Wow, Summer's Finished.

First, allow me to address the comments regarding the less than weekly updates.  The Scottish poet Robert Burns famously pointed out that "the best-laid schemes of o' mice an' men gang aft agley".  That means that the updates were thwarted by a mistake I made with the automatic update setting and ,more happily, my wedding.  That means you benefit by receiving points for less work. 

I want to  take this time to encourage some of you to revisit your comments and see if they truly answer the questions posed.  See if they are actual discussions with weight or if the are merely filler that you posted just to have it done.  I  read with a critical eye and I want substance from you.

Make certain you have read the stories and that you have your papers ready for me.  Some of you have already shared them with me, and I'm appreciative of the effort.

Here's the question of the week.


Choose one of the stories you read and write a personal reaction of no less than 300 words in the comments section. Address the characters, the writing style, the plot and the emotional reaction you had to the piece.  Be very specific in the details you use and EXPLAIN your thoughts. 

For example, don't merely state something is ironic.  Explain the irony and the effect on the character and the story. 

Almost There

I haven't forgotten.  I've been away for a bit, and I decided to wait until I returned to post a new question or two.  I've received a paper over a film from one of your number.  Good job.  Early papers are always welcome.  I hope everyone has enjoyed the summer thus far.  I'll see many of you on August 14th for "Meet the Teacher".


You have a copy of the short stories "A&P" and "A Worn Path".  I would like for you to either defend or refute the following assertion.  Both of these stories are examples of the heroic journey.  Please, no one sentence answers.  Also give five examples from the text to support your answer. 

A hero's journey usually involves overcoming obstacles to reach a goal or even to achieve self-actualization.  Think Frodo Baggins, Luke Skywalker, Katniss Everdeen, or even, Harold and Kumar.