Troll Island Notes 12.9.20

Please pay attention to directions and due dates.  Do not turn in anything before the due date. 

L 7-8

Read ch. 7 and answer the questions in complete sentences. Due Thursday, 12.10.

1. List 3 ways in which Kit's "date" with William is different from modern dating.

2. What does William say that angers Uncle Matthew?

3. What are 2 ways in which Uncle Matthew acts rudely?

4. According to Judith, what is the meaning of the fact that William is building a house?

5. As Kit thinks about the date, what is one thing that really bothers her about William?

6.  On the other hand, what does she find especially attractive about him, other than his looks?

L 9-10

For Thursday, 12.10, read "The Devil and Daniel Webster" by Stephen Vincent Benet.  Use the book questions to test your comprehension, but you do not have to write them out.

Once you have finished reading, respond to the story (do not summarize it).  If you have questions, ask them.  What did you think about the story as a whole?  Why? Does it remind you of any other stories, books, movies, or TV shows?  Explain how.  What parts did you especially like?  Why?  Was there anything in the story that you found objectionable?  What was it, and why? 

Your response should be in paragraph form, thoughtful and accurate. Use standard English conventions. It should be about 150 words, but you may make it longer. 

WL

Continue your reading of Ivan Ilyich.  It should be completed no later than Monday, but I will be asking you for a second update on Friday.

TK

Your forest essay is due Friday.

B 7-8

Read II Kings 3 and respond.  Due Friday, 12.11.

1. Why does the Bible say that the new king of Israel, Joram, was better than Ahab?

Omri founded the dynasty by defeating Zimri and Tibni.  He established Samaria as the new capital.

His son Ahab was even more wicked.  He was dominated by his evil wife, Jezebel, but at times he also came under Elijah's influence. He died disobeying the Lord at Ramoth-Gilead.

His son Ahaziah became king.  During his short reign he was viciously opposed to Elijah.

Because Ahaziah had no male children to rule after him, another son of Ahab, Joram, became king after Ahaziah's death.  Omri's dynasty will end with his death.

2.  Did you read and understand the paragraphs above?  Ask a question if you have one.

3. What prompted the invasion of Moab?

4. Locate Israel, Judah, Moab, and Edom on this map.  If you found all four, use a smiley face.

5. Jehoshaphat is involved in this story.  How was he involved in Ahab's story?

6. Why do you think the three kings decided to attack by way of the Desert of Edom?

7. How specifically did the plan fail?

8. Elisha is there.  According to his own words, why is he willing to help?

9. Make an educated guess about why Elisha wanted a harp to play when he was about to prophesy.  Ask a wise older person or check a Bible commentary if you wish.

10. What "crazy" command did Elisha give to the kings?

11. What are 2 predictions that Elisha made?

12. The Moabites misinterpreted what they thought they saw from a distance.  Explain how it led to a fatal mistake.

13. At the end, the king of Moab makes an act of complete desperation that seem to work.  What did he do?

14. How does this action resemble I Kings 16:34?

B 9-10

Read Gen. 40.  Write and answer 10 how and why questions about the chapter. Due Thursday, 12.10.

F1

Read this article (in English) about Christmas in France.  Turn on your sound and listen to the sound files included.  Then answer the following questions that correspond to the numbered sections of the article. Due Friday, 12.11.

1. In general, how does the celebration of Christmas in France differ from that of the US?

2. a. What are Christmas lights called in French?  b. Where are you most likely to find them?

3. What is a distinctive French custom?

4. a. How do you say "Merry Christmas" in French? b. When do people usually say it?

5. Traditionally, when is the Christmas meal eaten?

6. Do French people still send Christmas cards?

7. a. What is "L'Avent"? b. What is one custom associated with it?

8. a. What is a "crèche"?  b. What is a "santon"?

9. According to Roman Catholic tradition, when is the Christmas tree (le sapin de Noel) put up and taken down?

10. a. What is a "marche de Noel"?  b. What is "le pain d'epice"?

11. Is caroling popular?

12. What is St. Nicholas' Day?

13. What does the author say about French Christmas food?

14. What is the significance of January 6? 

F2

Keep working on your independent reading, journals, text marks.  You should have a total of 4 journal entries for this week by Monday. 

F3

Do the same assignment as French 1 above.

Troll Island Notes 12.8.20

L 7-8

Although Dr. Bulkeley and Matthew Wood are both Puritans and have much in common when it comes to religion, they sharply differ when it comes to politics.  Both consider themselves to be loyal Englishmen (remember Connecticut was still a colony in 1687), but Dr. Bulkeley takes a more submissive approach to the king (James II), whereas Uncle Matthew is suspicious of the monarch.  James II was a Roman Catholic, and people like Uncle Matthew wanted nothing to do with Roman Catholics.  It is a case of submission versus suspicion.

More specifically, Dr. Bulkeley seems less upset with the new governor, Andros, who was appointed by the king, not elected.  He also believes that the king has the right to change the colony's charter, its founding document.  Uncle Matthew, on the other hand, dislikes the new governor and believes that  even the king has no right to change the charter.  Because Connecticut is so far from England, many people had gotten used to governing themselves, more or less, without "interference" from either the king or his governor. Uncle Matthew wants to keep it this way.

