Song of Solomon Debate (Notes Due Thu. 5/31)

Homework due on Thursday 5/31:
Based on the position you are assigned (YES side or NO side), tonight you need to collect evidence AND start to interpret that evidence in a way that best supports your position.

You should take detailed notes on each of the 4 questions, including at least 2 Quotations (pg #, context, 3-4 bullet points of analysis) for EACH question.  This information will help you when you meet with your group on Thursday to plan your arguements and rebuttals.

These notes will be grades for thoroughness and completion as part of your debate grade.

Homework due on Friday 6/1:
The debate will be held in class Friday.  There will be snacks.  Get excited--arguing will be more fun than completing the paper I had originally scheduled for this weekend.

 Type one page of notes specifically for your assigned role in the debate.  You may leave some room, but no more than a half page, to add notes during the debate.  For example, you may type up your part of the conclusion and find that you are short of a page--no problem, just take notes on possible rebuttals you can make during the debate on Friday to fill up the space.

You will hand this in with your preliminary notes (Tuesday night HW) after the debate for a 10 pt grade.

Debate Assignment sheet that was handed out in class on Thursday:

Song of Solomon Debate (40 pts.)

The Question:

Is the end of Song of Solomon the most appropriate and satisfying way to bring the novel to a close?

The method

Tonight, each of you will be assigned to either the “yes” or the “no” side. You will take notes on the following questions:

a)     What is the significance of Hagar’s story in chapter 13? Ramifications for MM’s character development?

b)    How are Solomon’s story and his song significant in and of themselves and to Milkman?

c)     Explain as fully as you can the novel’s final scene.

d)    Is this final scene the most appropriate way to bring the novel to a close? Why/ why not?

You should respond to these questions in note form as you read chs. 13-15. You should also think about what role you would like to play in the debate.

For the “YES” Side (You are arguing that this IS the most satisfying end)

Mike

Lisa

Laura

Chaewon

Emma

Ian Chin

Phoebe

Jessica

Ian Crowley

Kaitlyn

Audrey

Jhoan

For the “NO” Side (you are arguing that this IS NOT the most satisfying end)

Theo

Meredith

Neethi

Amalia

Daniella

Meredith

Anne

Dan

Adam

Matt

Gabrielle

Amanda

Please let me know ASAP if you know you are not going to be here on Friday!!  You will have to complete an alternate assignment!

Ch. 14&15 HW (Due Tue 5/29)

Simple task: pick anything you want to talk about concerning the end of this book.  Write a paragraph.

For example:

-surprised or confused by the ending?  How so?  Was it an appropriate ending?  Why/why not?
-did you enjoy the book overall?  Why/why not?
-what do you still want to talk about in class (about the book)?
-a particular moment in the last couple chapters that you particularly enjoyed or found interesting?
-connections you see between this text and others we've read?  connections to other myths, biblical stories, African American or Native American histories?
-favorite/least favorite character?  Why?
-Morrison's final messages?

(Almost) Last chance to let us know what you think!

CH 13 HW (Due Tue 5/29)

For chapters 11-13, you’ll be following many of the same themes.  For each of these 3 chapters, please choose 2 of the following to answer in a post AND use at least 2 quotations PER question in your response.  Some of these questions are more appropriate for some chapters above others, so read and choose carefully.

Try to comment under what someone else has posted whenever possible!

1)    To what extent do you see Milkman developing as an individual, finding himself, discovering his moral center?  (Are there places where he still doesn’t “get it”?) Where and why?  Do you sympathize more with him as a character now?  Why or why not?  How does Morrison suggest that one finds oneself?  What are the critical components of this journey?

2)    Keep track of Milkman’s discoveries and realizations about his family’s past.  What are the significant people, moments, myths, stories, songs, that are associated with his family?  Why, according to Morrison, is it important to recover one’s family roots?  How can your past teach you about who you are?  What do you think is Morrison’s point or points by including all this stuff about family history/mythology?  Why is a critical part of this history told through a children’s song?

3)    Milkman’s relationships with others—Continue to track his developing relationship with Guitar, Hagar, and Pilate.  Mark any significant moments in the story lines of Guitar, Hagar, and Pilate and explain why they are important, strange, or confusing.

4)    Continue to take note of developments of the major themes, including Naming—especially the new names we meet, Byrd, Solomon, Ryna, and Sing—and Flying.

5)    Why did Morrison title the book Song of Solomon?  Try to think of this literally and metaphorically.

