Coolhandlukeessay

Cool Hand Luke Essay Prompt

Koch

 

“What we’ve got here is… failure to communicate.”

 

Paragraph #1

 

Explain the significance of media in our world today.  Internet, film, radio, television and print media have massive influence; explain why it is important to study the messages delivered in the media for their meaning as well as for their intent?

 

What do you see the primary message of Cool Hand Luke being?

 

Paragraph #2

 

Symbolism is the use of a seemingly unrelated item to stand for something beyond the obvious context.  For example a flag is a piece of cloth, but it carries various symbolic meanings like America, Freedom etc. Many people wear crosses around their neck to symbolize their belief in Christian religion.  In the film Cool Hand Luke, there are many symbols which are use to create a theme or message. Choose three symbols from the film and explain what they stand for and why the symbolism is significant. 

 

Paragraph #3

 

There are various groups in the film with specific of sets of rules.  Choose three examples of rule makers or rule making bodies in the film.   Explain what their rules are and why they are important.  What is the point of so many rules from so many groups?  How do the rules work for the people who have to follow them – how are they enforced?

 

Paragraph #4

Luke is the protagonist of the film, choose two examples of antagonists.  How do these characters affect Luke and how does he respond to their influence.  What are the pivotal scenes in which the antagonists’ and the protagonist’s conflicts reach a climax?

 

Paragraph #5

 

Choose on meaningful quote from the film and explain why it is significant.  How does it relate to the film producers main message.  How do you think films like this one should be viewed; as simple entertainment or as a piece of literature with socially redeeming value?  Finally, how should films be used in schools?  Does an assignment like this one have merit for an educational setting?

The Great Gatsby

We are beginning  to study The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

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Speed Search Assignment - an introduction to the Roaring 20's and The Great Gatsby


Investigate the 1920's and the time surrounding the story of Nick, Jordan, Gatsby, Daisy and Tom. 


What was this time period like?  What was it like living on Long Island at that time?  Were there really mansions like Gatsby's on Long Island then?  What types of things did people do for fun?  What were speakeasies and what role did they play in the social scene?  What kind of music was popular?  Did guys like Gatsby really exist? 


The indicator that you have completed your research is a collection of visuals representing different facets of the 1920's.  Be creative!  Use any visual material to complete your assignment.  You will share your visuals with the class at the next meeting.  This is an individual assignment:

The images represent events and items from the 1920's 

The images are colorful and neatly done 

The images are size appropriate for classroom viewing 

The images are presented to the class in a clear manner 

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Read exerpts and a preview of the book here .


Full eText of The Great Gatsby

The Crucible Review Questions

1.  Analyze the play's theme, or what you consider to be its major insight into life.  Be sure to discuss how the elements of plot, setting, conflict, and characterization contribute to the theme.

2.  Analyze John Proctor as a tragic hero.  Can John Proctor be regarded as a tragic hero?  Is he a person of sufficient stature and are the issues leading to his death sufficiently universal?  Define a tragic hero first, then discuss whether Proctor meets your requirements.  Support with specific examples from the play. 

3.  The Crucible presents various views of the nature of authority.  What are some of these views, and which characters represent or promote them?  As opposed to some of the flawed concepts of authority, what does Miller imply through the action is the source of true authority?  Explain and Support with quotes.

18.  Did John Proctor reach the right decision at the end of the play?  What other decisions could have been reached?

16.  Although the play centers on the subjects of hypocrisy and hysteria in the court proceedings, we are also presented with several examples of courage and the assertion of integrity.  How are the following characters linked with the subject in this act:  Mary Warren, John Proctor, Giles Corey, John Hale?

14.  This play contains many legalistic scenarios, filled with claims and counterclaims.  Many of the arguments and decisions in the Salem court depend on faulty logic and result in a perversion of justice.  Miller wants the audience to see parallels between many of these actions and the events of the McCarthy witch-hunts of the 1950's.  For example, Danforth's order to arrest "for examination" those who signed the deposition in favor of Rebecca Nurse, Martha Corey, and Elizabeth Proctor might be regarded as parallel to the notorious smears of the McCarthy period.  When Danforth rejects Hales's request that legal counsel present Mary Warren's deposition, how is the governor's logic faulty?  What do you think about the propriety of Danforth's insistence that Giles Corey name the anonymous informant who accused Thomas Putnam?  How might John Hale be said to identify the major underlying problem with the court's justice when he says, "The is a prodigious fear of this court in this country."

Speed Search - The Crucible

Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible opened to audiences in 1953.  The story line recounts a forgettable period in American history, the Salem Witch Trials of the 1690’s.  This time period is remembered with fear because it defies the very principles of freedom that Americans have come to hold dear.  Unlawful accusation and imprisonment, corrupt and biased courts and judges, and a severe misuse of the justice system to achieve a personal end are some of the issues that The Crucible recounts.  Sadly, Arthur Miller wrote with inspiration from another “witch trial.”  In the 1950’s Senator Joseph McCarthy sought to prosecute anyone deemed “un-American” or communist.    These trials serve as a frightening reminder of Massachusetts in the 1690’s.  

Research one of the following:

1. Arthur Miller’s world – Who was this guy?
2. I spy something red – The Red Scare in the 1950’s
3. Which witches are which – The Salem witch trials
4. Starring Wynona Ryder as Abigail Williams… - The Crucible on stage and screen.

Presentation Rubric                                                   Max        I say…          Koch says…

Each member of the group participates during the presentation.	5
The group uses a size appropriate visual aide to accent their presentation.	5
The members of the group speak clearly using eye contact in delivering the information.	5
The group covers a minimum of 10 important facts about the subject.

World Literature Timeline

World Literature Timeline: "�"

Time Periods in American Literature

click here for printable scoring rubric 

Group Presentations

Requirements- Each Group will research a period in American Literature.  As a group, you will study the time period reporting on important historical/political events, social/cultural elements, fine arts (art/music/theater), scientific discoveries, writers of the time and characteristics of the literature.  Your goal is to try to create a picture of a historical period so that we can better understand the literature and how it fits into United States history.  The required visual will be a time line.  Any other visual aids are welcome.  Together we will create a total time line and use it to reference the works and writers we study throughout the year.

You are required to report your findings to the class; be as creative as you can.  All group members must participate in the presentation.  Teach the class about your time period rather than simply reading to them.  You must present on the due date to receive credit for the group grade.  If you are absent you will be required to report on a different time period.

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Scoring Rubric

( /5 pts)  Do you cover each of the following elements from your time period?

• Historical/political 
• Social/cultural 
• Fine arts 
• Science 
• Literature 

( /5 pts)  Do you examine the characteristics of the literature from your time period?

( /5 pts)  Is your timeline…

• Neatly written or typed? 
• 24 inches in height (standard) X 36 inches in length (minimum)? 
• Complete with pictures? 
• Colorful? 

( /10 pts) Presentation

• Is your visual size appropriate? (5)
• Does each member of your group participate during your presentation? (10)
• Do you demonstrate a commitment to understanding your material? (10)
• Do you use eye contact effectively (5)?

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25

Snowcation continues

While I am sure you are all well rested and enjoying the time off - I want to remind you of a few items we discussed on the last day we were in school.

1. I told you that the next day I see you, we will peer revise for your process paper #1.  This means that you should have a typed rough draft with you in class on the day we return.  You can review the process writing assignments here.
2. You should be completing reading for your novel study(English 11, English 12).  If you finish go ahead and work on the novel study project.  The due date is going to remain March 1st 2010.  You can view the class calendar(English 11, English 12) for more updates.

Please feel free to email me if you have any questions.