The Iliad Blog Post

For your blog post on The Iliad, write three paragraphs: one on each of your characters that you were responsible for following throughout the story (a god, a Greek, and a Trojan). For each paragraph, 1) offer a general description using your notes, 2) something new learned about the mythological figure from online research, and 3) how they relate/connect to the theme of honor in the epic poem. In the second requirement, make sure to link to where you learned that information. Also, at some point in your post, include an important quote (found in The Iliad) either from or about one of your characters. Finally, include an appropriate picture, title (the names of your characters), and your initials in the 'Labels' section of the post.

Not sure if your sources are reliable? Check with me before using them.

Metamorphosis Blog Post #2: Life's Struggles

For your final Metamorphosis writing assignment, please rework your homework assignment on Existentialism into a 4-paragraph blog post about your life philosophy and struggles as it relates to Gregor's and/or Kafka's, based on your interpretation of the story. Also include a creative yet appropriate title and a corresponding picture to your post. It's ultimately up to you as to what to write each of the four paragraphs about (besides covering the two themes PLUS being about both you AND the book), but there are some ideas below:

• Do you believe in seizing the day/living in the present? Explain why or why not.
• Does it matter what we do with our life if we're all doomed to die? Explain your position.
• What did Gregor seem to believe in, both before his transformation and after? Where did his beliefs stem from?
• Based on what you know about Franz Kafka, what do you think he believed in regarding the purpose of life?
• What is one of life's biggest struggles, both for Gregor and for you? Is this struggle something that can be overcome?
• Consider Gregor's death - could he have done anything differently? Could his family have? Have you ever felt completely stuck like Gregor seemed to?

Please put your initials in the 'Labels' section before you press 'Publish Post'!

1984 Blog Post #2: Oligarchy

 As we have just read in Emmanuel Goldstein's book The Theory & Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism, Winston is understanding more and more how the government of Big Brother works. Your assignment: research oligarchy (doesn't have to be about government! think of other places that are controlled by a group of people) in the news or from history and write a 2-3 paragraph blog post comparing your real world example to Oceania. Your post should include a creative yet appropriate title, a picture, a link to the page (NOT Wikipedia, please) where you read about your subject, a quote from Emmanuel Goldstein's book that you can connect to in your analysis, and your initials in the 'Labels' section. Some questions to consider when typing up your post:

• How is an oligarchical system of control even more dangerous than rule by a dictator? What is life like under this kind of rule in Oceania compared to your example from the real world?
• Why do some people desire to become members of an oligarchy? Don't they care about the people they're ruling? Explain and consider the differences between Oceania and your real world example.
• What is there to do for people/citizens being oppressed by an oligarchical set of leaders? Is rebellion less or more of an option? Explain, drawing conclusions between the book and your topic of choice.

Some places to research oligarchy (or controlling groups in general) in the news, around the world, or from the past: Google News, Star Tribune, BBC, and History Channel. Let me know if you find an article/information elsewhere!

1984 Blog Post #1: Temptation

As we have just seen in starting Book Two of 1984, Winston is experiencing a temptation in Julia that could theoretically be his downfall. Your assignment: research an act of temptation in the news or from history and conduct a 2-3 paragraph compare/contrast analysis between the real-life story of temptation you read about and Winston's new dilemma in 1984. Your post should include a creative yet appropriate title, a picture, a link to the page (NOT Wikipedia, please) where you read about your subject, a quote from 1984 that you can connect to your analysis, and your initials in the 'Labels' section. Some questions to consider when typing up your post:

• What makes temptation so alluring to the average person? How is the allure different between Winston and the subject of your research?
• Why is temptation so difficult to overcome, even when the person giving into the temptation knows it could very well lead to something terrible? Consider Winston and the subject of your research.
• What could Winston's temptation lead to if he's not careful? What about the subject of your research? Is temptation linked with something good or bad there? Can temptation be okay sometimes?

Some places to research temptation in the news, around the world, or from the past: Google News, Star Tribune, BBC, and History Channel. Let me know if you find an article/information elsewhere!