Ethan Frome: A Darkness Without Dawn. (G Bell, due Dec. 14)

Consider this line from Florence + The Machine's "Cosmic Love": 'I was in the darkness, so darkness I became'. Is this true? Do one's environs merely reflect the inner soul, or do they dictate emotions and sentiments?

Using the work Ethan Frome, defend the thesis that surroundings and circumstances can alter a character's feelings and expressions. First, take into account the 'darkness' in Wharton's own life that led her to create a triumvirate of sallow and anemic characters caught in a triangle of frustrated love. Use a biography located on Bloom's Literary Reference (a good example: http://www.fofweb.com/Lit/default.asp?ItemID=WE54). Next, focus on a single character and examine how the harsh New England landscape has also worked to drag him or her into a abyss of darkness.

Posted by Bracey and Alexander Saturday, December 4th 2010

G Bell Glass Menagerie due November 19th by midnight

Use your knowlege of William's style in The Glass Menagerie, and the techniques for creating a memory play to portray Tom's attitude and perspective as he looks back after leaving his family.

By: Caroline and Cassie

E Bell Glass Menagerie due Nov. 12

Freud has had several influences over psychology. He found many psychological disorders and categorized the mind into three sections: Id, Ego, and Superego. Use Freudian concepts to analyze a character and use textual evidence to support your answer.
(Maura and Josh)

F bell Glass Menagerie due November 11

In the memory play “The Glass Menagerie,” Tennessee Williams uses symbolism to further the understanding of his characters. The clearest example of his symbolism is the dancing sequence between Laura and Jim. As Laura and Jim become closer the glass figurine shatters and Laura’s world suffers the same damage as the figurine. Using examples of symbolism, find other examples of symbolism and motiffs throughout this play.

E Bell BLOG [due November 5 at midnight]

Tennessee Williams' problematic childhood influenced the subjects and themes he uses in The Glass Menagerie. He focuses on modernism, including the failures of capitalism, the failures of the family structure, the failures of fathers (perhaps even God), the failure associated with broken promises, and individual failure and reconciliation. Using textual evidence, show how events from Williams' childhood are reflected in at least two (2) of the aforementioned themes in The Glass Menagerie.The following links will be useful: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennessee_Williams
http://www.imagi-nation.com/moonstruck/clsc9.htm

- Grant DeMello & Will Russell