We enjoyed another rousing discussion about our literature this week. We've reached the end of a classic from the turn of the century, Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw. As we read quality works, we not only discuss themes, character development, and plots as they appear in the literature, but we also talk about the same ideas and how we see them reflected in our own lives. For example, as we looked at the idea of external appearances and internal character strengths in Pygmalion, we could take time to apply the same principles to our lives.
I lauded the students for the discussion questions that they bring to class. Every week, each one of them has a good set of insightful questions that promotes our lively discussions and helps us unpack our reading selection.
We are beginning our final book for this class: The Thirty-Nine Steps. This adventure novel written by Scottish author, John Buchan, is one of the first espionage thrillers. His main character, Richard Hannay, has been described as a cross between Sherlock Holmes and James Bond. It first appeared in 1915 as a serial in Blackwood's Magazine. According to one commentary, this book would not have been a success "without Buchan's brisk characterization, loving evocation of Scottish landscape and his switchblade prose."
I forgot to mention in class that for the last week I will be assigning the students a reflection paper. This is their only writing assignment for the semester. Also, we will have a final test on the last day. But no worries, it will be in the form of a Bingo game!
Assignment for Next Week:
-- Read p. 1 - 42
-- Write 3 Discussion Questions
Links for this week:
Class Notes
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Prichard
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