For our introductory session to Elie Wiesel's memoir ,Night , I first discussed the use of the first person narrative in diaries, memoirs, and autobiographies. We discussed which format provided the most reliable narration and why. Kaitlin discussed the Diary of Anne Frank which she read last year noting its power was in its immediacy. We noted how autobiographical narratives are possibly the least reliable as people tend to excuse or ignore the less commendable aspects of their life. We then discussed the advent of the Nazi genocide first in Lithuania and Estonia which ultimately led to the creation of the death camps like Auschwitz . I provided some autobiographical information about the author who was deported to Auschwitz from his home in Hungary as a teenager. I further answered Kaitlin's questions about WWII and WWI and the Russian army's liberation of Auschwitz in 1945.
For our final session on the novel, we discussed and took notes on two major themes: cultural differences and values and the function and purpose of" the word" and language as a medium of purpose. First ,we discussed the three cultures portrayed: old European , White settler, and Kiowa ,as well as their respective values.I reviewed the archetypal plot structure, the journey, and we explored the novel's journey as a journey of self discovery for both Capt Kidd and Johanna. We noted the values of the Kiowa that Capt Kidd adopts ,in essence , like a Kiowa, discarding the ethos of materialism and possession. While Johanna has incorporated aspects of white culture , we studied how these values are much more superficial. Last, we studied the role of language,the word ,and the message as a thematic element. Kaitlin will take an essay exam on these themes and the novel on Tuesday.
As Kaitlin finished reading the novel last night,today we discussed her reaction to the novel's ending. She found the marriage of Johanna to a much older John Calley whom Johanna knew as child somewhat disturbing. We then reviewed two major themes: cultural differences and the value of "the word." From here, I asked Kaitlin to propose a different ending that remained consistent with one of these themes. She provided a very insightful revision by having Johanna continue the work of Capt Kidd-reading the news or spreading the word to inform and to comfort. During the remainder of the session, Kaitlin completed a short quiz on chapters 20 -22. She earned a 100%.
As Capt Kidd realizes that Johanna's relatives will likely abuse her, we explored the moral choice he faces: leave her with the abusive family, take her and violate the law, or take her and breach his contract. In this regard, we discussed how a moral imperative may conflict with a legal dictate especially since we learn that Capt Kidd has no right to adopt Johanna. We reviewed the meaning of exposition, rising action ,and plot climax and I noted how the climax of the novel will involve what course of action Capt Kidd follows. Kaitlin was very involved in this discussion and is looking forward to reading the reveal in tonight's reading assignment. Kaitlin also completed Chapter 20 study guide questions and vocabulary in today's session.
During the first segment, we reviewed my comments to Kailtin's essay test.She did a very good job on the essay. I went over my comments demonstrating how to maintain present tense consistency and where and how to incorporate additional quotes and textual support.. Next, we discussed the Leonbergers surprisingly cold disinterested response to the return of their niece, Johanna as well as a neighbor's admonition to Capt Kidd not to leave Johanna with her family. We noted that the Leonbergers previously mistreated a nephew , and we discussed the culture's ethos that strongly discourages getting involved in another family's business, regardless of the circumstances. I continue to have Kaitlin locate and cite textual support for our discussion topics.
Today's lesson focused on identifying the different modes of narration and discussing the benefits and drawbacks of each. We specifically studied the author's fluid shift from third person omniscient to stream of consciousness. As we read through passages from the text, Kaitlin identified not only the type of narration but also the "speaker" in the stream of consciousness segments. In conjunction with the author's decision to omit quotation mark punctuation, we discussed how the fluid forms of narration provide insight to the characters while preserving a sense of narrative reliability. We also explored Capt Kidd's ethical dilemma as he feels obligated to return Johanna to her relatives as he accepted money to do so, yet recognizes that Johanna's biological family will not treat her well.
We explored how and why characters quickly emotionally evolve when thrust into life and death situations. We noted how the gunfight with Almay that threatened the lives of Johanna and Capt Kidd has bonded them so strongly that , as Kaitlin pointed out , Johanna declines the opportunity to return to the Kiowa tribe. We then discussed the thematic notion of what constitutes a "family" and why Capt Kidd has now become Johanna's de facto family/grandfather. We then located textual support evidencing Capt Kidd's character change and discussed this transformation in terms of redemption. Kaitlin will be writing an essay on these themes in class tomorrow.
