All classes did a brief re-visit of the Tess passage analysis handed in either today or yesterday. Much could be said, and papers are varied, with many valid observations. But the Tess's place in expanse of space and time represented in the passage is the aspect I stressed in class, partly because the "fly on a billiard table" (and other supportive detail) concept is so crucial, and the time issue because the clock metaphor for the rear-end of the cow (and the juxtaposition with the LONG view of time) was so easily missed.
Re: what came next. 1st period did a more thorough job with the Dylan Thomas poem. Essentially, we
discussed the tone/implications of each category of elements in "Fern Hill" and applied the concepts to the overall sense of joyful exuberance and childlike sense of empowerment, barely tinged with the oppressive adult knowledge and responsibility that will intrude on the child's unrestricted Eden.
If you were in 2nd or 3rd, use this concept on your own, and think through the elements/devices listed in yesterday's blog.
2nd and 3rd did a better job with some aspects of Tess--applying the time dimension of the short passage could be seen in the novel as a whole: Tess is caught between the "timing" (generally always unfortunate) of her own life and the long view provided by the connection with her ancestors and even more ancient forces (being laid to rest in a d'Urberville coffin foreshadowing the capture while lying on a sacrificial stone at Stonehenge). However, pure "coincidence" is NOT the main force, because Tess's judgement (and other people's as well) make a significant impact, and she does not always make wise choices. As a timing issue, we looked specifically at WHY Tess murders Alec when she does. It is only after Angel shows back up--contrary to what Alec had assured her of--and note her repeated language to him: "It is too late." But the timing of breakfast (to say nothing of the menu . . . and hence the carving knife) even contributes to her snap decision (or snapped judgment) to kill Alec then and there.
So people 1st period folks, think this through. Add ideas of your own.
TOMORROW (all classes; I promise consistency)
We will look at morality--especially Angel's. It would help if you would do a bit of quote-gathering; examine his justifications and rationale for various actions he takes. Why does he react to her confession as he does on their wedding night? Why, really, does he abandon her (but still married) and go to Brazil? Why does he come back? What does he say in his own defense? What has he learned? Do this with quotes to support your opinion, not your free-fall opinion of him.
And let's think about the ending. What is Hardy's essential view of fate? What is his essential view of Tess? Can we still trust the title page? Is this a sad book or a happy book? (OK, you know what I mean. Not "happy," but redemptive? uplifting? a restoration of moral order?) On a more literary level, is it a tragedy? Or just a sappy story?
LOOKING AHEAD
Remember that on Thursday, people NOT taking the test will report to class as usual. There will be a poetry timed write. People who are taking the AP test will receive an automatic A on this assignment.
Everyone should have or locate ASAP a copy of Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon. We will hit the ground running with that on Monday, May 10.
Non-test takers, you're done with today's blog. Lit Test people, keep reading, please.
AP Test Advice
Before Thursday: Consider 4-6 texts, including perhaps one or two from last year, that you would be most prepared to write on. Review major names/actions/motifs, etc., and think about "the meaning of the work as a whole"--which is somewhat like an overall theme, but can be (depending on the question) something other than the "main" theme of a work.
On Thursday: Get up early enough to have breakfast and gather your sharp pencils, your two good pens (black or dark blue), and your wits. Get to your location by 7:30. Take a few deep breaths.
During the test:
- Read all MC questions carefully, and read all answers before selecting one. Do not jump to what you THINK it says; see what it ACTUALLY says.
- Despite advice to the contrary from some authorities (and the "true fact" of a 1/4 point deduction for wrong answers), I agree with other authorities who say it is usually still better to guess. Yes, try to make it your BEST guess, but it's OK to guess.
- But don't panic about the multiple choice. Refresh during break, forget what's past, and move on.
- Regarding the three free response questions: Answer the Prompt
- If the prompt says "how" with little guidance, you need to be smart enough to find the most effective features. If it gives you three, try to do them all unless two are incredibly rich and you feel you have really "covered" what is most essential in making the poem/passage tick. If it gives you "such as . . ." with FOUR, definitely feel free to do only three of them--whichever ones resonate most with you.
- For the two passage questions: yes, mark the prompt. Annotate as you read the passage/poem, but know your time is limited. I would say 8 minutes is good. Unless you are that RARE individual whose mind soars, do not waste time on a lofty intro. State your thesis and move on. (Don't strand the one-sentence "paragraph" though--just move on into the response.) Not sure of a thesis? Write SOMETHING on the text page, leave space, and move on into the response. In this case, esp. with poems, the "just move through the poem" scheme of organizing is better than categories. But SAVE TIME to go back and write it in, revised as needed to account for what you actually saw in the work.
- For Question 3--if you can write well on a listed work, DO IT. If not, hopefully one of the 4-6 you reviewed will be appropriate. If not, hopefully one of the 9 or so major works we read this year will work. So far, there's never been a year when there was nothing appropriate to draw on!!
- Save a minute or two for proof-reading at the end of each question. Divide the time as evenly as possible, though taking away up to five minutes from one to add to another may be just fine.
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