Mr. C: Pondering the Subject of Book Reports 

The feelings of dread. The "oh my gosh, another assignment!" The growing, breathing, creeping anxiety! What has gone wrong that so many students view reading and writing in school in such a negative way? What can we do to change these notions? Is such a thing even possible?

Throughout the year, I have tried to help you respond to literature with passion as well as with critical insight. To that end, and to the purpose of viewing writing as an enjoyable activity, you will have two "unusual" choices for your project, both of which provide avenue for self-expression.

The Projects

Choice One: The Interview

Interview a character from your book.  Write a minimum of seven questions that will give the character the opportunity to discuss his / her thoughts and feelings about his / her role in the story.  As a supplement to the questions you write, please provide answers. Through your pen you will assume the role of two individuals: the interviewer and the interviewee. Essentially, your interview is a dialogue. Give thought to the questions you write. The answers to the questions should be written in such a way as to reflect the persona (personality) of the character. The questions and answers you compose will be evaluated upon your depth of insight into the book. In other words, your dialogue should go beyond summarizing the plot. Be creative and bring the character to life through your interview.

Choice Two: The Song

Write an original song that expresses the theme of the book. Loosely, theme is defined as "the central topic of a speech, book, sermon, essay, or other literary work." Your song should contain an appropriate number of stanzas, as well as a chorus. Your song should contain some of the literary elements studied during our activities on "The Highwayman" and "Annabel Lee," including but not limited to repetition, rhythm, and alliteration. One last word: Poetry and songs are a natural way to express our ideas and feelings about the world in which we live.  View this assignment as a way to creatively and skillfully express the ideas present in the book. 

Coleridge: "Poetry is the best words in the best order."

Due Date:

Rubric