One page essays for 11/12/09

1.) Nature vs. Nurture: Is being good or evil determined from one's environment and how they grew up, or is it possible for one to be born good/evil naturally?

2.) When one uses violence to fight violence, does it make them as monstrous as the opposing side? (for example, the rampant riots between Hindu and Muslims, and the continous battle for retaliation amongst themselves)

3.) Gandhi once said "The only devils are the ones running in our own hearts...that's where we should be fighting." Do you agree with his statement? Why or why not? Had the Hindus and Muslims followed this piece of advice, would all the slaughter be prevented?

4.) One of the main themes we see throughout the book is the art of deception. Some characters decieve others in order to survive, in hopes of living through a hell on earth. While the majority of others use it for selfish, greedy, and immoral reasons. Can deception be justified? OR does it make it right for anyone to break the law, even if it unfair? (for example, Gandhi defies the law of the British, yet still claims that he broke the unjust laws, and fully believes that he should be punished for it.)

5.) Again, going back to Nature vs. Nuture, is it possible for one to be born good or born evil?

6.) Discuss what makes a hero. Include descriptions of Iqbal and Jugga, and which one relates or qualifies as a hero. What kind of sacrificies are necessary so that the reader feels compelled to praise the character as a hero?

7.) Many times throughout the book, the reader witnesses how people of superior status look down upon others (Untouchables, government officials vs. regular citizens). The continuous deaths of many leaves the government (eventually) uncaring and unconcerned, to the extent that the masses of burning flesh provoke almost no remorse. Explain the relationship between the government and its' people, in the book Train to Pakistan.

~R.A.

Today's Journal Prompt

For your scene:

1. What happens?
2. What else is going on in Mano Majra at the time?
3. What does the interaction reveal about each character's personality?
4. What could the interaction symbolize about the relationship between the government of India and its people?

Outline Example

Below is a link to an example of an outline. Enjoy.

Outline Example

Works Cited Info

Your Source Cards are due next class. If you want to be sure that you have done everything in proper MLA format (which you need for the points), check out the guidelines on the FHS Library site:

http://www.falmouth.k12.ma.us/index.php/our-schools/Falmouth-High-School/fhacademics/fhlibrary/fhs-workscited

They don't include movie citations right there, so here is the guideline for that (again, be sure to tab in after the first line!):

An Inconvenient Truth. Dir. Davis Guggenheim. Perf. Al Gore, Billy West. Paramount, 2006. DVD.

Vocab (TRAIN1)

Kismet
Falsetto
Communal
Buttress
Adjutant
Antimony
Censorious
Charpoy
Precipitated
Extricated

one page essays

Would you fight for something you believed in, even if it meant risking your life?

Suicide happens by those that feel they have no way out, should suicide be considered a sin?

Would you defend a friend knowing they did something wrong?

-MAK

One Page Essay Ideas for 10.01.09

1.) The British are aware of the corruption they cause, but they believe that the end result, "civilization", will be worth it. Do you agree with "the end justifies the means" concept the British use? Why or why not?

2.) What does one do when all seems lost, and do you think that suicide should be an option?

3.) Can peace or harmony be achieved from violence?

4.) Why do you think the people of Umuofia maintain the belief that the egwugwu are gods when they are clearly masked humans?

5.) Do you think that Okonkwo is destined for tragedy, or was it his own free will that led him to his death?

6.) Is commiting suicide a cowardly or a brave act? Even for a nobel cause, is suicide beneficial to anyone?

7.) As the novel progresses, the reader sees that elders despair the destruction of their traditions/lifestyle, due to the fact that it will tear their kinmanship apart. Can Umuofia have different backgrounds/religions/lifestyle and yet still be united?

- R.A.