Facebook - Hero Journey / "The Open Window" Part III

College Prep - 12

• Discussed with the studetns that it has been brought to the attention of the faculty that Facebook, and probably MySpace, is being used for the purposes of cheating on school assignments and tests. I emphasized the danger in this, as such can result in expulsion from college. Most importantly, such behavior compromises one's honor, integrity and, thus, reputation. I acknowledged that students today are under a great deal of pressure to succeed, and that the temptation to cheat can be seductive. Also, such behavior seems endemic in our culture where so many popular figures are caught doing the wrong thing, sending a message that the only time such actions are wrong is when one is caught. A primary theme for this course is that of the Hero Journey, which we all are invited to take in many different ways. However, honor, integrity and sacrifice are critical in such an endeavor. There is no evidence that any of my students have engaged in this behavior. However, it is an important topic that needs to be addressed.
• Class activity: students applied the stages of the Hero Journey to last night's reading, "Just Drawn That Way" (see yesterday's post). Discussion ensued.
• HW: In class journal, process this Hero Journey idea. define it, discuss it, associate the idea to your life and those around you so it is no longer Joseph Campbell's idea, or Mr. Lambert's. make it your own.

Grade 10

• Students answered questions in their notebooks:
• Why is Framton Nuttle living in the country? Why is he visiting the Sappletons?
  How does Vera explain the open window?
  Explain what causes Framton to rush from the house so suddenly.
  How does Vera explain Framton’s departure?
  At what point do you realize Vera is telling a story? Cite evidence from the story that shows her intent.
  What is Vera’s tone when speaking to Framton? What evidence proves this?
  Find two examples of verbal irony in the story.
• Answers were discussed.
• Checked the outline for the story:
  
  "The Open Window" by Saki
  The Big Four
  Characters: Vera, Framton Nuttel, Mrs. Sappleton, Mr. Sappleton, two brothers, dog
  Theme: Don’t always believe what you’re told. Be a bit skeptical.
  Plot: Nuttel arrives at Sappleton’s; Vera spins her tale; Mrs. Sappleton comes downstairs; husband comes home; Nuttel panics and rushes out; Vera spins her tale about Nuttel
  Setting: Sappleton’s home, October at dusk, living room, early 1900’s
  Plot Breakdown
  Motivator: Nuttel’s nervous condition
  Conflict: Vera’s deviousness and Nuttel’s nervous condition
  Complication: husband comes home, Vera’s deviousness
  Suspense: what will come in through the window
  Climax: when Mr. Sappleton comes home, Nuttel freaks
  Denouement: Vera’s lie about Mr. Nuttel
  Analytical Elements
  POV: 3rd person
  Spec. Techniques: irony, imagery, romance, character development
• Short stories due Monday.