6)    How can we read ideas like “hunger” and the quest for “gold” metaphorically?  Think back to the Hansel and Gretel story—how is Milkman’s journey (what he wants, what he finds, what he comes to value) different than the fairytale.

7)    There are some really “weird” events and ideas in these chapters.  Pay attention to them!  The most interesting and important thing you can do with this book is to write about what you think seems odd or confusing or intriguing.  Write this down and explain why.  If possible, ask questions of your classmates!

CH 12 HW (Due Fri. 5/25)

For chapters 11-13, you’ll be following many of the same themes.  For each of these 3 chapters, please choose 2 of the following to answer in a post AND use at least 2 quotations PER question in your response.  Some of these questions are more appropriate for some chapters above others, so read and choose carefully.

*Try to comment under what someone else has posted whenever possible!

1)    To what extent do you see Milkman developing as an individual, finding himself, discovering his moral center?  (Are there places where he still doesn’t “get it”?) Where and why?  Do you sympathize more with him as a character now?  Why or why not?  How does Morrison suggest that one finds oneself?  What are the critical components of this journey?

2)    Keep track of Milkman’s discoveries and realizations about his family’s past.  What are the significant people, moments, myths, stories, songs, that are associated with his family?  Why, according to Morrison, is it important to recover one’s family roots?  How can your past teach you about who you are?  What do you think is Morrison’s point or points by including all this stuff about family history/mythology?  Why is a critical part of this history told through a children’s song?

3)    Milkman’s relationships with others—Continue to track his developing relationship with Guitar, Hagar, and Pilate.  Mark any significant moments in the story lines of Guitar, Hagar, and Pilate and explain why they are important, strange, or confusing.

4)    Continue to take note of developments of the major themes, including Naming—especially the new names we meet, Byrd, Solomon, Ryna, and Sing—and Flying.

5)    Why did Morrison title the book Song of Solomon?  Try to think of this literally and metaphorically.

6)    How can we read ideas like “hunger” and the quest for “gold” metaphorically?  Think back to the Hansel and Gretel story—how is Milkman’s journey (what he wants, what he finds, what he comes to value) different than the fairytale.

7)    There are some really “weird” events and ideas in these chapters.  Pay attention to them!  The most interesting and important thing you can do with this book is to write about what you think seems odd or confusing or intriguing.  Write this down and explain why.  If possible, ask questions of your classmates!

CH 11 HW (complete in class Tue 5/22 or Thu. 5/24)

For chapters 11-13, you’ll be following many of the same themes.  For each of these 3 chapters, please choose 2 of the following to answer in a post AND use at least 2 quotations PER question in your response.  Some of these questions are more appropriate for some chapters above others, so read and choose carefully.

Try to comment under what someone else has posted whenever possible!

1)    To what extent do you see Milkman developing as an individual, finding himself, discovering his moral center?  (Are there places where he still doesn’t “get it”?) Where and why?  Do you sympathize more with him as a character now?  Why or why not?  How does Morrison suggest that one finds oneself?  What are the critical components of this journey?

2)    Keep track of Milkman’s discoveries and realizations about his family’s past.  What are the significant people, moments, myths, stories, songs, that are associated with his family?  Why, according to Morrison, is it important to recover one’s family roots?  How can your past teach you about who you are?  What do you think is Morrison’s point or points by including all this stuff about family history/mythology?  Why is a critical part of this history told through a children’s song?

3)    Milkman’s relationships with others—Continue to track his developing relationship with Guitar, Hagar, and Pilate.  Mark any significant moments in the story lines of Guitar, Hagar, and Pilate and explain why they are important, strange, or confusing.

4)    Continue to take note of developments of the major themes, including Naming—especially the new names we meet, Byrd, Solomon, Ryna, and Sing—and Flying.

5)    Why did Morrison title the book Song of Solomon?  Try to think of this literally and metaphorically.

6)    How can we read ideas like “hunger” and the quest for “gold” metaphorically?  Think back to the Hansel and Gretel story—how is Milkman’s journey (what he wants, what he finds, what he comes to value) different than the fairytale.

7)    There are some really “weird” events and ideas in these chapters.  Pay attention to them!  The most interesting and important thing you can do with this book is to write about what you think seems odd or confusing or intriguing.  Write this down and explain why.  If possible, ask questions of your classmates!

