Is it Possible to Escape Truth?

Scott Fitzgerald was born and raised Catholic. He eventually denounced his religion, but died running from it. A good friend of his, Dorothy Parker, at his funeral said, "The poor son-of-a-bitch. What he knew was true hounded him, no matter how much he believed that he had ceased to believe it."

How is this evident in The Great Gatsby? Are there characters who exemplify this quote? What is the "moral of the story" in regards to this novel.

What Does ? Want for Christmas!

Put 10 literary characters on your Christmas shopping list. Number them from 1-10. Tell us who they are, a short description of them and what you got them and why. Have fun!

Choose a Piece of Art and Write a Poem.

Example of Elkphrastic Poetry

Subway, ca. 1934 by Lily Furedi

Interception MarkTansey

Cape Cod Morning, 1950

Cafe'

The Girl I Left Behind Me by Eastman Johnson

So, first take a look at the example of elkphrastic poetry by William Carlos Williams.
After that, take a look at all of these paintings. Choose one and then answer the following questions.


1.List the first words that come to mind when you look at this artwork.

2. What is happening in this artwork? What is the story being told?(PLOT)

3. Who or what is the subject of the painting? How would you describe them?(CHARACTER)

4.  What is the mood of the artwork? What sounds, smells, feelings tastes could you associate with it?(SETTING)

5. How does this artwork connect with you personally? Why did you choose it?

6. Now that you have closely observed the artwork, how would you summarize its main idea?

After you have completed the questions, go back and circle any words or phrases you might want to incorporate into a poem about the artwork. Consider using these tools when writing your poem:
alliteration
metaphor
personification
repetition
rhyme
simile

Santa?

The Other Stocking

On Santa Claus

Okay, here are two pieces by G.K. Chesterton about "Santa". The first is a beautiful little story about his experience with Christmas and how it bloomed into his love of the gift of life. It is one of my very, very favorite stories.

The second is a response from Chesterton from The New York Times. He is reviewing a book by S.R. Littlelwood called "The Story of Santa Clause".

Read these two pieces. And then write a poem or a story about Christmas.

The Feast of Christ the King!!!!

Open this link and enjoy. These are the readings, psalm and gospel from this Sunday's Feast of Christ the King. Here is an explanation of the feast. Find some literary devices in Sunday's liturgy of the word provided in the link and explain how the feast is particularly relevant today.

What the Heck Does That Mean?

Explicate the following poem.

Explain "Explicate"

The Mending Wall

Presentations Anyone?

So we had many guest teachers this week. I want you to comment on the presentations, not necessarily which ones you liked or didn't, but more of a thoughtful response about what you learned, what poems or assignments struck you and whether or not you really "own" some of the devices. What are some literary devices you love? Examples, devices about which you are unsure and devices about which you need more confidence may all warrant comment.  Just have a virtual discussion about all the we have learned in the past week or so.