November 30, 2010: Tis' the Season for In Class (timed) essays

I will be out tomorrow (drat!). Your assignment will be to complete an in-class essay on The Life of Pi. Following this will be a discussion day about the novel. The possible topics for the essay will be posted here. The number of the essay your family is assigned will not be revealed until you get to class tomorrow. You may have the novel and any pertinent notes with you. The essay MUST be turned in at the end of class. This will be preparation for the SAT essay as well as assessment of your reading. Enjoy.

1. This story is basically a story of survival. How are Pi’s survival tactics emotional? How are they physical?


2. Assuming the “other” story Pi tells the Japanese reporters is true, explain the human equivalent of each animal Pi puts on the boat. Why is each animal suitable to its human counterpart. Focus most of the answer on Richard Parker.

3. In my humble opinion, this story is an allegory within an allegory. How is Pi’s belief in Richard Parker the same as his belief in God. How is it different?

While I'm Gone...

Rather than waste your time with a lot of busy work, I am going to allow you to bleed your homework for the weekend into Friday.

By Monday, you must have read The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin found in the text. If you have not read An Interesting Narrative on the Life of Olaudah Equiano, (don't forget Journal #16), then do that as well. You will need knowledge of Ben for Monday. Olaudah is more fodder for our next debates. Otherwise, you may want to make sure your journals are squared away before T-giving (hint, hint)

Class Notes: We will listen to this, discuss and write on W/R

Journal 15 for Period 1

Reaction to this video will provide period 1 with an opportunity to make up for the faulty Peanutes DVD.