Sample Thesis Statements and Outlines

Samples Thesis Statements

Weak: “Pilate is a strong character who serves as the protector of her family.”

(Too close to plot, hard to argue this)

Better: “Morrison uses Pilate as a character to show the incomparable strength of acting as a true individual.  Through Pilate’s naming, her history of pain and isolation, and Pilate’s actions towards the members of her family, Morrison uses this character to demonstrate the true strength comes from within, that true freedom stems from knowing oneself, and that true power is attained through compassion.

Weak: “Milkman’s name implies that he is a user and may have some stereotypically “white” qualities or characteristics.”

(Maybe a good topic sentence, but just not broad enough for the whole essay)

Better: Morrison names her main character Milkman, a name that implies dependence on others, to foreshadow his troubled relationship with women and his struggle to find himself, independent of the needs, expectations, and love of others.

How I would approach this essay:

Pick a character you feel comfortable with.

Trace backward: What’s the big idea with this character?  Then, how might this connect with something about their name? OR

Trace forward: What are all the things their name suggests?  Pick a couple and trace their significance through the rest of the book.

Sample Outlines:

Basic--based on bullet points of assignment sheet

Thesis: Morrison creates Character X, a character's whose naming doesn't seem to match/ matches exactly their personality, values, etc, in order to make the reader sympathize with this character. (or not sympathize, whatever)

A1: Morrison is drawing on Christan religions and connotations of "whiteness" in naming this character X.

A 2: This character does/doesn't fit the connotations/history of his or her name because...

A3: Morrison uses a character whose name does/doesn't fit in order to criticize...or Morrison emphasizes this character's purpose in the book as a X, by choosing a name that underlines this connection.

Thesis: Character X's name both does and doesn't fit because of reasons X, Y, Z.

A1: Here's what we'd expect the name to mean, and in way X, it does fit.

A2: Name doesn't fit because of reason Y.

A3: Name doesn't fit because of reason Z.

Conclusion: Here's what I think the larger significance of this character's struggles to be both this and that means for the text as a whole...

Thesis: Morrison chooses Milkman as a main character in order to explore the unique challenges of being a black man in the 1960's, including the necessity to separate oneself from one's parents, the difficulty of coming to terms with racism and privilege, and the critical nature of the search for self.

A1: Milkman, who is named for his unnatural attachment to his mother, struggles to separate himself from his parents, but will not, Morrison implies, be an individual until he does so.

A2: Milkman, in many ways connotes "whiteness," becomes problematic as Milkman attempts to define himself in opposition to his black-power leader best friend, Guitar.

A3: Morrison uses Milkman to show the necessity of personal growth and a search for the individual, by creating a character who is always ready to "milk" others, before plunging the depths of himself.

Thesis: Morrison uses Lena to criticize stereotypical gender roles, to reveal the reality of the Dead family dynamics, and to shake Milkman out of the complacency and idleness of privilege and selfishness. (In other words, Morrison uses Character X to A, B, and C)

A1: Morrison uses Character X, like the biblical figure who blah blah, to A.

A2: In a departure from Character X's namesake, Morrison uses Character X, to B.

A3: Finally, Morrison uses Character X to C.

Thesis: Character X's name and naming history connects him or her to ideas A, B, and C.

A1: Here's how name connects to A

A2: Here's how name connects to B

A3: Here's how the story of how they got their name connects to C

Conclusion: By connecting Character X to ideas A, B, and C, Morrison is reiterating her main theme of the power of naming.  Here I am elaborating on how I see this.

In Class Essay Tomorrow

Here's the deal--

1) You will take the in-class essay either today or tomorrow.  Your choice.  Please see the conditions (#3 and #4 below) should you decide to write it on Thursday.

2) On the day you are NOT taking the in-class essay, you will read chapters 11&12 and complete a project.  You may finish reading chapter 12 as homework on Thursay night.  If you have read the entire book already, please BRING A BOOK to class.

3) If you choose to take the in-class essay on Thursday, I expect to see SUBSTANTIAL work done on your thesis/outline tonight and every day/night from now until Thursday. This is your only homework.

I expect that you will set up an appointment to see me if you indicated on your survey that it would be helpful to do so.  I will not be happy nor will I be as able to help if you come to me a second time with nothing written down already.  You must schedule these meetings on YOUR TIME.  Do not expect to meet with me during class tomorrow.

