Mr. Rogers' blog

Monday, 26 October 2026

We've had our first round of presentations. TIME TO WRITE!

Block A & D

The neighbours believe they are acting reasonably and responsibly. Why does Munro make their actions feel disturbing to the reader?

To what extent is Mary morally responsible for what happens to Mrs. Fullerton?

Block C

How does King use humour and absurdity to criticize colonial attitudes toward Indigenous culture?

How does the story challenge the idea that museums are neutral places that simply preserve history?

Answer each question. Write a paragraph or more. Include at least one quote to support your position.

Why do some people walk away from Omelas instead of trying to rescue the child?
Which is more morally defensible: staying in Omelas or walking away?
What is the significance of the citizens seeing the child themselves, as opposed to simply knowing that it's there?
What does the story suggest about the relationship between comfort and morality?
In what ways can Omelas be interpreted as a criticism of real societies in which prosperity or comfort depends on the suffering of others?
Why does Le Guin leave the destination of those who walk away unexplained? What does this ambiguity add to the story?

We'll be revisiting these questions and other similar ones when we return this Wednesday/Thursday!

Mr. Rogers

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These are our topics for Animal Farm. You

To what extent is Squealer responsible for the animals’ suffering on Animal Farm? You may argue that Squealer is equally responsible because he spreads propaganda and defends Napoleon’s actions, or that he is less responsible because Napoleon holds the real power.
What is the main reason the pigs are able to gain control of Animal Farm: the animals’ lack of education or Napoleon’s use of fear and violence? You should choose which factor is more important and explain why.
Is Boxer’s loyalty more helpful or more harmful to Animal Farm? You may argue that his loyalty supports the farm and helps the animals survive, or that it allows Napoleon to gain more power without being questioned.

QUIZ ON FRIDAY!

Disheartened — feeling discouraged or losing hope
Rations — fixed amounts of food given to people or animals
Factions — smaller groups within a larger group that disagree with one another
Controversy — strong public disagreement about an issue
Canvass — to ask people for their opinions or support
Tactics — planned methods used to achieve a goal
Capitulated — stopped resisting and agreed to another person’s demands
Concealed — hidden or kept secret
Retribution — punishment given in return for a wrong action
Surrendered — gave up control or stopped fighting
Unaccountably — in a way that cannot easily be explained
Commissions — payments received for arranging sales or business deals

Class discussion - in groups we will work with these questions. Each group does a different one:

Are the animals still free? By Chapter 6, are the animals truly freer than they were under Mr. Jones? Consider their work, food, choices, and ability to disagree.
How does Squealer manipulate the truth? Identify the methods Squealer uses to persuade the animals. Why do the animals accept his explanations?
How is the windmill used to control the animals? Does the windmill represent hope, progress, manipulation, or all three? Who sacrifices for it, and who benefits?
Boxer: admirable or dangerously obedient? Are Boxer’s beliefs—“I will work harder” and “Napoleon is always right”—strengths, weaknesses, or both?
How are the Seven Commandments losing their power? Why do the animals doubt their own memories when the rule about beds changes? What does this show about literacy, memory, and power?

To answer the question - show reasons why your group thinks your answer is correct.