TTTC- "The Lives of the Dead"

I want to know how this story speaks to you, what it makes you think of, and what it has to do with the rest of The Things They Carried (ie how it influences/adds to your understanding of theme).

Why do we tell stories? Why is the act of telling stories about yourself and your personal history important? (Or is it?)

Journal—“Field Trip” & “Ghost Soldiers”

(“GS”) What does it really mean to be part of a group (not just with them)? How does one go about truly belonging? How do we lose a sense of belonging? And is there anything besides belonging that is lost in that situation?

(“FT”) To me, the “Field Trip” story is intentionally paralleled with “Speaking of Courage” in the two baptism scenes—with two different characters getting in the water (Bowker in the Iowa lake to watch the fireworks; O’Brien in the Vietnam lake to give Kiowa his moccasins). But! The implication is that one character is “saved” (O’Brien, who walks away, literally and metaphorically), and two (Kiowa [the Christian?], who literally drowns, and Bowker, who does so psychologically) are not saved. Why is that, do you think?

And finally, is Tim O’Brien a reliable narrator? Can you trust him? ☺

(one more thing-- extra bonus excitement points, which are like extra credit for the soul, for interacting with other people's with the "@" tag!)

and and and

Class website link:

http://jathomasson.googlepages.com/

Happy Birthday To Me, Asian Style.

I'd like to know what you know about Asia and Asian culture.

Yes, I am aware that this is a huge topic. No, I don't want you to look anything up on the 'net. I just want to know what you know.

Spout what you know from World History. (This is a place for you to share what you KNOW, not to critique your former teachers.)

And what are some stereotypes held by your peers, family members, etc., in respect to individuals of Asian descent?

Morals v. Religion

What is the difference between a ruler/king/queen/president leading a country by MORAL standards and a ruler/king/queen/president leading by a RELIGIOUS standard?

Or is there a difference at all? Do they amount to the same thing?

Fairness In Testing

Was your test on The Count of Monte Cristo a fair test?

How do you decide whether a test is fair or not? What criteria do you use? What criteria SHOULD you use?

And what's the difference, as far as tests are concerned, between "UNFAIR" and "FAIR, but HARD as ****?"

Chestnuts Roasting or Whatever.

What things or occurences do you associate with this time of year...the "holiday season"?

For argument's sake, we'll define "the holiday season" as the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.

And weigh in (tell me your opinion) on what you think about stores putting up Christmas decorations in mid-October. Does it help set the Christmas season in motion for you? Or is it obnoxious?