4) If you choose to take the in-class essay on Thursday, you must make arrangements to make up the 20 minutes you will lose because you have elected to write it during a short block.  This can be any block on Thursday (including x Block), lunch, or after school on Thursday.

If you have none of these times available, I may let you take 20 minutes out of class on Friday.  But, be forewarned, we will be moving on in class Friday and you will miss important material if you are still finishing your essay.  My advice is to make up 20 minutes wherever it is possible in your schedule on Thursday.  Email me or speak to me in person to make arrangements.

5) I understand that these arrangements may not suit everyone.  Frankly, I would prefer that we all complete the essay on the same day.  However, I understand the pressure and work load that many of your are under, and I am trying to be flexible in accomodating the many different needs in our class right now.  It is important that you take advantage of this opportunity and do your very best work.

Hang in there.  This is our last piece of formal analytical writing.  It gives you a chance to navigate your own way around an essay, in much the same way you did your junior paper and in the way you will have to do next year and beyond.  You can all do it.

Take some deep breaths. Then come in ready to focus tomorrow.  

In-Class Essay Assignment

In case you don't have it, here it is again--for the full assignment, please pick up a hard copy from me.  PLEASE COMPLETE a preliminary thesis and outline for monday!

Song of Solomon In-class Essay (100 Points)

This is it: your last formal piece of analytical writing for the entire year! This is your chance to impress me with how much you’ve grown as a writer this year. So, I’m looking for 1) an original, arguable, sufficiently complex thesis, 2) full, insightful analysis of each quotation, and 3) clear, polished language throughout, including smooth integration of every quotation.

The Assignment:

Choose a character (Milkman, Lena, Corinthians, Guitar, Pilate, Hagar, Ruth, Macon Dead).  Please create an original thesis that answers ALL of the following for this character:

·      Why does Morrison name them X?  What is the significance of this character’s name (within the book AND possible symbolism and allusions outside the scope of the book)? 

·      How does their name either fit or not fit the character (their history, personality, values, actions) in the book so far? 

·      What messages, themes, ideas, or criticisms is Morrison communicating through her inclusion of this character in the novel so far?

Nuts and Bolts:

About 3-4 pages, handwritten

Yes, you get to bring an outline.  Whatever you can fit on a 4x6 index card, short of writing your whole paper out.  Must have all your quotations written down ahead of time.  Type or hand write.  On an index card or measured boxes on a sheet of paper—both are fine.

            **If you use more than a 4x6 space, you will not be allowed to use your outline!

In class, on Tuesday May, 22^nd

Ch. 10 HW (Due Mon 5/21)

For Everyone:
1) Read the rest of chapter 10 and make a SHORT (ie 2-3 sentences) comment on one of the discussion leader's posts.
2) Read the in-class essay assignment. Pick and character.  Develop a preliminary thesis and outline.  Bring this into class. We will be working on this during class on Monday.

For Discussion Leaders only:
1) In-class essay, same as #2 above.
2) Write a post on ONE of the following questions OR something equally valid of your own choosing.  Use specific details/examples wherever possible.  Please post if at all possible by TOMORROW.

1)    What’s the point of the Hansel and Gretel allusion at the start of chapter 10?  Why would Morrison use it as a metaphor or starting point for Milkman’s journey to recover his family’s past/their gold?

2)    Analyze Guitar’s speech that “everybody wants the life of a black man” (222-223). Repercussions of this speech for the friendship between Guitar and Milkman?

4)    Milkman’s character development.  Where is he on his journey to find “a clear-lined self”?  To what extent is he making progress in discovering himself and becoming a better person?  Where is he still sort of a brat?

6)    The story of Milkman’s encounter with Circe at first seems almost too fantastic to be real.  What details in the story or phrases seem intentionally set to make the reader thing it is all a dream?  What details root the story in reality?  Either way, what’s the point of Milkman’s journey to see Circe?  Why is it significant?

Ch. 9 HW (Due Thurs. 5/17)

Chapter 9 Homework Assignment (Due Thursday 5/17)

This might be my favorite chapter in the whole book, and it is definitely a chapter that is critical to your ability to answer your in-class essay prompt about the lives of men vs. the lives of women.  We haven’t seen much of either of Milkman’s sisters until this chapter, but boy, do they take over this chapter in a powerful way.  We also learn more about Pilate, and her ability to both play into stereotypical gender roles and transcend them.  

I strongly advise you to read this chapter very carefully and to put a lot of effort into your homework.  This will help you when it is time to write the in-class essay.

