Juliet "Dies" on her Wedding Day (to be completed Thursday evening)

In Act IV, scenes 4 and 5 we see the various reactions of the people in Juliet's life when they believe she has died on her wedding day.  Now the comparisons and metaphors between death and marriage become quite constant and intense.  What do you notice about the language, comparisons and metaphors used to describe Juliet's death on the day of her wedding? Are there any themes? What do you think the audience is supposed to understand about how all the people in Juliet's life understand the meaning of life, marriage and death? 

If this entry feels similar to the one you did last night, it should. The difference, though, is that in the previous entry you were focused on Juliet and her feelings and now you should focus on the people in Juliet's life and how they perceive her death and marriage now that she is dead. 

Marriage, Death and Juliet (to be completed Wednesday evening)

Juliet is the primary character that rules the action of scenes 1-3 in Act IV.  The two main subjects she is most concerned with in these scenes is marriage and death.  Read through these scenes carefully looking at the different language and imagery that Juliet uses when discussing these two topics. Does the way she speaks about marriage and death change through the act or remain consistent? Is there a theme or unifying thought behind the way she talks about the two topics? What do you think the audience is supposed to understand about how Juliet feels about marriage and death by the time she takes the poison that will make her appear dead? Please cite which lines lead you to your conclusions in your response.

The Complex Character of Papa

In the other texts that we have read, we have explored and discussed the role of flat or one dimensional characters a great deal. Now, in Purple Hibiscus we are encountering very complex, three dimensional, round characters who are so complex that they may be difficult to fully understand.  Papa is one such character. Based on the first two chapters, what are the elements of Papa's character that you have observed. Be sure to include both positive and negative traits because he has both.  Based on these elements, what conclusions do you feel you can draw about him?

The Danger of Single Stories

Chimamanda Adichie sites a number of examples of single stories that she was presented with as a child.  Are you aware of any single stories that you have encountered in your own life? Stories that make it seem like everyone has the same experience but you realize that the story isn't as accurate as it seems? If so, what was that realization like? If not, was it difficult to imagine what Adichie was describing? This is an open forum so feel free to share as much as you're comfortable sharing.

The Literary Significance of the Bible

At this point, we've read many of the most well-known stories from Genesis.  After spending these weeks discussing the ways in which Genesis is different from many other pieces of literature that you've encountered before, now I would like you to consider in what ways Genesis may be an important example of literature for us to study.  After discussing the various themes, the difference between flat and round characters, and the many other elements we've discussed, what do you think is the purpose and value of studying Genesis in an English class? For whatever reasons you offer, please provide some illustrative examples of those reasons from the text. You do not need to quote specific lines--though you are welcome to--but you should refer to particular stories.

God's Favoritism

At this point in our reading, we have encountered many examples of God and also parents favoring one child over the other.  This favoritism is not secret, but rather is overt and generally results in the favorite son receiving many more favors, honors, gifts, etc. Based on the various examples of favoritism we have seen throughout all of Genesis (beginning with Cain and Abel and ending with Joseph and his brothers) do there seem to be any qualities, characteristics or logical reasons behind who becomes the favorite and who does not? Or does it appear somewhat random? What do you think the meaning and significance of this favoritism is? Please be sure to discuss at least 3 sets of siblings in your response.

Flat vs. Round Characters

Throughout the chapters we have read in The Bible thus far, a number of difficult, upsetting and even traumatic events have occurred for the characters in The Bible, but how those characters feel about what has happened is rarely shared or discussed in the chapters. In literary terms, the characters in The Bible are known as "flat" or "one dimensional" characters, which means that they are not written as complex human beings, but rather as characters who serve a particular purpose in the plot.  Why might creating stories with "flat" characters be a strategy for the writers of The Bible? What role might "flat" characters play? What goals might they help to achieve? Are there drawbacks to having "flat" characters? Are there any characters who do not appear to be "flat" characters in The Bible?
 
As you answer these questions, please refer to specific stories and characters to illustrate your point.