Literary Circle - A Thousand Splendid Suns

Please post your lit circle for A Thousand Splendid Suns here:

Literary Cicle - Sula

Please post your Sula lit circle here:

The Awakening Group Project Directions

Your group will cover one of the four topics. This presentation will be a major grade on the novel. Follow the guidelines below.

A. Trace whatever aspect your group has been assigned THROUGHOUT the novel. Your analysis and discussion should be in-depth and thorough.

B. You must have specific quotes from THROUGHOUT the novel which justify your analysis. (include page numbers) Make sure that each one is explained and connected to the others. 10 to 15 quotes

C. An outline of your quotes and their importance to your analysis must be posted on the blogger.com before your group’s presentation. Make it clear and interesting.

D. Before your presentation you need to have your blog pages complete. Include these
items:
Ø Encourage viewer participation and interaction on your pages:
Ø Create a poll to elicit from visitors points they feel need to be explained and/or questions that they have. Make sure these are covered in the oral presentation.
Ø A thread that reveals the groups’ discussion on your topic.
Ø A thread for each of the other questions that attempts to create connections between all four.
Ø A creative page--include whatever information appropriate to your topic.

E Each group must present to the class. You will explain your topic covering all points presented in the prompt, answer the questions posed from the survey, and connect the main idea of your project to theme, symbolism or any other relevant aspect.

F. Your group will conduct the class. You will lead the class into an insightful exploration of your area. You should be prepared to fill half a class period. You may refer to your blog page, but do not make it the focus of your class discussion.

Half of the grade will be from the oral presentation, the other half will be from the blog pages and the interaction of the participants.

The Awakening Group 4 Question - Response

Trace Edna’s “awakening” as Chopin develops it throughout the novel. Explore the several ways Chopin builds this theme—through Edna’s exploration of self, her growing understanding of truth vs. self-deception, and the nature symbolism and motifs (grass fields, sea, birds, atmosphere). How do the lovers from Grand Isle and the woman in black figure into this symbolic scheme? Finally, comment on Edna’s final act. Does it represent triumph or defeat—or something much more complex?

The Awakening Group 3 Question - Response

1. Examine the importance of motherhood as a theme in the novel. Contrast the “mothering” of Edna and of Madame Ratignolle. Trace how their friendship in one sense both begins and ends the novel. By considering both women in terms of their development, their relationships to their children and husbands, and their personal concept of “self,” formulate what you consider to be Chopin’s theme.

The Awakening Group 2 Question - Response

1. Trace the characterization of Mademoiselle Reisz throughout the novel. Explain her importance as an artist and as adviser to Edna, as well as to the meaning of the novel as a whole. What connection does she have to the bird symbolism which is associated with Edna’s awakening, and how is she connected to the theme of truth vs. self-deception?

The Awakening Group 1 Question - Response

1. Trace the development of the male figures in the novel: Robert Lebrun, Mr. Pontellier, Alcee Arobin, Dr. Mandalet. Assess each character in terms of A) his philosophy of life, B)his sensitivity toward women, and C). his understanding of and relationship to Edna. Assess each man’s positive and negative characteristics and contribution to meaning in the novel. Consider how these male characters figure into Chopin’s theme of individual vs. society. In what sense is each man able, or unable to truly love?