Please take notes on your assigned character/questions.  List at least 2 quotations (short, proper citation format) with analysis in full sentences.  You MAY NOT REPEAT.  Read what everyone else assigned to your group wrote first, then try to add to what they wrote (with new evidence) or respond to a different question (with new evidence) for your character.  DO NOT try to answer all of the questions.

1) Corinthians: 

• What were her/her parents’ expectations for her life?  Why aren’t they working out?  Why isn’t she married?  What are black, moving-into-middle-class men looking for in a wife?  Any of this remind you of Death of a Salesman?
• How does Corinthians change, first, by working for Michael-Mary, and second, by taking up with Porter?  
• Who is Henry Porter (what do we know about him from previous chapters)?  
• How did you react to the scene of Corinthians throwing herself across Porter’s car?  Is this the act of a “doll-baby” or “grown up woman”?  Explain.
• Significance /symbolism of the rose petals for Corinthians?  
• What are Morrison’s overall messages in Corinthians’s story about love, about the life of women, about individuality?

2) Pilate: 

• How does Pilate transform herself in order to get Milkman and Guitar out of jail?  Be specific.  What story does she tell?  How does this act demonstrate her understanding of her society?  Is she being weak or strong here?  Why?
• Milkman says that this whole incident makes him feel “shame…stuck to his skin” (209-210).  Why?  Is this “shame” a step forward or a step back in his character development? (To what extent is he ashamed of himself, to what extent is he ashamed of his aunt?)

3) Magdalene called Lena: 

• How does Milkman dismiss/disrespect Lena in earlier chapters and/or leading into their conversation at the end of chapter 9?  
• Why is Lena angry with Milkman (one specific action, and then more generally)? What does she mean by “there are all kinds of ways to pee on people?” (214) 
• How has sexism and stereotypical gender roles played out in this family, according to Lena?  How does Milkman’s statement that “I don’t carry no stick; I live and let live” (214) reveal his fundamental misunderstanding of how these gender roles function?
• How is Lena’s attitude toward the roses significant? 
• What are Morrison’s overall messages about the life of women and the life of men that she is communicating through Lena’s story? 

Ch. 8 HW (Due Tue 5/15)

Your wish is my command.  Sort of.  I'm posting your homework this week in advance.  Don't get confused and forget to do 6&7 for tomorrow.

Chapter 8 Homework Assignment (Due Tuesday 5/15)

Choose 1.  Write a paragraph. Use at least ONE quotation.

1)    To what extent do you see Milkman’s character evolving throughout the gold-stealing episode in chapters 7&8?  Does he take any steps forward in self-actualization (knowing who he is and what he wants)?  Does he take steps backward in his personal growth?  How so?

2)    How can we read the white peacock and both Milkman and Guitar’s reactions to it (178-179) as a larger metaphor or message on Morrison’s part?  How does the peacock add to the theme of flying? What is significant about this encounter?

3)    What is revealed about each character in the conversation directly following the peacock (179-180), in which each fantasizes about how to spend the gold?

Interesting Interview with Toni Morrison

FYI...Toni Morrison is out with a new book about the 1950's and effects of the Korean War, Home.  She was on NPR this past Friday, interviewed by Tom Ashbrook.  See the link below.

Morrison has interesting comments about everything from her writing style to President Obama's recent announcement that he supports gay marriage.  Check it out if you get a chance (and don't if you don't).

http://onpoint.wbur.org/2012/05/11/toni-morrison

Click on "Listen to this show"

Ch. 6&7 HW (Due Mon. 5/14)

Song of Solomon: Chapter 6&7 Homework Assignment

Please read Chapters 6&7 (pages 152-172) and answer each of the following.

1) In Chapter 6, what’s going on with Guitar and the seven days?  Do you “buy” or sympathize with all or any of Guitar’s explanation/defense of what the seven days are doing and why it is necessary?  Why or why not?  If not, what would be justice for white-on black slayings?   

Please respond with at least one quotation.  Be sure to properly analyze.  Please also consider 1) group mentality/peer pressure and 2) the fact that many juries, judges, policemen and lawyers at this time would have been all-white and often racially biased, as Guitar says.

2) Macon’s advice to Milkman in Chapter 7 (and the belief underlying his whole story in ch. 7): “Money is freedom.  The only real freedom there is” (163).  How’s that for parental advice?  How would this advice have changed Willy Loman’s life?  To what extent do you think this is true?  Can you provide examples from your own life?