As a small indication of this difference between Matthew Wood and Dr. Bulkeley, look at how they each treat Kit.  Uncle Matthew doesn't care for her unquestioning loyalty to the king--yet another reason for him to dislike her.  Dr. Bulkeley, though, is impressed with the fact that she is the grand-daughter of Sir Francis Tyler.  That noble title makes a positive impression on the good doctor; but as far as her uncle is concerned, that same title is more of a black mark than anything else.

1. Did you read and understand the above paragraphs?  If you have any questions, ask.

2. Why is it that John Holbrook seems so different now than when she talked to him on the ship?

3. How is John's reading different from Uncle Matthew's?  Be specific.

4. How does Dr. Bulkeley use the Bible to "score" off of Uncle Matthew?

5. What is William Ashby's request to Uncle Matthew, and what does it mean?

6.  Why is Judith not more upset about this request?

Due Wednesday, 12.9.

L 9-10

For Thursday, 12.10, read "The Devil and Dan'el Webster" by Stephen Vincent Benet.  Use the book questions to test your comprehension, but you do not have to write them out.

Once you have finished reading, respond to the story (do not summarize it).  If you have questions, ask them.  What did you think about the story as a whole?  Why? Does it remind you of any other stories, books, movies, or TV shows?  Explain how.  What parts did you especially like?  Why?  Was there anything in the story that you found objectionable?  What was it, and why? 

Your response should be in paragraph form, thoughtful and accurate. Use standard English conventions. It should be about 150 words, but you may make it longer. 

WL

Tell me about what you have read so far.  Ask any questions that you have. 

Due Wednesday, 12.9.

B 7-8

Read II Kings 2:23-25 and respond in complete sentences.  Due on Wednesday, 12.9.

1.  This story happens at Bethel.  What is the background of that town?

2. According to class discussion, what are 2 things the youths may mean when they say, "Go on up"?

3.  What makes this situation so dangerous for Elisha?

According to what the Bible teaches, vulnerable people are particularly under God's care.  This might mean older people (as Elisha may be), people who are alone (as Elisha is), women (especially those without a male protector), children, the poor, the stranger, the mentally or physically disabled, and so on.  Harming people such as these--physically, emotionally, or spiritually--is especially serious in God's sight. 

4. Did you read and understand the paragraph above?  Ask a question if you have one.

5.  Here are some examples--a few out of many.  State each passage in your own words.

     a. Exodus 22:21;   b. Ex. 22:22-24;   c. Leviticus 19:14; d. Deuteronomy 24:14;  e. Dt. 24:19-22; f. Proverbs 19:17; g. Matthew 18:6. 

6.  What curse did Elisha call down upon the youths?

7. Next, Elisha goes to Mount Carmel.  What happened there earlier?

8. He finishes his trip in the city of Samaria.  Why is this an important city?

B 9-10

Read Genesis 39 and respond. 

1.  Summarize the story in about 100 words.

2.  How does it relate to ch. 38?  (30 words)

Due Wednesday, 12. 9.

F1

Return to "Le Visage" page here.  Make a chart of 3 columns. 

In the first column, write the following French words vertically: le front, la barbe, le menton, la langue, la joue, le cil, le sourcil, la levre. 

In the second column, write the English equivalents for the above.

In the third column, provide a mem for each of the 8 French words.  Explain the connection briefly.

Make your chart neat and accurate.

Due Wednesday, 12.9.

F2

Continue working on your reading and journals. 

F3

For Wednesday, write and answer 10 questions based on the final chapters that you finished.  Send them to me as a Google Docs attachment to my school email address (see above). 

Troll Island Notes 12.7.20

Follow directions.  Turn in your best work, and turn it in on time.  Clearly fill in the subject line with your name, the date, and the assignment title. 

L 7-8

Review of Witch 1-5.  Respond on Tuesday, 12.8 in a Google Docs attachment to jstark@rtcsonline.org.  Use complete sentences with the specified number of words.

1. Explain how Kit's clothing is a source of conflict. (20 words) 

2. Explain how the Puritan worship service is difficult for her. (20). 

3. She gets along well with certain people like Aunt Rachel and Mercy.  However, Uncle Matthew and Judith are a different matter.  Explain why there is so much tension in these relationships.  (30) 

 4.  There is a different sort of tension between Kit and Goodwife Cruff.  Explain why. (30)

L 9-10

Answer the following questions on "Everyday Use."  Respond on Tuesday, 12.8 in a Google Docs attachment to jstark@rtcsonline.org. 

1.  Maggie says that Dee (Wangero) never had any friends.How does she act with her own family that shows that this is still probably true?  Give several specific examples of her bad behavior. (50 words).

