The Pedestrian (page 10 in textbook, or easy to find online) guiding questions:

1. What might be a possible reason for Bradbury using so much imagery related to darkness, coldness, and death?
2. Do you think Leonard Mead is lonely?  Explain.
3.  Do you think the whole world is like this and Leonard is the last pedestrian left, or is this the beginning of this phenomenon and he is the first one to be locked away for not conforming?  How does each scenario change the message of the story?
4.  Is Leonard Mead a rebel? What elements of that term does he fit or not fit?
5.  What does Bradbury see as the danger to us as a population if something like this happens?  What is the big picture problem?

Friday, August 18

X Factors personal survey.

Fahrenheit 451 guiding points:

-The irony of each character's self assessment of what their role/job/place is in society
-Mildred's unwillingness to address reality
-The prevalence of suicide attempts in the F451 world (why do the technicians exist?)
-What "story" elements does F451 already exhibit very clearly
-Character focus: Who do they represent in our world?

Computer check in all hours for people who don't have one yet.  If you have one and it doesn't work, hopefully be able to take care of it Friday.

Started "What Makes a Good Story" discussion.  We will continue to build on these, so keep them handy.  Some of the best traits:
-Heart
-Character connection
-Something that "sticks"
-Relevance
-Balance
-Emotional Connection
-Tension

Today was a "not so super" kind of day, but thanks for sticking with it!  Tomorrow we'll be meeting in the classroom to check the list for how/where to get your computer once we head to the library.

Welcome back to South (or welcome to South in the first place)

Today will be pretty straightforward in terms of prepping for the year, discussing expectations and in-class policies, figuring out where you sit, talking about stuff, etc.  We will also try to have a little fun, shake out the cobwebs somewhat, and hit the ground running rather than just introducing ourselves to people most of us already know.

Just about any resource you can or will need for class this year can already be found on this class blog, but you may just have to look.  I will post daily updates for class here, and sometimes additional information as well.  New information and resources will also be posted here.  Typically I will reference when and what is being posted in class, but you can check any time.

Ask questions if you have them.