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)?

Gatsby: Chapter 5

Taken from Google Images



In chapter 5 of The Great Gatsby it rains...and then it stops.  How does the weather mirror Gatsby's mood in this chapter?  Give specific examples.  Also, if Gatsby is so ecstatic about seeing Daisy again, why does it start raining again at the end of the chapter?  What can you make of Fitzgerald's conscious decision regarding the weather?

Taken from Google Images



Next, we have to talk about the shirts - the shirts!  Why does Gatsby throw all of his shirts out of the closet?  What purpose does this scene serve?



Nick: a reliable narrator?

Taken from Google Images

 

Based on the first three chapters of The Great Gatsby, determine whether or not you think Nick is a reliable narrator.  Give specific reasons for your assertions.

Also, discuss how Gatsby is portrayed in chapter 3.  What about his character generates more questions than answers?  Why do you suppose Fitzgerald chose to introduce his main character this manner?

"The Horror..."

"The Horror!"
Taken from Google Images

The words uttered in Kurtz's final breaths were "The horror!  The horror!" and have become one of the most famous phrases in literary history.  What do you make of Kurtz's last words?  What is the importance of them?  How they tie into the message in which Conrad was sending to readers?  Why do you suppose Marlow lied to Kurtz's Intended and told her that his last words were her name?