The Collector Post

The Collector

Select a topic to reflect upon -- you might which to prepare some minimal research before you respond.

1. Now that we know that the dominant literary allusion employed throughout the text is of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, with your group, conduct minimal research and answer the following:

• Make connections/parallels between the 2 texts
• How does this impact your study of The Collector?

2. The Collector is thought to involve a study of the class system.   Discuss what points Fowles is making about the class system through the characters of Miranda and Frederick and their relationship.
   
3. Explore the concept of Art and Beauty:

• Provide what you believe to be Frederick’s definition and Miranda’s definition
• How is Art and Beauty expressed in the text? (process and product?)

4. Fowles is developing a complex, problematic scenario about the human condition regarding freedom.  Both Frederick and Miranda seek freedom, not just literal.  

• What other types of freedoms are there?

Antigone Post

Respond to each of the following topics:

A.  Explain how a theme of the play is summarized by the final words of the chorus. How is what they are saying relevant to events in the play?  How can their words be applied to humans universally?

B.  What does the chorus contribute to a viewing/ reading of the play?  What does their presence allow the playwright to do that he might not otherwise be able to do?

Cuckoo's Nest Posts

Part 1

  Kesey offers a strong critique of society, government, and societal institutions-- that they would rather keep man "docile, unnoticed, and even "insane" rather than risk non-conformity, thinking for himself, and challenging authority.  This is represented through the them of man vs. machine.

Questions:  What are your thoughts on how Kesey presents this notion through Chief, McMurphy, and the other patients?  Which specific moment in the text most aptly express the extended metaphor of man vs. machine?




Part 2- End

1.  What are your thoughts on the portrayal of women in this text?  Can we say that Kesey is perpetuating the stereotypes of women present in both society and in literature?  Many critics deem this text as being "anti-female" do you agree, disagree, or "sit on the fence" regarding this idea?


2.  The author Flanner O'Connor has written, " I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that  is the only way to make people see."  Connect this concept to the text. How do the distortions contribute to the text as a whole?


3.  Consider the character of McMurphy.  Is he the ultimate hero?  Why?  Why not?

Answer 2 of the following open-ended questions:

 

1. In his afterword in the Signet Classics edition of Frankenstein, Harold Bloom asserts that “all Romantic horrors are diseases of excessive consciousness, of the self unable to bear the self.” Does this Romantic characteristic apply to Victor and his treatment of the creature? Explain. Consider the fact that Victor never gives the creature a name.

2.  Explore the concept of Nature vs. Nurture in this novel.  What do you think Shelley asserts regarding the concept of evilness being innate or the role of parents/society in the molding of a human being?
3.  Explore the parallels between Victor and the Monster (creator and creation)


4. Discuss the role of Nature in this text. What does it provide for the plot, characterization, extended metaphor, etc. (not just setting!).

Wide Sargasso Sea Discussion Questions

Wide Sargasso Sea

1.  Setting and characterization are inextricably linked throughout the text of this novel.  Discuss and analyze how setting is a dominant factor in this text.  Additionally, discuss the paradoxical perception that is Rochester(white, British lens) has of the West Indies and the concept of the "exotic" or "the Other."

2.  Madness is a powerful motif throughout this text.  Dissect the madness of Annette(Antoinette's mother) and of Antoinette(Bertha).  Is madness inherent, or is it acquired through events and circumstances?

2016 AP Lit Mods 7-8

Tale of Two Cities Prompt 2

2. Choose 1 of the following fascinating characters to dissect and analyze: Madame DeFarge, Stryver, Charles Darnay, Doctor Manette, Miss Pross