Jaydn completed the novel The Great Alone. She discussed and analyzed the character development of Leni Allbright with reference to the theme of resilence and maturity. She wrote an extended book review of the novel.
Cabo completed an oral assessment on the novel The Great Alone. He discussed in depth the setting, protagonists, and the antagonists. He analyzed the effect the setting had on the development of each of the characters. He also discussed the idea that the setting is actually a character in the novel. After the discussion, he then wrote a short essay on the effect of setting on the characters in The Great Alone detailing his understanding of the discussion. He concluded the session with a review of SAT voicabulary being studied.
Bella read, discussed, and analyzed two chapters of Where the Crawdads Sing. She discussed the theme of betrayal as seen through these chapters. She then discussed justice as seen through the law as compared to Kya's life. Bella then reviewed SAT vocabulary being studied.
As the novel draws to an end, we traced the plot developments that resolve the fate of some of the minor characters, Herbert, Wemmick, and Magwitch. Herbert offers Pip a job in Cairo and Wemmick,the law clerk, stages a humorous impromptu wedding with his fiancé, Miss Skiffins. Matthew raised interesting comments about Wemmick' s double life and posited whether Jaggers, the barrister, also has an undisclosed emotional sphere to his life. We noted that Wemmick does not even want Jaggers to know of his marriage for fear that Jaggers will fear he "is going soft". This secrecy suggests that Jaggers is intentionally portrayed in the genre as an exaggerated character always inquisitorial ,never allowing his humanity to break through his persona as a hardened criminal lawyer. We then explored how Pip's attitude and actions toward Magwitch illustrate Pip's changed character. He is no longer selfish or judgmental toward his benefactor , a convict . Last, we again noted the presence of Victorian Romanticism in Magwitch's beatific and peaceful death scene, a death befitting a worthy man notwithstanding his past sins.
Jaydn read, discussed, and analyzed three chapters of The Great Alone. She analyzed for the theme of redemption and found text that supported the theme. She discussed her thoughts on the character's choice to reach redemption and the effects it has on her and the characters close to her. Jaydn then reviewed SAT vocabulary being studied.
Cabo read, discussed, and analyzed the next three chapters of Tara Westover's novel Educated. He wrote an extended paragraph describing how the author portrays emotional turmoil. He then reviewed three chapters of SAT vocabulary being studied.
Bella read, discussed, and analyzed chapters 36 and 37 of Where the Crawdads Sing. She analyzed for the theme of prejudice in these chapters and how it is used to build suspense with the plot. She made predictiuons for the outcome using text for support. She then reviewed SAT vocabulary being studied.
Jaydn read, discussed, and analyzed The Great Alone. As the novel is ending, Jaydn discussed and wrote about the theme of forgiveness as it applies to the family. Jaydn then wrote a short essay describing what she feels the author is trying to say about forgiveness through these characters.
Cabo practiced the SAT vocabulary being studied with it on the context of an ACT practice test. He then read, discussed and analyzed chapters 10 and 11 of the nonfiction novel Educated by Tara Westover. Cabo discussed mental illness and if the characters of this family seem to fit his preconceived idea of people with mental health issues. He also discussed combining religion with delusion as it magnifies the family's behaviors.
