Middle School Literature (Lectures)

This lecture was delivered on the second week of classes. In it Ms. Maggie covers the first part of Johnny Tremain.

Here’s the homework the the students where assigned.
1. Finish Johnny Tremain, taking note of specific passages (please note page numbers and paragraphs to mark the location). We will be focusing our discussion on the following questions, so please write down your thoughts or answers as you go through them while you read:

• Complex character traits – things that seem to contradict each other (In what ways is this evident in Johnny? The British soldiers? The Sons of Liberty?)
• What does the protagonist (Johnny) want? Why can’t he have it? Does he overcome his obstacles to achieve his object? (You can also ask these questions about the Sons of Liberty as a group.)
• In your opinion, what is the climax of the story? (Is it circumstantial / emotional / physical or spiritual?) Were you satisfied with the resolution? If not, why not?
• How does the solution of the conflict affect each individual character?

2. Work through Writing and Rhetoric (book 9). Here is a sample schedule:

• Friday – Read pages 1-6. Doing “Talk About It” is optional, but we will answer “Narration” in class, so be prepared.
• Monday – “Memoria” is optional. Do “Go Deeper” sections 1 & 2 (pp 7-9)
• Tuesday – Finish 3 & 4 of the “Go Deeper” section (pp – 12)

3. Write a paragraph describing one character in the story. This does not have to be more than 3-4 sentences, but think about how to use vivid language and examples from the book where possible. This is a prewriting / warm up exercise for Lesson 2.