English II: Sherman Alexie, the Interview, and "Superman and Me"

Select one of the following questions for your response. Respond in 1-3 paragraphs, using your personal opinions, personal experiences, support from the interview (yes, exact words and phrases), and support from "Superman and Me"(text evidence).

1. Some of Sherman Alexie's statements from the interview are considered to be controversial. Select one of those controversial statements/beliefs and respond.
2. Sherman Alexie says, "I don't necessarily believe in magic, but I believe in interpreting coincidence exactly the way you want to." Develop your response by first agreeing or disagreeing with his statement. Then, complete your response by following the guidelines above.
3. In "Superman and Me" Sherman Alexie expresses an "aching devotion" for his father. How does the interview discussion of his father enhance or change your perceptions about his father from the short story? 
4. Sherman Alexie is asked, "Who is your least favorite sports mascot?" He confirms it is Chief Wahoo of the Cleveland Indians. Then he suggests that the audience look up Chief Wahoo and Sambo. He asks, "Why is one acceptable and the other isn't?" Study his response to that question and form your own opinion. Again, use the guidelines set forth above to respond.

English II-Short Story Quote (11/28/12)

Read the following quote and comment on its meaning in a 5+ sentence post. Makes sense of your thinking through writing.

"Th short story, compared with the novel, is a lonely, personal art; the lyric cry in face of human destiny, it does not deal as the novel does with types or with problems of moment, but with what Synge calls 'the profound and common interests of life'." -- Frank O'Connor

English I: Response to "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant"

After reading "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant," answer one of the following questions in a short paragraph. Support your thoughts with personal connections/life experiences with examples from the reading

FOCUS QUESTION:

The Roman general Scipio Africanus wrote, “I am never less at leisure than when at leisure, nor less alone than when I am alone.” What do you think he meant? How does this apply to the story?

PERSONAL RESPONSE:

Did you find this story to be humorous or serious? Or was it, perhaps, a little of both? Explain using examples/support from text. Include any personal connections you might have.

BIG QUESTION: Can progress be made without conflict?

Consider the ways that people make progress in their lives. Answer the BIG QUESTION using examples from your own experiences (please consider what is appropriate to share and how to share it for the purpose of discussion). The following are circumstances that can lead to progress (that may help you answer the BIG QUESTION):

• Someone overcomes adversity (athletics, medical, financial, academic, etc)
• A change is made after an argument.
• A concession is offered for the sake of achieving a common goal.
• Internal conflict, a struggle within oneself, leads to personal progress.
• A change to a situation ends up causing a conflict.

Write a minimum of 8-10 sentences. The response can be longer. The purpose is to SHARE OUT for classroom discussion.

Welcome to Mrs. J's Discussion Board

This is a place to respond to classroom discussion prompts. It's a place to share what you know, what you think, and what you can support about literature and the ideas that connect to our classroom.