Periods 1 & 2, Post 14: The Effect of Previous Experience on Current Behavior

This week in The Bluest Eye, we've read how Pauline's and Cholly's respective experiences, as children and adolescents, have helped to shape their adult personalities; the hardships they've endured have disillusioned and disheartened them, so that Pecola and Sammy bear the brunt of their bitterness and resentment.

This week, I'd like you to consider how, and why, past experiences have such a profound influence on your current beliefs and behavior. Describe one childhood experience that has shaped how you feel, what you think, or how you act. Explain why the event has had such a significant impact on you. How has this experience changed you?

Your response will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period.

Period 8, Post 13: The Right to Your Body

This week, we've started reading Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper, in which the main character, Anna, files a lawsuit against her parents over her right to her own body.

Is Anna a sympathetic character (i.e., do you feel sorry for her, about what she's going through)? Do you think that she should donate her kidney to her sister? How does your opinion change, knowing the other treatments to which her parents have subjected her? What would you do if you were in her situation? Why?

Your comments will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 13: Gender Inequality Regarding Civil Rights

Over the past couple of weeks, we've discussed how the molestation of Claudia's sister, Frieda, at the hands of Mr. Henry foreshadows Pecola's rape by her father in
The Bluest Eye.

For this post, I want to focus on Ms. Dunion's concern that Frieda might be "ruined," as a result of being molested. What does "being ruined" mean? What does this reaction foreshadow for Pecola in the future of the story? And lastly, should this be the primary concern after a young girl is molested? How is there a double standard today, when it comes to sex and people's power over their own bodies?

Your comments will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period.

Periods 1 & 2, Post 13: Gender Inequality Regarding Civil Rights

Over the past couple of weeks, we've discussed how the molestation of Claudia's sister, Frieda, at the hands of Mr. Henry foreshadows Pecola's rape by her father in
The Bluest Eye.

For this post, I want to focus on Ms. Dunion's concern that Frieda might be "ruined," as a result of being molested. What does "being ruined" mean? What does this reaction foreshadow for Pecola in the future of the story? And lastly, should this be the primary concern after a young girl is molested? How is there a double standard today, when it comes to sex and people's power over their own bodies?

Your comments will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period.

Period 8, Post 12: Second Marking Period Reflections

Hello, all. The second marking period is over; we're now starting the third marking period of the semester--the one that will be reflected on your transcripts.

For this week's blog post, please reflect on your academic performance in this class over the past six weeks. What were your your strengths? In what areas do you need to improve? Taking all of this into account, what grade do you think you deserve for the first marking period? Why?

Your comment will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period.

Periods 6 & 7, Post 12: Second Marking Period Reflections

Hi, guys. The second marking period is over; it's now the third marking period of the semester--the one that will be reflected on your transcripts.

For this week's blog post, please reflect on your academic performance in this class over the past six weeks. What were your your strengths? In what areas do you need to improve? Taking all of this into account, what grade do you think you deserve for the first marking period? Why?

Your comment will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period.

Periods 1 & 2, Post 12: Second Marking Period Reflections

Hello, everyone. The second marking period is over; we're now entering the third marking period of the semester--the one that will be reflected on your transcripts.

For this week's blog post, please reflect on your academic performance in this class over the past six weeks. What were your your strengths? In what areas do you need to improve? Taking all of this into account, what grade do you think you deserve for the first marking period? Why?

Your comment will count as a homework assignment for the third marking period.