To those that took the AP Exam: You (*%&*$^$ killed it! Congratulations - you worked your asses off and it paid and paid big! I'm so proud of you!

Relative to the time of the year, I'm really happy with how discussions of the book went over the last two class periods.

To wrap up, review Part VI and consider this actual AP free response question and how C & P, Part VI helps to explain it (responses do not have to be posted, but the review will be good prep for the test):

Authors often use subplots and minor characters to express criticism of existing conditions in their societies. Choose a work that exemplifies this use of subplots and minor characters, and explain what conditions the author is criticizing and how he or she expresses this criticism.

Go to Part IV, chapter 4 and read through the interaction between Sonia and Raskolnikov. Is Sonya entirely selfless? Is she in danger of depravity, as Rodya says? Is she partly mad? How vital is God/religion to how she perceives Rodya and the world?

Review the pages in part II where Luzhin and Raskolnikov meet for the first time. How does the section comment on class and what is Dostoevsky looking to accomplish thematically with the scene?

Oh, and I subconsciously planted a seed about that damn couch. I had a dream (nightmare?) that I was laying on that couch (ew.), my buddy Mario had a Stalin mustache and was telling me not to overexert myself, axe in the corner, my fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Levine, was yelling at me to pay the rent, the whole bit! Very uncomfortable. Thanks, Fyodor.

http://www.movieline.com/2010/05/while-hes-at-it-shia-labeouf-admits-that-indiana-jones-4-sucked-too.php

Yeah. Duh. It's not a coincidence that you starred in both of them.

Okay, now that I've got that off of my chest:

Through our study of the areas in Part I where he feels fate is guiding his actions, what do we learn about Raskolnikov and his developing psychosis? And considering we're all done reading the book, what is Dostoevsky developing as a theme, in connection with these areas of the book.

Re-read the letter Raskolnikov receives from his mother. Why do you think he is so angry at the news that his sister is going to marry Luzhin. Consider following the lead of the students that were in class today. Our discussion should weigh upon your answers and add some guidance for those that were mired in AP testing.

So, I just can't seem to get the hang of the new default "allow posts" option. The blog prompt is now up and running. Most of you remained silent, of course, to allow for an extension on the prompt, which was effective.

You will have until 10:00 pm TOMORROW (5/3) to post.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

-RMH

Yep, we have a blog post.

Firstly, we will be retaking the Poetry Test on Monday morning and then grading our timed writes. That's why we're having the blog post - we need to get started thinking about C & P and what better way than......

Read the brief biographical note about Fyodor Dostoevsky http://www.bartleby.com/318/1000.html.
After reading, do a little bit of further research on an aspect of the bio that you find interesting. Post the link and make a connection to what you've read so far. What parallels do you find between his life and the goings on in the book (not just character motivations)?

Have a great weekend!

Read and take notes on Chapter 14 - fixed patterns. Know the definition of and take notes on the following: Villanelle, Sestina, Terza Rima, and Sonnet.

Read the famous villanelle by Dylan Thomas, "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" and answer question #3 that follows the poem.

A haunting reading of said poem:

Continue reading and taking notes on Rhythm and Meter, Chapter 12. Also, following is the alternate poem option for the essay due Wednesday - yes, I've extended it.

William Blake. 1757–1827

The Tyger

TyGER, tyger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies 5
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand dare seize the fire?

And what shoulder and what art
Could twist the sinews of thy heart? 10
And when thy heart began to beat,
What dread hand and what dread feet?

What the hammer? what the chain?
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? What dread grasp 15
Dare its deadly terrors clasp?

When the stars threw down their spears,
And water'd heaven with their tears,
Did He smile His work to see?
Did He who made the lamb make thee? 20

Tiger, tiger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

(Songs of Experience) 1794