Blog # 6

Please read 270-289 and respond to the following prompts / questions in complete sentences.   2-4 sentences each should suffice.

1.  In my humble opinion, this chapter is hauntingly prophetic and serves as stinging social commentary on contemporary society.  Read the following quote and tell me if you agree.

“Yay, old Uns’ Smart mastered sicks, miles, seeds an’made miracles ord’nary, but it din’t master one thing, nay, a hunger in the hearts o’humans, yaya, a hunger for more…more gear, more food, faster speeds, longer lifes, easier lifes, more power yay” (Mitchell 272).

2.  Paraphrase the following line: “Second day fluffsome clouds rabbited westly an’ that snaky leeward sun was hissin’ loud’n’hot (Mitchell 272).

3.  The Fall is frequently referenced in this chapter; one time on 284.  What do you think it was?  Be specific.  I’m not sure, but I frequently think of fallout.  Look this up and thinking back on previous chapters, do you see any connection?

4.  “Judas” is mentioned on the bottom of 275.  Who was he?  What does the name mean today?  How does it apply to Zachery and the novel? 

5.  Why do the Valleymen think the Honokaa are savages (285)?  Give a specific example of when this has been witnessed in history.

Blog # 5

Read through page 225 and respond to the prompts below.
1.  Make a dictionary of 10 new words that have been created.  Give the word and its definition.

2.  Define a "pureblood".

3.  What is the definition of happiness given on 188?  Do you agree or disagree?

4.  What is "Soap?"

5.  What is "Papa Song?"

6. Paraphrase Orison's first lecture in "biomathematics."


7.  What does Orison have to say about "winners" and "losers"?  Do you agree?

8.  Paraphrase what is discussed about "social strata" on page 222.

9.  Are purebloods described as being tough?  Is this ironic?

10.  How can the following quote be applied to us, the human race? "My mind fumbled with such enormity and dropped it: how could I understand such a limitless world?" (Mitchell 207)

Blog # 4

Please respond to the prompts below in complete sentences.

1.  This chapter depicts big business as power hungry and ruthless.  Was this a fair representation?

2.  We talked about the different aspects of society seen in this chapter.  If you were to envisage yourself in one, which one would it be?

3.  Detail the connections we find between this narrative and the preceding ones.

4.  We've talked about moral dilemmas a lot this year.  Describe one from this chapter and write how you would you have acted.

Due: Tuesday, 9.20

Blog 3

Respond to the following prompts in complete sentences.

1.  How has the language changed in this chapter.  Use a quote as support.

2.  What time period are we in?  Where are we?  How do we know?

3.  What does JFK say about NY?  Explain.  What is Sapporo?  Why?

4.  We see several combating portions of American society.  Can you define / label them?  Does Japan have these same parts of society?

5.  Why does Sixsmith fear for his life?

Blog # 2

Please read through pg. 33
Summarize the major plot developments up to this point.  From the start of the novel. (1 Paragraph)
Also, pick one allusion and explain what it is. (1 Paragraph)
Due: Monday, 9.5 (Before Class)

Blog # 1

Hello and welcome to our seminar!

Please take a moment and write 1 paragraph detailing how you expect contemporary literature to differ from some of the more canonical texts we will be reading.  As always, be specific!

Due: Sunday, 8.28