2.  What is odd about the man that Dee (Wangero) brings with her?

3. Discuss the relationship that Dee and Maggie had growing up. (30)

4.  How does the narrator describe herself?  (20)

5.  Describe the conflict about the quilt, including the narrator's decision.  (50)

6. Explain why you think the narrator made the decision she did.  (20)

7.  Do you agree with her decision?  Why or why not?

8. State in one sentence what you think the theme of the story is.

WL

Our next text will be The Death of Ivan Ilyich, by Leo Tolstoy. Tolstoy was a great Russian writer and thinker of the nineteenth century, best known for the novel War and Peace (which Sonya has read!).  This novella (short novel) begins on p. 155 of the book you can pick up at the school office, The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories.  It is also available online in another translation.  Here is ch. 1. 

Read the novella for Monday, Dec. 14.  As you do so, mark a sparkle for each chapter.  If we are in person, you will share them then.  If not, we will do something else.  When (not if) you have questions, ask them by email at jstark@rtcsonline.org.

Note that the story begins at the end.  The rest of the story is more or less in chronological order. 

TK

For Friday: Describe the distinctive qualities of the three forests we have encountered so far: the Old Forest, Lothlorien, and Fangorn.  (150 words).  Respond in a Google Docs attachment sent to my school email (see above). 

B 7-8

Review of II Kings 2: 19-22.  Respond in a Google Docs attachment sent to my school email (see above).  Use your class notes, if you wish.

1. What city does this take place in?

2. Give some of the OT background of the city.

3. There is a water problem.  Explain what it is.

4.  During Elijah's time there was also a water problem.  What was it?

5.  Why does the bowl have to be new?

6. What is the point of using salt to "heal" the water, as explained in class?

7.  Explain how this is a "resurrection" story that points to Jesus Christ. 

B 9-10

For Tuesday: Finish reading Gen. 38 and respond in a Google document sent to my email address (see above).

1. Why is Judah's response to Tamar's pregnancy so hypocritical?

2. How does Tamar reveal who the father of her child is?

3. One could argue that Tamar has not been righteous.  Explain.

4.  Nevertheless, Judah says that she has been more righteous than he.  Explain.

5.  Tamar has twins.  Who else has had twins before this?  Who were the twins?

6.  Explain how these twins struggled.

7. Explain how their names are a reflection of this struggle. 

8. This story comes up in Matthew 1:3.  Why?

F1

Begin learning the face / head vocabulary here. 

F2

Continue your French reading for about a half an hour per day (minimum).  Continue writing journal summaries and marking new or unfamiliar words and phrases.  I will collect them next week if we are in person; otherwise, we will make other arrangements. 

F3

For Wednesday, write and answer 10 questions based on the final chapters that you finished.  Send them to me as a Google Docs attachment to my school email address (see above). 

Dec. 4

 L 7-8

Read & know Witch 6: tension during the meal, after the meal, and after the guests leave--what's going on?

L 9-10

Read & know "Everyday Use."  Use book questions to check comprehension.

WL

No assignment.

TK

TT 3:4.

B 7-8

We are working on the story of Elisha and the menacing youths--II Kings 2.

B 9-10

We are working on Gen. 38--hypocritical Judah and his daughter-in-law, Tamar.

F1

Quiz Monday on Sophie vocabulary.

F2

Finish your current chapter, including journal and text marks.

F3

Finish Taureau.

Dec. 3

L 7-8

No new reading assignment.  We are taking a little extra time for ch. 5. 

L 9-10

Read and know "The Good Deed" by Pearl Buck.  Use the book questions to help you.

WL

Tomorrow, AP students will be writing an in-class essay (see handout) while the rest of the class will be taking a test on The Inferno focused on the wall words.

TK

The Two Towers: Book 3, chapters 2 and 3 for tomorrow. 

B 7-8

We have begun working on the story of Elisha healing the water--II Kings 2.

B 9-10

Review Genesis 37.  We have begun work on another "wholesome" story in ch. 38.

F1

Review vocab for "Le Tresor de Sophie," Parts 1 & 2.  Expect a quiz on Monday. 

F2

Complete your individual assignments for tomorrow.

F3

Taureau ch. 5 due tomorrow. 

Dec. 2

L 7-8

Kit isn't very good at a lot of things, including carding wool.  Watch this short video to see how it's done well.

Read and know Witch 5.  Why is church so horrible for Kit?  Is there an up side? 

L 9-10

No assignment, but absentees should work on makeup reading.

WL

We are reviewing Inferno in preparation for a test on Friday.

B 7-8

Review II Kings 2:1-18.

B 9-10

We are working on Gen. 37--Joseph is not a spoiled brat, but a very Christlike young man.

F1

Review "Les Parties du Corps" for tomorrow.

F2

Finish assigned reading and journals for Friday.

F3

Ch. 5 for Friday.

Dec. 1

L 7-8

Read and know Witch 4.  What's something new we learn about Kit's background?  Why are the levels of stress rising, especially between Kit and her uncle and between Kit and Judith?

L 9-10

Read and know "The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World."  Use the book questions to help your comprehension.

WL

Finish The Inferno. 

B 7-8

We are finishing the story of Elijah's departure in II Kings 2.

B 9-10

We have begun the story of Joseph in Gen. 37.

F1

Review Le corps for at least 15 minutes.

F2A

Continue Fantome.

F2B

Continue Normandie.

F3

We are working on Taureau.