Taming of the Shrew (Blog #9)

Describe Petruchio's actions at the wedding. Why was he dressed the way he was? Why did he behave in such a way? He embarrassed himself for what purpose? How did Kate react? Is there reason for this or is he just simply an ass?

Taming of the Shrew (Blog #8)

Discuss the character of Petruchio in Act II when he argues with Kate. How, do you believe, he is a perfect match for Kate? In what ways is he the exact mirror of her and a "shrew" himself?

Taming of the Shrew (Blog #7)

1. Name 5 aspects of the movie (compared to the play) that work, whether they are accurate or not, to the telling of the story. What aspects contribute to the themes or overall play?
2. Match the all characters from the movie to the play.

Taming of the Shrew (Blog #6)

 Petruchio is only interested in marrying to increase his financial status; he is willing to give up love and happiness for his goal of more money. Write a mock letter to Petruchio telling him why this is wrong or why you agree.

A Visit From The Goon Squad (Blog #4)

1. Describe the point of view in the first chapter. Who is telling the story? 
2. What is this first chapter about? How does it create an image of Sasha?
3. What is Sasha's condition and how does it change the course of her date with Alex? What is the point of telling Sasha's story?

Taming of the Shrew (Blog #5)

Arranged marriages and the importance of a dowry are characteristic of many societies. Discuss Hortensio and Petruchio's plan for Katherine. What are the planning? Why? Do you think they will be successful? 

It's Kind of a Funny Story (Blog #4)

How does Craig change by the end of the novel? Do you think he will always battle depression, or will he someday be completely cured? Predict what Craig will be doing in five years. 
What did you learn by reading Craig’s story? Do you think teens today suffer more from depression and other psychological disorders, than teenagers from previous generations or they are just diagnosed more often? How can you tell if someone needs help? 

Intro to: The Taming of the Shrew (Blog #4)

Why would Shakespeare open The Taming of the Shrew with an induction? What purpose does this add to a play? Would you describe these first two scenes as low or high comedy?

It's Kind of a Funny Story (Blog #3)

What is Aaron's role in the novel? Do you think he is a good person? Do you think he is a good friend to Craig? Do you think he is a true friend? Discuss the maturity level of Aaron compared to Craig. Is he capable of being a good friend to Craig?

The Fault In Our Stars (Blog #3)

1. What did you make of the book's humor? Is it appropriate...or inappropriate? Green has said he "didn't want to use humor to lighten the mood" or "to pull out the easy joke" when things got hard. But, he said, he likes to write about "clever kids, [and they] tend to be funny even when things are rough." Is his use of humor successful? How did it affect the way you read the book? Does humor take away from the affection we feel for Hazel or Gus?

2. What was Green's intent with the end of this novel? Do you think it tied up too many loose knots? Do you think it gave too much comfort? Does it truly express loss, after love?

It's Kind Of A Funny Story (Blog #2)

Is Craig's depression real? Why is it important that the book is written in first person? How does it enhance our awareness of his depression? Give me three examples of the seriousness or not seriousness of his depression from part one and two and explain each of the examples. 

The Fault in Our Stars (Blog #2)

The Fault In Our Stars

John Green

Write a chapter summary for 13, 14, 15 and 16. Describe the changes in the plot and characters.

It's Kind Of A Funny Story (Blog #1)

It's Kind Of A Funny Story

Ned Vizzini

In chapter 1, Craig mentions Dumbo the Octopus then the idea of "tentacles" in chapter 2. What does Craig describe as his “Tentacles”? What types of things qualify as Tentacles? Do just teens have them or do adults have them too? What are the opposite of Tentacles? Why are the Tentacles only temporary?

The Fault In Our Stars (Blog #1)

The Fault In Our Stars

John Green

Pretend you are in charge of casting the new movie The Fault In Our Stars. Create a chart below that shows the characters from our novel and an actor you would like to play the role.