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fandomhigh2006-03-13 08:52 am
theoenophile.livejournal.com) wrote in fandomhigh2006-03-13 08:52 am
Intro. to Western Lit (March 13, Lesson 9)
"Good morning, class. As many of you might recall, my name is Mr. Raymond. I am from San Diego, California and I have recently moved here to take over the position of English instructor from Mr. Chaucer. I've placed a copy of the revised syllabus on each desk, so please take a moment to glance over it. The only significant change is this week and the next."
"I thought that since Victor Hugo's work tends towards the lengthy side, you might want another week to finish 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame.' So, let's begin with something a little shorter, and easier to digest from a word-count standpoint. The author is Flannery O'Connor and the short story is 'Good Country People', a print-out of which you should also find on your desk. Take the first hour of class to read it and make any appropriate notes. Then we'll work on the discussion questions on the board."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Flannery O'Connor led a very sheltered life, and considered herself to be a caustic, antisocial individual. The character of Hulga is often thought to be as close to a self-portrait as the author wrote. Discuss this, and how it affects your reaction to the outcome of the story.
2. O'Connor was also very Catholic, and saw her work as having an antagonistic relationship with her intended audience of non-believers. What are some examples of religious outlook in "Good Country People?"
3. The characters in this story are always sure of their superiority in one way or another, and it is only the seemingly yokel-like Bible salesman that outsmarts everyone else. What were the main flaws of Mrs. Hopewell and Hulga, and how did the salesman exploit them?
"My method of teaching is fairly basic. You get out of this class what you put into it. You're expected to find your own conclusions, in conjunction with your fellow classmates. I won't stand in the way of your progress by interjecting my own thoughts. I know what I think about the story, but I want to hear what you think."
ETA: OCD is done. Proceed.
"I thought that since Victor Hugo's work tends towards the lengthy side, you might want another week to finish 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame.' So, let's begin with something a little shorter, and easier to digest from a word-count standpoint. The author is Flannery O'Connor and the short story is 'Good Country People', a print-out of which you should also find on your desk. Take the first hour of class to read it and make any appropriate notes. Then we'll work on the discussion questions on the board."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Flannery O'Connor led a very sheltered life, and considered herself to be a caustic, antisocial individual. The character of Hulga is often thought to be as close to a self-portrait as the author wrote. Discuss this, and how it affects your reaction to the outcome of the story.
2. O'Connor was also very Catholic, and saw her work as having an antagonistic relationship with her intended audience of non-believers. What are some examples of religious outlook in "Good Country People?"
3. The characters in this story are always sure of their superiority in one way or another, and it is only the seemingly yokel-like Bible salesman that outsmarts everyone else. What were the main flaws of Mrs. Hopewell and Hulga, and how did the salesman exploit them?
"My method of teaching is fairly basic. You get out of this class what you put into it. You're expected to find your own conclusions, in conjunction with your fellow classmates. I won't stand in the way of your progress by interjecting my own thoughts. I know what I think about the story, but I want to hear what you think."
ETA: OCD is done. Proceed.