To Build a Fire: ELL3

This story was so tragic!

1. What are the big mistakes that the main character makes on his journey?
2. Why did the man need to build a fire? (each time)
3. Why did the last fire go out?
4. How do we know that the man is too confident? Find examples in the story.
5. What emergency happens that causes the man to build a fire? Why is this event an emergency?
6. Why did the main character ignore the old man? (Use your own thinking!)
7. Where does this story take place and why is the man here?
8. Why does the man try to kill the dog, and why is he unable to do it?
9. In this desperate situation, how do the dog and the man differ in their ability to survive the cold?

Longer answer:

Can overconfidence ever be good or helpful?

Could this story have ended with the man's survival? What could he have done differently in order to survive?

PARAGRAPH(s)

PARAGRAPH(s)

Describe an ideal vacation. Think about these questions in your answer - why would you travel there? What activities would you plan? Who would you bring? 

Freud and Owell

Sigmund Freud, founder of psychoanalysis had much to say on the operation of our psychology. With a close look at Winston Smith in 1984, we see many opportunities for parallels. Check out the diagram in class for a little overview of his ideas.

All of the following quotes belong to Sigmund Freud:

• "Repression is the foundation on which the whole structure of psychoanalysis rests."
• "Dreams are the royal road to the unconscious."
• "Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways."

Find a parallel in part 1 for each quote. No need for citations from 1984 for this one. Simply identify a chapter and explain in a few sentences and elaborate on similarities.

And a tough one:

• "Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility."

You may have to interpret a little :)

ELL3: Choose 1!

PICK ONE!

1. In A Knight’s Tale, William pretends to be a nobleman to compete in jousting tournaments. How does the film show the idea of changing who you are? Do you think William’s actions are right or wrong? Use examples from the film to explain your answer.
2. William works very hard to go from being a peasant to a knight. How does the film show the challenges and rewards of following your dreams? Do you think hard work is enough to succeed, or do you also need luck? Explain your answer.