The Kite Runner Chapters 11-19

After this week's reading I'd like for you to focus on several things when you blog:
1) Comment on the structure of this novel. How is it organized and how does the organization aid or guide the reader?
2) Comment on Amir. How do you feel about him now as opposed to earlier in the novel?
3) Comment on Hosseini's style of writing. What are elements of his word choice, sentence structure, and tone that make his writing style unique? Choose a short passage that illustrates what you notice.

The Kite Runner Chapters 1-10

Sorry I'm a little late posting this week, but I'm at the beach and I haven't had easy access to a computer. Anyway, this week I have asked that you read chapters 1-10 of The Kite Runner. I think you will find this book challenging in terms of content and engaging as well. As you read, think about the following subjects and comment about themes that are being developed as they relate to these subjects. Remember that a theme is a declarative statement that indicates what the author is trying to say about the particular subject. I was pretty pleased with your thematic statements on Frankenstein.  Try to steer clear of statements that are overused, or cliche.  You can always re-write the statement so that it sounds more complex than the same old cliche lessons, or morals, that you have heard time and again. 

Consider these subjects and what the author is saying about at least one.
-Role of books, literacy
-Friendship, guilt, redemption
-Father and son relationship
-Coming of Age
-Discrimination, prejudice, class structure
-Master/Slave relationships; loyalty, devotion and duty

Please choose one of the subjects listed, then suggest a thematic statement related to that subject, then explain how that theme is relayed in the chapters you have read.
I would also like you to comment on some emerging symbols and motifs as related to Foster's book. There are several ironies that occur in these chapters, and there should be some things that jump out at you as symbols. Explore those in your responses as well.  I think you'll find that Hosseini's novel rich with symbolism. I look forward to reading your responses.  As always, let me know if you have any questions.

P.S.  Wasn't Harry Potter 7 awesome??????

Frankenstein Chapters 15-24

I know that this novel is not an easy read, especially if you were expecting it to be like the 20th century film adaptations.  Keep in mind that this in particular is the type of text that you will grapple with on the AP exam.  At least half of the multiple choice passages will be pre-20th century texts, so you need to be comfortable with analyzing the nuances of rich, detailed, dense, classical writing.  Don't get discouraged!

You will respond to three ideas this week.  You will answer two questions and then develop a thematic statement.

Please choose TWO of the following questions to answer:

1. Who was Prometheus? Why is the novel subtitled "the Modern Prometheus?"
2. Note the various narrative "frames" Mary Shelley employs in her novel. What is the purpose of these various frames? What, specifically, does she wish to accomplish by employing these multiple frames? (think layers of narration, Walton, Frankenstein, Creature...)
3. What sort of man is Walton? Does he serve any thematic function in the novel, or is he included largely as a "storyteller"--that is, is he included simply as a mechanical narrative device?
4. Look carefully at Victor Frankenstein's final words--any significance? What about the Creature's final words? As "last words," these statements should carry special dramatic -- and presumably philosophical, spiritual, or moral -- significance for us as readers, because they give us a last (and therefore a lasting) impression of how each character concludes his part in the novel's events.
5. In an influential essay, the Romantic scholar and critic Harold Bloom wrote that the reader's sympathy lies with the Creature, but in his book The Romantic Conflict (1963) Allan Rodway says the reader's sympathy lies with Victor Frankenstein. Who is right?
6.  Who is the novel's protagonist? Antagonist? "Hero"?

Write a thematic statement that relays an idea that Shelley is trying to express in her novel and briefly explain how this theme is developed.

OK, this may be a little challenging, but you need to practice crafting thematic statements because most of your writing in class will revolve around major themes in a work.  Your thematic statement should be one complete, preferably complex, sentence.  Theme should be stated as a universal idea, so your sentence will not contain specific character names or references to the plot of the novel.  The idea is to relay what universal statement about the human condition Shelley is trying to convey through this novel. Do NOT go to Sparknotes for help with this.  They tend to state theme as a subject rather than a complex idea. 

Think about this:  What subjects are explored in the text?  Brainstorm a list of 3 or 4.  OK, now, in a sentence, explain what Shelley is trying to say about this idea.  You wouldn't say that LOVE is a theme.  That is a subject.  What about love is the author trying to say?  Love comes in many forms and has the potential to change the way one views the world.  Or Love is a dangerous emotion and if left unchecked and unbalanced, can drive a person mad. Or True love can only be shared with another when an individual completely knows and loves herself (remember Their Eyes Were Watching God?)  Enough examples; you get the idea. Just give me a thematic statement for Frankenstein and then in a few sentences, explain why you think this theme is developed in the book.   Let me know if you have any questions.