ENGLISH 11A: WORLD LITERATURE JOURNAL PROMPTS FIRST TRIMESTER

Journal #1: Vocab. Correctly use the vocabulary words from page 21 to write a paragraph that creatively describes the first day of school.

Journal #2: Willing to Die Imagine you would be willing to die for a friend. For what reasons would you be willing to die? Now the table is turned and you must watch a friend die for you. Describe how that feels.

Journal #3: Copycat? The Utnapishtim version of the flood story is roughly 1300 years older than the Noah version. Does this mean that the biblical version is copied from the Babylonian version? If so, then how do you explain the differences between the two versions? If not, then how do you explain the similarities?

JOURNAL #4-Vocab: Using the vocabulary words for Oedipus Rex on page 202, write a dialogue between an authority figure and a subordinate (boss & worker,child & parent, teacher & student, etc.).

JOURNAL #5: It’s A Tragedy Define human tragedy. What emotions does tragedy evoke in the witnesses (hear, see, read, etc.)? What would make the same terrible incident a “tragedy” in one situation but not in another? Explain and provide an example.

Journal #6: The Good, Bad and the Ugly Describe the pros and cons of Oedipus’ character/personality.

Journal #7: My Prediction In ½ page, in complete sentences, write out your prediction as to what will happen in the final scene of the play. You may include dialogue or lines that you think will be spoken.

Journal #8: In Translation Read lines of the Exodos on page 256. What is Oedipus saying here? Do you agree with him? Explain why or why not.

Journal #9: Whose to Blame? In a thoughtful 5-7 sentence paragraph, tell whether you think the tragedy that happened in Oedipus Rex was Oedipus’ fault (free will) or out of his control (fate). Give specific reasons and examples as to why you think what you think. Write using complete sentences with details and clear explanations.

JOURNAL #10: To Delay or Not to Delay? Gratification: state of great satisfaction; something that provides pleasure or enjoyment. A. Based upon the definition of gratification; brainstorm a list that represents things that gratify you. B. Explain what it means to “delay gratification”. C. Should gratification ever be “delayed”? Include specific examples in your answer.

JOURNAL #11: CARP DIEM What does Carpe Diem mean to you? Provide specific real life examples. What is your stance on Carpe Diem? Do you agree with it or disagree? Explain your stance using specific examples.

JOURNAL #12: Now vs. Later Explain the difference between “Carpe Diem” and “Delaying Gratification.” Is it possible to live your life according to both principles, or are they mutually exclusive? Explain.

JOURNAL #13: Tao Read Taoist writing #2 on page 414. Write a paraphrase (not a summary) of Taoist writing #2. Should be equal in length Write your reaction, thoughts to the selection. (Like/dislike, agree/disagree) and why. What real life situations could you see these beliefs applying or not applying to?

JOURNAL #14: TANKA Choose one of the Tanka poems on pages and argue why it is the best of the set. Journal must be at least ½ page long and be structured with a topic sentence and details used to argue your point.

JOURNAL #15: Know Your Place Explain what the roles of the wife and the children seem to be in this culture in the first part of the epic. Cite details to support your answer. Do the people in the story seem to believe in fate? Explain your answers with examples from the story.

JOURNAL #16: MORALS What is the moral of the “Fisherman and the Jinnee”? Give at least one example from the story to prove your answer. Explain why that is the moral based upon your example.