As always, feel free to substitute any interesting, confusing, or intriguing quotations or moments that you notice instead of my questions.  Do you notice any important themes (like naming) in these chapters?  Anything that seems significant about character development or building tension in character relationships?  Any questions you have?

I really encourage you to branch off on your own (or off of someone else's post) it you find it more interesting!

**A note about discussion leaders---we got a little off-schedule because of APs and I think we probably need a slightly new system anyway, just so people don't have to wait to post.  On Monday, folks who haven't been discussion leader yet will be signing up to lead a discussion in class (not a big deal, I promise).  Have a good weekend!

HW Due Friday 5/11

No reading tonight!!  

Song of Solomon – Short Writing

Due: Next class

Using first person, write a one-page journal entry from the point of view of Hagar in chapter 5 where she puzzles through her criminal behavior and feelings for Milkman. You can chronicle her emotions and the events before OR after her 6^th attempt on Milkman’s life in Guitar’s bedroom. Use language from the text to capture/define what she’s going through and feel free to have her discuss the reactions of Pilate, Reba, and the town to her behavior. 

Be thoughtful and creative with this!

AP Room assignments

AP Lit exam this Thursday: go to Schluntz

AP Language exam next Wednesday: go Schluntz too (this is a CHANGE from original schedule)

That's all the information they gave me!  Easy, right?

Chapter 5 HW (Due Thurs. 5/10)

Song of Solomon Chapter 5 Homework Assignment

Fair warning, Chapter 5 is long—start reading tonight.

For your assigned character (Hagar, Pilate, Ruth), please answer the following question.  Take note of AT LEAST one significant quotation.  You may refer to evidence in ch. 4 that relates to this question, if you wish.

·      What issues and themes does Morrison want to explore through the women of Song of Solomon?  What recurring motifs and images (concerning women) do you see?  How are they significant?  Do the stories/significant events of chapter 5 make you sympathize with your assigned character? Why or why not?

Discussion leaders, I am counting on you to post longer posts about your assigned character.  Remember to try to post early on so others can comment.  Please include more than one quotation.

Everyone else, you should comment under one of the discussion leaders, if possible.  You may post EITHER a shorter paragraph about one of the ideas/quotations raised by a discussion leader OR another quotation that seemed significant to the question, with only a couple bullet points of context and analysis.

As always, if there is something you find particularly confusing or compelling, you make write your post about this instead.

Our Discussion Leaders Are: Meredith, Daniella, Dan (I know you're up for the challenge!)

**Regardless of which character you were assigned in class, Meredtih, please focus on Hagar.  Daniella, please focus on Pilate (remember to consider knife fight in ch. 4).  Dan, please focus on Ruth.

Chapter 4 HW (Due Tue 5/8)

Sorry, folks.  I goofed and didn't put the homework up when I thought I had.  You can continue to post under the discussion leaders' (Laura, Neethi, Emma, Daniella) posts under Chapter 3 HW OR post here, under Chapter 4 HW.  Remember, discussion leaders should go a bit long, everyone else can go a little shorter (a short 5-6 sentence paragraph).

Song of Solomon Chapter 4 Homework Assignment

Up until this chapter (and again, after this chapter) Milkman remains a passive character who is hard to pin down, in terms of personality and values.  We get some insight during this chapter here.  As you read, think about Milkman as a character, especially considering his relationship with Hagar and his conversation with Guitar (102-106) in this chapter:

To what extent is Milkman himself responsible for feeling that his life is “boring” and “pointless” (107)?  To what extent is his family, his circumstances, his community to blame?

For this homework, please allow the 4 discussion leaders to post and then try to comment on what one of them said.

The four discussion leaders are: Laura, Neethi, Emma, Daniella

Chapter 3 HW (Due Mon 5/7)

Song of Solomon – Chapter 3 Homework

Please read Chapter 3 (pages 56-89) and post a comment in response to one of the following questions.  Your response should include AT LEAST ONE significant quotation, though you will help yourself if you take notes in your notebook on more than one quotation.

The first person to comment on a question should comment on my post “Chapter 3 Homework.”  If you’re interested in a question someone else has already discussed, please “reply” to the person who has already posted on that question.

The Options (choose at least 1):

1)    To what extent is the scene where Milkman hits his father a turning point?  Why?

