Huck Finn is the first novel we are studying in the first of the three " long fiction "units. I addressed how Huck's dynamic character change is internal and a response to the ethos of the South which embraces slavery. I noted how Huck's adoption of 4 or 5 identities in the novel mirrors his character development as Huck struggles with conscience which instructs him to turn Jim over to authorities per the prevailing laws and beliefs and yet also clearly broadcasts to Huck a higher morality that dictates he protect Jim from the cruelty of slavery . I next discussed how Tom Sawyer acts as a character foil and thereby illuminates Huck's character. Last, we discussed Twains' overuse of coincidence in the final chapters.
Unit 7- Short fiction /longer synthesis /character/setting
Lesson Outline
We continued our examination of the function of symbols and figurative language. I emphasized the importance of focusing on the items or things compared in a simile or metaphor as a means of interpretation, noting how metaphors compare two unlike objects while symbols often represent abstractions. We then studied some sample AP MCQs on this area and discussed how the AP exam tests student understanding of symbolism. I addressed specific sample questions where Joshua had difficulties and explained strategies to find the best answer even if his (or my) interpretations of a symbol differ from the available choices.
Today we parsed and paraphrased Gray's "Elegy " as I have been working with Joshua on analysis methods to interpret poetry, one being to paraphrase. Stanza by stanza I assisted Joshua in reorganizing structure and vocabulary to in effect "translate" as an initial step to interpretation. As we worked through this lengthy and at times abstruse poem, we further focused on recognizing the poetic techniques of apostrophe, alliteration, and personification as well as exploring their function in the poem.
