1. Journal 12.9.16 Author John Steinbeck of Of Mice and Men is considered one of America’s greatest Naturalist writers. Naturalist writing has few descriptions. Chapter 1, however, does provide ample description. Record 5 quotes with page numbers from Chapter 1 that illustrate Steinbeck’s use of description AND explain how each example of imagery aids the reader in understanding the context.

2. Journal 22.10-11.16 Naturalist writers, like John Steinbeck, author of Of Mice and Men, focus on the conflicts among social classes. Using Chapters 1-4, identify the struggles George and Lennie face as they tackle survival as migrant workers on the ranch. Explain how they are affected by poverty and homelessness, providing specific examples from the text. Respond in a WELL-FORMED PARAGRAPH.

3. Journal 32.15.16 In Of Mice and Men, many of the characters strive for the American Dream. Lennie and George want only to make enough money to buy their own land; however, the characters are robbed of their dream due to circumstances beyond their control. Reflect on your reading of the novel (Chapters 1-6); IDENTIFY and EXPLAIN 5 “turn of events” or reasons that ultimately cost George and Lennie their American Dream. Respond in a WELL-FORMED PARAGRAPH.

4. Journal 4 03.07.16 Chapter 1 of The Great Gatsby ends with the following quote, “he stretched out his arms toward the dark water…I glanced seaward— and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end of a dock.” Where is the green light? What might the green light symbolize? Explain. Other colors appear in the novel as well: pink, yellow, white, blue. Examine Chapters 1-5, and explain what these colors may indicate as well. Provide direct examples from the novel. Respond in a well- constructed paragraph.

5. Journal 5 03/08/2016 Chapter 5 of The Great Gatsby ends with Nick’s reflection, “There must have been moments even that afternoon when Daisy tumbled short of his dreams—not through her own fault, but because of his illusion.” What do the following phrases mean, “Daisy tumbled short of his dreams,” and “because of his illusion”? What is the nature of Gatsby and Daisy’s relationship? What is Gatsby’s “American Dream”? Do Gatsby and Daisy stand a chance at love? Why or why not? Use examples from the text to support your response. Respond in a well-formed paragraph.

6. Journal 6 03.14.16 The Great Gatsby ends with this iconic quote from American literature: “Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter– to-morrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther… And one fine morning--- So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” What does the green light symbolize for Gatsby at the beginning of the novel? What does it symbolize at the end of the novel? Why does Fitzgerald use the punctuation that he uses (commas and dashes)? What effect does this punctuation have? What advice is offered regarding treatment of the past and of dreams? What character in the novel could have benefited from this advice? Provide examples from the text to support your response. Respond in a well- formed paragraph.