move us to critical questions later.
I do not want one word responses; I expect formal writing and intelligent thought showing your discerning observations and analysis. Please keep in mind the ideological statements and central questions as a means of helping you to analyze further.  Depth is a must!

To start, please answer the following 2 of the 4 questions; you must answer number 4:

1.  Who is to blame for what happened?  Can the people of Salem's actions be excused by the cultural hysteria, or is it the individual's fault?  Find evidence to support both sides.

2.  As you read this act, what spoke to you the most or evoked the most emotion?  What quote was the most powerful and why?  Make sure you really reflect on what Miller shows through the quote and why.

3.  How does individual judgment play a role in this Act? Find one example and relay its significance.

4.  Think about the definition of an allegory; we know this text is an allegory for the time period during which Miller lived.-list 2-3 characters, events, or facets of setting that you think are allegorical from the play and what do they correspond to specifically?

When you finish, make sure you ask questions and begin responding to others. Textual support is mandatory! F5 refreshes the page; make sure to respond to different people; challenge one another, question each other; help each other to see the significance of the text.

Inspiration

Please answer the following prompts:  Be honest and specific:

1.  What inspires YOU?

2.  How are you staking your identity?

3.  What keeps you from finding that identity or being who you are (or do you even know who that is yet?)