Bronte's Big Picture Message

Taken from Google Images

 

Now that you have finished reading Emily Bronte's frustrating novel Wuthering Heights, explain in writing what you think her big picture message is.  Relate this big picture message to the Romantic era and/or the Gothic novel.

Sympathy in WH

Reliable?
Taken from Google Images

 

A lot has happened in the novel since the last time we discussed sympathetic characters.  In your journal, please answer the following:

1. Who is the character that you sympathize with the most?  Why?  Use evidence from the novel to support your answer.

2.  Who is the character that you sympathize with the least?  Why?  Use evidence from the novel to support your answer.

3.  Are readers able to sympathize with Nelly?  Does she do more harm than good?  Is she a reliable narrator?  Explain.

Heathcliff Quote

Taken from Google Images

Discuss the meaning of this quote as it relates to the novel and Heathcliff's character:

Heathcliff: “I heard of your marriage, Cathy, not long since; and, while waiting in the yard below, I meditated this plan—just to have one glimpse of your face, a stare of surprise, perhaps, and pretended pleasure; afterwards, settle my score with Hindley; and then prevent the law by doing execution on myself.  Your welcome has put these ideas out of my mind.”

We've Reached the End of the Road

Taken from Google Images

 

The conclusion of Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Road was rather ambiguous.  What are your thoughts on the ending of this novel?  Why do you suppose readers were left in the dark regarding what ultimately happens to the boy?  In reading this novel, have you discovered if you are a pessimist or an optimist?  Why?

In addition, think Big Picture: what message did McCarthy convey in this novel?  In other words, after the veil was removed, what harsh reality was discovered about the world and the people in it? 

In this journal prompt (and in your final papers), you should be exploring the following themes and concepts:

1. Good vs. Evil

2. Innocence and Experience

3. Hope

4. Theology

5. Post-Modern Literature (pastiche, minimalism, etc)

6. The apocalypse and the word's meaning ("the removal of the veil")

Dynamic Characters

A dynamic character is one that changes or shows growth in a piece of literature.  Think about the man and the boy: do you think that either of them are dynamic characters?  If so, how have either of them changed from the beginning of the novel and why?  If you don't think they are dynamic characters, why do you suppose they have not changed or shown growth?  Keep in mind the characteristics of Post-Modern literature.

The Road

Based on what you have read thus far, what do you think the road itself is a metaphor for in this novel?  (It is the title after all - we must analyze it!)  Elaborate on your thoughts, and support what you state with textual evidence.

The Road - First Thoughts

For today's journal prompt, I want you to reflect on your first reading of McCarthy's The Road.  Here are some ideas to get you started...

• How does McCarthy's writing follow a Post-Modern style?
• Compared to the other novels we have read in AP thus far, how is this one different?
• How does McCarthy set the tone for the reader?  What is the tone?
• According to your knowledge about the meaning of the word "apocalypse", what message do you suppose McCarthy is unveiling for his readers?
• What are your initial thoughts concerning this novel (like/dislike - why/why not)?