Analyzing the Rhetoric of Justice

During the past two days, we've analyzed King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" for signs of ethos, logos, pathos, and direct references to his oppositions' arguments.  As we've concluded, King initially relies heavily on logos and some ethos with short bursts -- and one extended explosion -- of pathos for several reasons.  With that said, consider the rest of King's speech.  What elements of rhetoric does he rely on?  Does he primarily use logos again or does be begin to increasingly use pathos?  Why does he take the rhetorical path that he does?  Please write at least 7-10 sentences and use at least three examples from the text of the speech (you can find it online easily if you left it at school) to prove your point.  Thank you and excited to read.

The Beauty of "Letter from Birmingham Jail"

One of the most cited documents in contemporary American letters, "Letter from Birmingham Jail" features line after line of memorable prose.  Which section did you enjoy most and/or find most appealing?  Why?  Please be sure to cite at least one line and explain your reasoning in detail, using 7-10 sentences.

Walks in the Woods

In class on Thursday, we discussed the variety of ways in which forests can convey meaning in a short story, novel or play.  Clearly, forests or woods feature prominently in both "A Worn Path" and "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge."  So, what is their figurative significance in both stories?  How do they function as critical settings in both works?  Please respond in at least 10 thoughtful sentences with citations from each work.

"A Worn Path" in the Woods

When you think of forests as potential settings in short stories, what first comes to mind?  In other words, what do you associate with the forest as a setting?  Moreover, what is the significance of the forest as a setting in Eudora Welty's classic "A Worn Path"? Please respond in 7-10 thoughtful and well-written sentences.

"You, who so well know the nature of my soul..."

In Poe's classic short story "The Cask of Amontillado," the narrator addresses a famous or infamous "You."  Whom do you think he is addressing? Why and how does your judgment affect your overall interpretation of the story and the motivations of the narrator?  Please complete the post in at least 10 thoughtful sentences.

A Taste for Literature

During the past three months, we've considered mostly essays and only a few short stories.  However, as I mentioned last week, we will now be shifting to focus almost exclusively on literature.  Given the works we've considered thus far, which is your favorite short story or novella and why?  Please defend your reasoning in 7-10 thoughtful sentences. 

"What Dreams May Come"

Judith Ortiz Cofer's "Silent Dancing" involves a recurring dream that haunts the author.  In this blogpost, describe a dream you've had that stays with you for some reason.  Try to interpret the dream in the context of your life when you had it.  What do you think it meant? Why did you have it when you did?  What did it tell you?  Please respond in AT LEAST 10 thoughtful sentences.

A Real "Wife" Yesterday and Today

Brady's essay was written in the specific cultural context of 1971.  Undoubtedly, many cultural changes have taken place since then, particularly changes in gender roles.  However, one could also argue that much remains the same.  In a blogpost of at least 7-10 thoughtful sentences, compare the stereotypical role of a wife now with the role Brady defines.  In addition to your own observations and experiences, consider contemporary images of wives that the media present -- for instance, in television advertising, dramas or sitcoms.

"The Story of an Hour," "Miss Brill," and "Araby": Common Ground?

Although written in different time periods and in different cultural contexts, the seemingly disparate works "The Story of an Hour," "Miss Brill," and "Araby" explore similar thematic territory.  How and why?  Please craft a thoughtful and well-written response of approximately 10 sentences in which you cite from each work at least once.  Thank you and looking forward to reading your responses.

Death and Justice?

During the first week of school, we have read two articles with contrasting opinions about whether the death penalty is just or unjust.  Indeed, David Bruck and Ed Koch have very different views.  However, what do you think?  Taking into consideration the arguments of these two thinkers and our discussion in class, do you think the death penalty is ever an appropriate form of punishment?  In crafting your answer, please respond in 7-10 thoughtful and well-written sentences.