A Valediction Forbidding Mourning p. 832

In "Valediction Forbidding Mourning,"  the speaker has to leave his loved one for a little while, and he encourages her to not "mourn" him while he's gone.  Discuss one way in which the speaker does this.

(AP Class...let's all try not to say the same thing here; there are 9 stanzas, plenty of examples for everyone).

Mirror by Sylvia Plath p. 828

Discuss how Sylvia Plath's use of figurative language helps reveal the theme of the poem.

Cavalry Crossing a Ford by Walt Whitman p. 793

How does Whitman's use of figurative language help bring sound and movement to the poem?

London by William Blake, p. 802

How does Blake's use of imagery serve to characterize 18th century, London?

The Convergence of the Twain p. 776 and Titanic p. 777

Briefly paraphrase both poems, then proceed to the next question.

Hardy wrote his poem in 1912, the same year that the Titanic went down.  Slavitt wrote his poem in 1983, more than seventy years later.  If it were published in 1912, how do you think Slavitt's poem would have been received?

To His Coy Mistress p. 767-69 & A Late Aubade p. 770-71

Although "To His Coy Mistress" and "A Late Aubade" are carpe diem poems, the speakers' ideas of "seizing the day" differ.  Briefly contrast the two poems.

To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time p. 766

"To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time" is a carpe diem poem.  The speaker urges his audience (virgins) to "seize the day" before it's too late.  How does the speaker develop his argument?  Briefly paraphrase the poem.

A Narrow Fellow in the Grass pp. 2-3

Although Dickinson never identifies that she is writing about a snake in "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass," several literary devices indicate so.  What's the significance of Dickinson's use of simple diction, syntax, and alliteration in the poem?  What message do you think the poem is sending?

Revelation pp. 455-69

What connections can be made between Flannery O'Connor's "Revelation" and the book of Revelation in the Bible?  If a moral can be tagged onto O'Connor's "Revelation," what would it be?

A Good Man Is Hard to Find pp. 430-40

Discuss Flannery O'Connor's portrayal of the family in "A Good Man Is Hard to Find."  Are they responsible for what happens to them?

The Minister's Black Veil & Young Goodman Brown

Compare "Young Goodman Brown" with "The Minister's Black Veil."  How are the themes of secret sin and hypocrisy seen in the two works?

The Horse Dealer's Daughter pp. 643-54

"The Horse Dealers's Daughter" contains many symbols of life and death.  Choose one below and write a response that discusses the symbol:
1.  the large house, servantless and desolate
2.  the empty stables
3.  the "gray, wintry day"
4.  the horses
5.  the pond
6.  Mabel herself
7.  a symbol of your choice (one not listed above)

The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky pp. 285-93

"The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky" is a western, but it's not a typical western.  What makes this western so different? Consider the setting, characters, action, and theme when writing your response.

Eveline pp.516-19

What does Frank symbolize for Eveline?  Given this information, speculate on why she chooses not to go with Frank to Buenos Aires.

Miss Brill pp. 294-96

One of Miss Brill's favorite pasttimes is watching people at the park on Sundays.  What do her observations about the people reveal about her?

The Birthmark pp. 402-12

Although "The Birthmark" was written in the 19th century (1843), it can be considered an early version of our 21st century obsession with physical perfection.  What similarities and/or differences do you find?

The Lady with the Pet Dog pp. 213-224

Anton Chekhov writes "The Lady with the Pet Dog" objectively (meaning, he gives himself distance from the story and does not interject his personal feelings about the situations taking place).  How does Chekhov's objectivity affect your reading of "The Lady with the Pet Dog"?

A Soldier's Home pp. 170-75

Explain how Krebs's war experiences are still present in the story (even though we never actually see them).

Bartleby, the Scrivener pp. 135-59

Turkey, Nippers, and Ginger Nut are all introduced before Bartleby.  Why do you think Melville did that?  How does their introduction help us to understand the lawyer's tolerance of Bartleby?

A Rose for Emily pp. 90-97

Did you expect the story to end the way that it did?  How did Faulkner's arrangement of the plot help keep the ending a surprise?