Fathering Words by E. Ethelbert Miller-Humanities I

Discuss the importance of Soren Kierkegaard’s excerpt, the notion of the double voice, and the borderline between memoir, autobiography, and fiction in Fathering Words. Finally, choose one allusion and explain the intertextuality between Miller’s textual personal mythology and the literary allusions. (Post one comment using MLA format- no less than 300 words.)

On Our Way to Beautiful by Yolanda Young-TW Classes

On Our Way to Beautiful captures a personal mythology. Yolanda Young embarks the reader on a personal journey. She urges us into a personal “space” in an effort to defining her identity. In doing so, she hopes that it is in this “space” of creation that we will find those words with which we can speak of ourselves and others. Discuss how Yolanda Young explores this introspective “space” and the emergence of social, political, and cultural identity formation. What effect does this have on you as a reader? Write a minimum of 250 words discussing the author’s unique perspective on relationships using textual evidence to back up your ideas.

The Invention of Everything Else by Samantha Hunt- Humanities Classes

Literature, at its best, goes beyond ordinary story-telling. It may grapple with small or big issues, but good literature should always provide enlightenment and insight. The title of the book stems from a discussion Tesla has with his favorite pigeon (?) about his newest invention, a small box. "A possibility machine that does every last thing you would ever conceive of if time were not finite…. The invention of everything else…" (p. 153). Why do you think the author chose this title for her book? Were you surprised to learn, or did you already know, that "Tesla" was the name of a Superman villain? What are your first reactions? What did you like most about the story and/or the book? Also what question(s) do you have about the book? Students should try their best to elaborate their answers. Write a minimum of 250 words discussing the author’s unique perspective on hope and imagining life’s possibilities.

China Men by Maxine Hong Kingston-TW -Both Classes

This forum is for specific discussion on China Men by Maxine Hong Kingston. What are your first reactions? What did you like most about the story and/or the book? Also what question(s) do you have about the book? “Most people judge the past by standards which don’t apply.” “But if no one judges, then history’s only meaningless facts.” China Men is a work of imagination. Nevertheless, the saga contains much historical information and raises a number of thematic questions, mainly the rewriting of the American History. Write a minimum of 250 words discussing the author’s perspective on her history and writing style.