Hard Times #4

character (KARE-ec-ter): a person who is responsible for the thoughts and actions within a story, poem, or other literature. Characters are extremely important because they are the medium through which a reader interacts with a piece of literature. Every character has his or her own personality, which a creative author uses to assist in forming the plot of a story or creating a mood. The different attitudes, mannerisms, and even appearances of characters can greatly influence the other major elements in a literatry work, such as theme, setting, and tone. With this understanding of the character, a reader can become more aware of other aspects of literature, such as symbolism, giving the reader a more complete understanding of the work. The character is one of hte most important tools available to the author.

Using the definition above, characterize Louisa Gradgrind.

Hard Times #5

character (KARE-ec-ter): a person who is responsible for the thoughts and actions within a story, poem, or other literature. Characters are extremely important because they are the medium through which a reader interacts with a piece of literature. Every character has his or her own personality, which a creative author uses to assist in forming the plot of a story or creating a mood. The different attitudes, mannerisms, and even appearances of characters can greatly influence the other major elements in a literatry work, such as theme, setting, and tone. With this understanding of the character, a reader can become more aware of other aspects of literature, such as symbolism, giving the reader a more complete understanding of the work. The character is one of hte most important tools available to the author.

Using the definition above, characterize Stephen Blackpool.

READ FIRST: A note on blogging...

GET EXCITED! This is your first blog-posting assignment. But before your jump estactically into the world of online discussions, I want to remind you of a few things...

1. You are not graded on your spelling or grammar; however, keep in mind I only know so much "text speak" so don't make me feel too out of it/uncool (as if that's even possible, ha!)

2. THINK before you type. This isn't a place for a huge stream-of-consciousness entry. Clearly state your opinion and as always back it up with the text, but make it a reasonable paragraph or so.

3. Respond to each other, agree, add more details, disagree, whatever ... but do so respectfully. If you disagree then by all means, let us know, just do so constructively. There is absolutely NO insulting each other in the blog. The blog is a safe place :)

And now... HAPPY BLOGGING!!!

Birthmark -- Group One

Is there something irrational and/or insane about our fantasties of conquering nature? What does "conquering nature" even mean? Is there something ruthless about our drive to improve/conquer nature? Can we (or are we) successful?

Birthmark -- Group Two

Is there something wrong with the pursuit of perfection? What would make it okay or not okay? Is idealism (striving for perfection) a kind of madness?

Birthmark -- Group Three

What is the nature of beauty? How do we define beauty today? Is it possible to truly define beauty? What is the danger in trying to do so?