Saturday, April 18, 2009

In-Class essay on Tuesday

You will be allowed to use your notes - I'll be grading the essay as if you had them.  You will have nearly the whole class period, but not a minute beyond that.

Have a fantastic weekend,

RMH

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Blog Prompt 4/15

Continuing what we started in class on Monday, we will be focusing on characters who serve as foils/doubles to Raskolnikov and/or as representatives of particular "types" or "theories". Without running to Google or Cliff's Notes or whatever your crutch of choice might be, choose a character who you think serves as a double or foil to Raskolnikov (barring Marmeladov, whom we've already discussed). Compile a list of passages that reveal that character and be ready to support your reasoning (FYI: I have 17 just for Svidrigailov). Be sure to take down these notes and be ready for the discussion. Take notes of page numbers and part/chapter for your passages (in the journal) so we aren't spending too much time rummaging around in class.

A reminder: the details of what we discuss in class will serve as the foundation of your ideas for in-class essays and will, therefore, be the foundation of my grading of it.

For the blog: Discuss Marmeladov. Some critics say he serves as a type of foil to Raskolnikov, others that he is a representative of a "type", others that he represents a major theme of the novel. What do YOU think? Look again at the discussion with Raskolnikov in the tavern (ch. 2), beginning with paragraph 7: "My dear sir," he began almost solemnly, "poverty is no vice . . . " on through the point where they leave the tavern. As always, support your ideas -- don't make me get out my hip boots to wade through your post.