2)    Though Milkman wants to believe that he is being “wide-spirited and generous” and “defending his mother” (69) by hitting his father, there is evidence to suggest that deep down, Milkman has other motives and his actions has unanticipated ripple effects on his family.  Why do his sisters give him a look of hatred, for instance?

3)    What does Macon tell Milkman about his mother (Ruth)?  Do you believe this story? Why?  (Keep in mind that what Macon claims is “the whole truth” is later modified by Ruth’s version of the same events).  How does Milkman react to these revelations?

4)    Why is Milkman obsessed with his physical appearance (his limp, lack of mustache, reflection in mirror p.69)?  What’s the deeper significance/anxiety there?

5)    How is Guitar affected by his past/family history?  What does he associate with the smell of candy?  Why does he tell the hunting story?  What do these moments reveal about his character?

6)    Other moments and/or themes you find interesting, puzzling, confusing, fascinating, or otherwise worth noting?

Chapter 2 HW (due Fri 5/4)

Song of Solomon

Chapter 2 Homework Assignment

Please read chapter 2 (pages 31-55), and respond to any of the following:

At the end of the chapter, Macon Dead tells his son, “Pilate can’t teach you a thing you can use in this world.  Maybe the next, but not this one.  Let me tell you right now the one important thing you’ll ever need to know: Own things.  And let the things you own own other things.  Then you’ll own yourself and other people too” (55).

1) What do you make of Macon’s advice for Milkman?  Is it good advice?  Why?  Do you trust what Macon has to say about Pilate?  How is this idea of “owning things” potentially problematic?

2) To answer these questions, I’d like you to consider the contrast between Macon Dead’s personality, values, and relationship with the community (and family) and Pilate’s personality, values, and relationship with community.  What “lessons” do they each teach Milkman?  Has Milkman already learned something important from his first mature interaction with Pilate?

3) Finally, please continue to take note of significant references to naming and any questions that occur to you.  Talking about what you find interesting, confusing, misleading, strange, or complex is the most important thing you can do!  This text wants you to question, to interrogate. 

How to "Post"

1) Find the appropriate blog post.  For example, for tonight's homework, you need to find the post "Chapter 1 Homework Assignment."

2) Click on "0 comments" (or however many comments there are) at the bottom of this post.

3) Either create a new comment or click "reply" to a comment someone else already made on my original post.

4) To ensure you don't accidentally lose any work, write your paragraph in a word doc and then copy and paste into the blog.  SAVE YOUR WORK!

5) In the drop down menu next to "comment as" select "google account."  (You can select "aim" and then enter your aol email username and password too).  Also twitter, flickr and supposively yahoo accounts work, but I haven't tested these out.

6) Click "publish."

7) It will take you to a new screen that will prompt you for your gmail username and password.  Either enter one that you have already, OR enter the information from the dummy account I just set up.

username: bhssongofsolomon@gmail.com
password: ihatesats

If you enter your own username and password, don't worry; you're not giving away any access to your email.  The blog just needs some kind of legitimate (or semi-legitimate) way to recognize you online to allow you to publish.

Chapter 1 Homework

Chapter 1: Homework Assignment 

Finish reading Chapter One. 

For your assigned character, please take notes and POST on the following:

• ·      What seems significant about their personality and values?
• ·      How would you describe their relationship with other family members?  Does anything seem odd or surprising about these relationships?
• ·      Names: What do you know about how they got their name/nickname?  Symbolism or connotations of their name?  What are the traditions about naming that seem significant?
• ·      Family history: Significant myths/stories/memories about this character?

Your post should include AT LEAST one significant quotation.  Let's try this: The first person from each group should just post under this post.  Everyone else in the group, can you enter your post as a comment on the first group members?  

You will help yourself enormously if you take note of a couple more quotations that seem important.  As always, feel free to also post on anything else that seems weird/strange/surprising/confusing in this chapter.

Your Character is (circle one):

Macon Dead (Milkman’s father) 

Emma, Theo, Jhoan, Jessica, Amanda, Neethi, Anne

Macon Dead III/Milkman (the son/baby) 

Gabrielle, Matt, Daniella, Kaitlyn, Laura, Mike

Ruth/The Doctor’s Daughter (Milkman’s mother) 

Audrey, Tony, Phoebe, Amalia, Ian Crowley, Adam

Pilate and Family (Milkman’s aunt and Macon Dead II’s sister) (Reba & Hagar)

Lisa, Sarah, Dan, Ian Chin, Chaewon, Meredith