We explored the conventional wisdom that non fiction is always "the truth." I discussed how the people of Cross Creek depicted in the novel often had a different version of the events than those portrayed in the book. We then studied how the author , unaware of the cultural values of Cross Creek , may have been seen as callous or simply nosey. We examined how the author explains her actions in not properly maintaining her shambled tenant house and discussed whether her penitent attitude is genuine . We further noted the motif of materialism not leading to fulfillment. Last, we reviewed Aiden's vocabulary work which was very good today.
During our first segment we worked on placing vocabulary words in a sentence that recognizes not only the definition but the connotation of the word . Aiden does well with strict definitions but continues to need assistance on proper usage which we will continue to address. We then studied the next chapter in our non -fiction book . We explored how the reader's frustrations with the Townsend family are not shared by the author who learns two lessons about life at Cross Creek: first, people can and will repay her generosity if and when they can often by simply doing favors or labor; second , the Townsends are actually happier than most. They appear irresponsible but the author recognizes how this rural impoverished family embodies the value of living for the day.
Aiden is doing well noting the author's attitude and prejudices (which he finds very disagreeable) . I discussed the ethos of 1930s America ,not to justify the writer's attitude ,but to contextualize it. We further explored the writer's life philosophies and discussed how her interaction with the rural community and nature inform her views. Today, we specifically noted her rejection of materialism in pursuit of happiness. Last, we reviewed Aiden's study guide homework and made modifications where needed regarding the author's desire to be respected by the Black community notwithstanding her prejudice.
We analyzed how a first person memoir often reveals more about the narrator than it does about the subject of the narration. In this regard, we studied the author's philosophy about simplicity and materialism as she praises the shabby homes in Cross Creek. Luxury is not a value. Likewise, we noted Rawlings' evaluation of the Glisson family who have improved their lives through hard work as she begrudges others whom she deems lazy. Last, we studied Rawlings' perspective on private property and the permanence of Nature vs the transience of Man. In addition, I distinguished and identified for clarity the numerous characters introduced in the opening chapters .
Today we explored how this work of non-fiction does not contain traditional literary themes but does espouse philosophical ideas or principles about Man's role and societal ethics. Based on the first chapter, we discussed how the author argues that Man can only truly be human or ethical if he understands and respects Nature. We noted how Rawlings- back in the 1930s- sounds like a modern environmentalist. We further explored the other philosophical tenets that appear early in the book: the value of simplicity and the creation of a non-transactional moral code . Additionally, we worked on the advanced vocabulary in the reading: affinity, gregarious , vicissitudes. I had Aiden place these words in a meaningful sentence.
Today ,we began our non-fiction unit. We are studying Cross Creek, the memoir of Pulitzer prize winning author Marjorie Rawlings. We began by defining the non-fiction genre. I emphasized that even books that fall within the genre have a pronounced and definitive slant or point of view. We discussed how to read critically to detect how the author's perspective shapes the "true" narrative. I further provide biographical information about the author's life and noted how her background shapes the narrative.
We reviewed and revised Aiden's essay on "Metamorphosis . I initially discussed the elements of irony and existentialism and explained why the essay did not accurately analyze these elements. We further addressed comma splices and run -on sentences. Aiden then revised his discussion of irony and corrected the grammar issues. Last, we examined the multiple choice questions and the theme of alienation and isolation as differentiated from family friction .
We concluded our study of Kafka's Metamorphosis in today's session. On the board, I traced the metamorphosis of both Gregor, the protagonist, and of his family. We discussed how Gregor maintains his humanity despite his outward change while his family becomes less human, less humane, and more selfish . We thus explored ,"Who is the real bug or animal?" We noted how Gregor's longing for the nourishment of music rather than food represents the spiritual deprivation created by modernity. We last examined the family's relief ,almost joy, over Gregor's death again evidencing their loss of humanity even while Gregor maintains his love for them.
