Let's give Them Something to Talk About: Dorian Gray

Now that you have finished reading Dorian Gray, you're ready for a scintillating, online discussion. Please share your thoughts about one or more of the following questions:
1. Who is most to blame for the tragedy of Dorian Gray--Lord Henry, Basil Hallward, or Dorian himself?
2. Could Dorian Gray be considered a tragic hero according to the classical definition? Why or why not?
3. What is the relationship between art and morality? Should art be moral? Should it serve some social good? Should the government have the right to censure works of art that it finds morally objectionable?
4. What symbolism is embedded in the final scene? What are some of the ironies it captures? Does it form effective closure to the book?
5. What do you think of the representation of women in the novel?
6. Is Oscar Wilde a better playwright, novelist, or poet?

Connections

During the next several weeks we will read, study, discuss, and write about several classics, current events, and literary/historical figures. Synthesizing will be a critical part of AP Language as we seek to make connections between a variety of sources.

To foster this process, I'm creating a site where students may share interesting articles, stories, essays, and other literary "gems" they discover on their own. When you discover such a gem, post the link on this site along with a brief description of the piece you find. For example, I just read about the poet, Elizabeth Alexander, who will read at Obama's Inauguration tomorrow.

To become a better reader, writer, speaker, and critical thinker, you must READ, READ, READ! You will also be creating some of your own synthesis questions, which will require at least six sources. So let the sharing begin. . .

Discuss Those Masterpieces of English Literature!

Some of you have suggested I create another post where you may discuss the novels you are reading for your last independent study novel this semester. Great idea! So let the comments commence!

Dear Best of All Intellectual Risk-Takers:

College application forms typically ask teachers, “Is this student academically curious?” This question is an important one to me because I know I can never cover all of the material I want to share with students in a single school year, and I value the intellectual risk-taking some students pursue beyond my required assignments.

As we say farewell to Beowulf this semester, I’m feeling bereft of time to share with you so much more about this classic epic poem. But I’m hoping I’ve sparked some passion toward stories of archetypal heroes, connections to modern heroes, and an authentic definition of heroism.

So ignite your sense of wonder! Continue your quest to discover more about Beowulf and related topics. Ask more questions and continue our class discussion to reach a greater understaning of this epic poem. Share your discoveries with links to sites, pictures, articles or any other information related to Beowulf that enhances your appreciation of this timeless story and a clearer understanding of your own epic journey. Finally, be sure to explain the value of the connections you share so you become the "best of all" intellectual risk-takers!

Additional Loved One Discussion/Questions

If you did not have a chance to share your ideas during today's Loved One discussion, please share your thoughts here. Consider some of the following questions:
1. Is Dennis heartless or realistic? Did he love Aimee?
2. Does Waugh criticize British as well as American culture?
3. Why does Waugh begin and end with a suicide?
4. What is Waugh's main target in this satire?

Something to Say

If you are unable or reluctant to share your ideas during our scintillating class discussions,add your comments to this post. Questions, clarifications, unique perspectives, and additional ideas are all welcome on this site!

Summer Reading Review

This summer you had the pleasure of reading a novel or play from the recommended list of titles in your AP Language acceptance letter. Since you must choose one more independent study novel to read this semester, you need feedback from your classmates assessing the novels they read. Out of five stars, how would you rate the book you read this summer (5=high, 1=low)? List the title you read, follow it with your rating, and explain why you would or would not recommend your choice to another reader. Your responses may be brief, but please be specific and edit your work!