End-of-the-Semester Remarks

One of the first classes of the semester, several people mentioned they could not relate to the classics. As a lover of Shakespeare and Faulkner and Steinbeck as well as a future teacher, I mentioned (with a little help from my friends) that the teacher had not done his/her job and that was not the fault of the classics.

After learning what the term "young adult literature" really meant (which took a while, I admit), I realized that one way those teachers could have related classical literature to their students was through the idea of pairing similarly-themed young adult literature and classical literature, assisting students in relating and understanding the material as well as piquing their interest in the upcoming classic.

When it boils down to it, everyone learns differently. I would be foolish to disallow myself a strategy that may better my students' experiences as readers.

Of the "star-crossed lovers" from District 12

I must confess--I'm quite behind on these blog posts (as far as class is concerned). Several weeks ago, we read a highly lauded dystopian novel called The Hunger Games.

The Hunger Games is about two young adults from District 12 of Panem, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, who are chosen to compete in one of the most popular competitions of their time--the hunger games. All twelve districts of Panem send a male and a female tribute (age twelve to eighteen) to the Capitol for the games; all twelve districts watch with bated breath. The game, you see, is survival, and the sole winner receives the prize--life. Without intention, Katniss and Peeta change the role of this game and perhaps even the Capitol itself.

Suzanne Collins (author, The Hunger Games) is not the first to tell this story, nor will she be the last. The first tale of sacrificial youth dates back to the ancient Greeks with the story of Theseus. The story has been simplified for children, intensified for adults and, in The Hunger Games, reimagined for teenagers.

Though the writing style is simple, the overarching theme of the book is far more complicated. Hidden among the unique post-apocalyptic world of fights to the death and teenage romance you'll find stimulating discussion points concerning the human animal, the abuse of political power and socioeconomic stratification. Because of the simplicity mentioned earlier, this novel can be taught as a modernization of any of its many precursors (preferably relating to Greek mythology) without providing undue stress on students.

New direction?

I haven't posted in a long time because I haven't really had much to post--I created this blog with the intention of reviewing and discussing novels, plays, short stories, etc, but I don't really have time to read right now. When I read anything, I read with a pencil, and all of my books are abused beyond recognition. I wouldn't enjoy reading any other way, but it is very time consuming. I've got nine classes this semester, I'll be taking another two online over the summer and then eight again in the fall, so my plate is pretty full.

Still, I miss this. What little I've written on here, I have enjoyed, but I have no desire to create an online journal (see my cyberbulling entry for a little more of my opinion on things of that nature). I want to write, and I want to write NOT about my life....

...so I'm thinking of taking this blog in a new direction. In lieu of reviews and critiques, I think I'll start posting creative pieces. It seems to be that it would be a great way to think through things, and posting online means that I don't have to see any actual initial reactions to my pieces. People can comment if they'd like, but they most certainly don't have to.

I haven't written creatively in a long time, but I recently had to have a piece for my Secondary Writing Instruction class. I ended up being happier with it than I anticipated; like most others, I am very critical of my own work. Even better, the professor was happy with it--I didn't get full points on the piece, but she suggested on the front page that I consider publishing it one day.

That blew me away. It intrigued me as well. The problem, however, is that I could barely show that piece to my friends and peer editing review group, let alone attempt to publish it in a magazine or journal or (gulp) book. That sort of judgment on something so personal absolutely terrifies me. My piece is my piece, and I don't want anyone telling me it's not good enough.

Then I had an idea--this could be a nice starting point for me. I'm not delusional enough to think that people actually keep up with my blog (especially after I abandoned it for so long), but I think just posting pieces will help me get used to letting them go out into the dangerous world.

I'm still scared--I'm not going to lie--because so often I write things that I am afraid to say. In my creative piece for the class I mentioned above, I confronted my parents about every viewpoint we don't share. Once that's on the internet, there's no taking it back. Anyone can see it, steal it....man that's scary.