Kite Fighting
Sunday, May 2, 2010
What is Going to Happen to the Milk?
Three months pass between the death of Old Major and the actual animal revolt. What were some of the animals doing as they waited? How do their actions foreshadow the possibility that things may not play out as equitably as Old Major had hoped?
Rebellion! Will the Lives of the Animals Improve?
"Man is the only creature that consumes without producing," states Old Major, the older, benevolent boar who first inspires the animals on Manor Farm to consider rebellion rather continued submission. During his speech he clearly points out all the reasons why life would be better for the animals if they were to assume control over their own situation and expel Farmer Jones. However, as he speaks, we get the perfect opportunity to watch the animals and learn about them. What particular characteristics or stereotypes do you begin to associate with what animal and why do you think that characteristic could help or hinder a successful rebellion?
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
House of Sand and Fog: A Choice Response
Although we have discussed this film in class and online, there are still areas worth a more thorough examination. Select one of the following prompts below and respond in a responsible and thoughtful manner.
1. In the movie, the house in dispute is not just a house. It also symbolizes different things for Kathy and Mr. Behrani. What does the house symbolize for each of them?
2. There are several instances of bird imagery (verbal and /or visual) in the film. Describe three instances of this imagery in the film and explain its significance.
3. Compare and contrast the immigrant experiences of Baba and Amir (Kite Runner) with those of the Behrani family (House of Sand and Fog). Be sure to include both similarities and differences that go beyond the superficial.
4. Why did Colonel Behrani kill himself and his wife?
1. In the movie, the house in dispute is not just a house. It also symbolizes different things for Kathy and Mr. Behrani. What does the house symbolize for each of them?
2. There are several instances of bird imagery (verbal and /or visual) in the film. Describe three instances of this imagery in the film and explain its significance.
3. Compare and contrast the immigrant experiences of Baba and Amir (Kite Runner) with those of the Behrani family (House of Sand and Fog). Be sure to include both similarities and differences that go beyond the superficial.
4. Why did Colonel Behrani kill himself and his wife?
Monday, April 19, 2010
House of Sand and Fog: The Escalating Conflict
As you have been viewing the film and noting some of the similarities to events and/or characters in Kite Runner, what do you think are some of the specific causes to the escalating conflict between the Colonel and Cathy and between the Colonel and Lester? What specific prejudices or assumptions do the characters make, limiting their inability to communicate effectively? What about the Colonel's wife and son, Cathy's mother and brother, and even Lester's wife?
Intermission: Discussing and Viewing House of Sand and Fog
As we continue to view the film House of Sand and Fog we have had many opportunities to discuss characters, particular events, and themes. We noted the similarities between the Colonel and Baba from Kite Runner. We couldn't miss the obvious cultural conflicts that escalated the tension between Lester and the Colonel or the pride that contributed to the destruction of three families. However, we haven't really talked about the imagery - the trees, the birds, or all the fog and sand that seamlessly link the story events together. Why are they there? What do they mean? In today's blog response select just one of those repeating images and tell us what you think it might mean and how it figures into the story. (Oh, you cannot say a tree is just a tree here.)
Monday, March 29, 2010
"Why are you here?" asks Farid. "I mean, why are you really here?"
When Farid poses that question to Amir the night before they plan to meet the Taliban leader whom they hope will help them recover Sohrab, Amir replies, "For the boy." Yet that response isn't enough for Farid. Years and years of cultural values and beliefs force him to push Amir more and he then asks, "What I mean to ask is why that boy? You come all the way from America for....a Shi'a? This, of course, kills all the laughter in Amir. In what way has this cultural perspective, and/or cultural discrimination, shaped and twisted not only Amir's life, but that of his father's life, and even the lives of his fellow Afghans? As you continue to read chapters 21, 22, and 23, please reflect on the events and circumstances discussed in earlier chapters and tell me how good men, men like Baba, Rahim Kahn, Amir, Farid, and even Baba's father, find themselves perpetuating a cultural practice they know devalues and dismisses a segment of their own society? Do you think it had to be this way? Why or why not? (In responding to this question, please feel free to extend your opinion through text-to-text or text-to-world connections.)
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