Their Eyes Were Watching This Blog

Greetings F Block English students. Over the course of the next few weeks we will be reading the novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston. During this time you will be required to post responses based on your interpretation of the text.Blog

Post Rules:
1. No inappropriate language.
2. Make sure to identify yourself so that you get homework credit for your post.
3. You may not repeat an option once you have submitted a post.
4. Extra Credit on your vocabulary average (2 points) each time you use a vocabulary word correctly when posting your response.
5. Extra credit on your homework average if you include an image which relates to your response.

Reader Response Options:
1. Characters and characterization - Comments concerning the major characters and choral characters in which one analyzes the creation (by means of speech, action, and gesture) of a sense of the moral, intellectual, and emotional qualities of the character. These comments will be based on your sense of how the character is identified and how the character is developing in the scene. This is a chance for you to also consider your personal connection to the character.

2. Setting & Location - The setting is where the story takes place and location of the action for the characters. Therefore, comments regarding this option should focus on how the location affects the tone of the story and mood for the audience. How does the location and setting help to develop the story. In this section, identify the specific locations by name, description and purpose.

3. Symbols and Imagery - Zora Neale Hurston's narration influences the story with symbols and imagery. Identify specific symbols and provide your interpretation. You may also identify lines from the novel in which the imagery has an effect on the tone, mood or characterization on the characters involved.

4. External and Internal Conflict - No story would be complete without some serious conflict. Identify the conflicts faced by the characters in the novel. There will be a large variety to choose from. You can discuss the conflict on a personal level and provide possible resolutions. You can also consider the causes of the conflict and the effects of the conflict on the the story.

5. Stages of the Hero Journey - This novel, like The Great Gatsby, completes The Hero Journey. Identify any of the 12 stages of the hero journey and explain how Joseph Campell's paradigm applies to the play.

6. Motifs - A motif is a recurring symbol, object, phrase, or action that repeats to emphasize a specific theme in a story. As the novel progresses you will begin to notice a number of motifs developing. Pay close attention to them as you will eventually do a group presentation concerning one of them. Identify a motif, explain where it appears in no less than two places in the play, and discuss its purpose.

7. Themes - Identify any of the central themes from the novel and illustrate how the author develops the theme through the use of literary devices, plot, and character action.

8. Language Appreciation & Interpretation - For this option, you may show your appreciation for Hurston's craftsmanship. Provide a line that moved you as a reader, provide the context and interpret it. Make an attempt to interpret the line even if you think you do not understand the line entirely. It may start a provocative discussion in class. You may simply like the way the line sounds. Tell us about it. The line may remind you of something entirely separate from the novel. Tell us about it. Be brave and interact with this play.

9. Author's Background - Apply Hurston's biographical information to the story and discuss how the characters, settings, and conflicts presented are a reflection of her attitude, influences and lifestyle.

10. Reaction to Peer Post - For this option, you will have the opportunity to react to a post made by one of your classmates. Maybe you agree with them and they stole your "thunder" but you have something to add to their commentary. Maybe you disagree and you would like to debate or clarify. Either way, interacting with your classmates on this blog is a bonus.