English 12 Homework: Oryx and Crake: for Tuesday the 12th and onward.......

A Block:   Let's fill up the box for the Canned Food Drive!  Bring cans and other appropriate items for those in need.  Merry Christmas!

Oryx and Crake:  You are to have read the novel by the end of the day Thursday.

Themes and questions in Oryx and Crake:

1. This is a story of how language and the humanities make us human. Discuss and show.

2. Be prepared to discuss in class, Jimmy's thoughts, Page 316 - that "there was no longer any comfort in the words. There was nothing in them. It no longer delighted Jimmy to possess these small collections of letters that other people had forgotten about." Discuss, explain, and give examples.

3. How has the unchecked pursuit of scientific progress in this story dehumanized humankind? Give several examples. Add a few more examples from our world.

4. The decline of the language arts, and the displacement of literature by consumer and entertainment cultures creates superficial, flat people who are unable to evoke deeper human feelings or ideas. Discuss and show with real life examples.

**Read carefully, think about what is happening, take notes, come with discussion questions, and your ideas, and be prepared to share with the class. 

What are the moral questions in Oryx and Crake?  

**Show how these questions are already in play in our times.

You will work with your group to present your  understanding of the text and the major issues it shows, including in our times. NEXT WEEK.

5.  The Essay Prompt: 

  Atwood shows us that mankind has not learned

           enough of the ways of the world,

                and this ignorance will not

                      guide us to shelter.

          Without learning who we are in nature,

          We are just a miracle that leaps from

                      
                      Tower   to    Tower

                                       
                                                    and 

                                             amounts        
                                                                                                           to 
                                                          nothing.

You will come with your Essay Outline on January 8th and begin writing. You will have three days to finish.