Here I Am

Put your finished work here as a comment.

If you have trouble joining the blog, here is a document to help you.

Something New; Something Different; Something Memorable

Your words to us and to the class that follows you. Remember what Kurt Vonnegut advised: "Sound like yourself" and "Say what you mean." Oh, and "Keep it simple" too.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Responding to "Gold Boy, Emerald Girl"

1. What does the work mean and why do you think that? Explain the writing's overall significance or message to its readers.

2. Tell about how you feel toward this writing or its author and why.

3. Does this work confront or confirm your personal beliefs? Explain.

Write about 150 to 200 words in one or several paragraphs. Refer directly to the story at least once in the form of a quotation.

Online copy of story (for easier copy and paste quoting)

*I've given you the wrong location for Yiyun Li's residence on our worksheet, sorry. She currently lives in Oakland (across the bay from San Francisco) and teaches at the University of California. She's 37 years old and has written fiction only in English and never in Chinese.

Also of great interest is the fact that Yiyun Li is a huge fan of William Trevor, the author of "The Woman of the House"! She, in fact, pays tribute to him in the story in its design. If that idea intrigues you, read this interview with her (the comment on Trevor is about half way down the page). Interview with Yiyun Li

Responding to "Growing Up Digital, Wired for Distraction"

Write about any ideas or facts that surprised you, angered you, delighted you, or evoked any strong reaction as you were reading. Write about anything that stays on your mind after reading.

Refer directly to the text using quotation, but only quote about 10 to 15% of your total word count. Write a minimum of 150 words and a maximum of 250. You may use multiple paragraphs if that suits your comments.

Bring your completed work, printed and double spaced, to class next Wednesday.

Appreciating a Line, an Idea, an Image

From today's notes, identify a line or an idea or an image that sticks with you. No need to refer to the poet by name, but please do say why (at least as much as you know) that it has reached you as a reader. Write about at least two (and as many as four).

List Poem: "A Note"

Beginning with "Life is the only way," write your own list poem using "A Note" as a model. Your poem must use the same number of words and structure as Szymborska's.

Try to find a rhythm to the words you choose (note the number of syllables as well as the number of words). Be careful to punctuate exactly the same way and be aware of how the poet has used punctuation to divide and compare ideas.

Post a copy of your poem to the blog before coming to Wednesday's class.

Be prepared to do a recital of your poem (please practice ahead of time!) and give some short remarks on the process you followed and any difficulties you experienced.

My Experience with Poetry

Write a 50-word paragraph that refers to your personal experiences with poetry. The experiences do not have to be at school, although they may be if you wish. Be specific please.

We will discuss your comments at the beginning of Wednesday's class.

"Ghost World": Recommend or Not?

The assignment is simple (150 to 200 words). Would you or would you not recommend the film, Ghost World, to a friend? Give your reasons clearly and please refer to the events and characters in the film in your comment.

Official Ghost World Web Site (Production notes; original trailer; videos of filming; cast and crew lists)

Remember to bring me a copy of your blog post, on paper, to hand in on Wednesday.