Lord of the Flies - LOF

Miranda asked a question a week ago in class about the title of the book, "Lord of the Flies". In today's reading we get to examine the title as it shows up in the text.
Use this quote from the reading to explain what the Lord of the Flies is and what it means to you. (Hint: this is a difficult, analytical question).

"....the Lord of the Flies hung on his stick and grinned. At last Simon gave up and looked back; saw the white teeth and dim eyes, the blood- and his gaze was held by that ancient, inescapable recognition. In Simon's right temple, a pulse began to beat on the brain."

Endangered Habitats

Topic: Endangered Habitats

In addition to individual species needing protection, researchers have begun to identify entire ecosystems which have almost disappeared. If these habitats are lost, the many kinds of plant and animal species which depend upon the habitats will also disappear. Below are examples of some of the most critically endangered ecosystems:

• Atlantic white-cedar stands in Virginia and North Carolina
• California native grasslands
• Eastern U.S. old-growth forests
• Florida dry prairies
• Louisiana wet coastal prairies
• Midwestern tallgrass prairies and oak savannas
• Southeastern U.S. coastal longleaf pine forests
• Vermont lake sand beaches
• Wisconsin sedge meadows

Question to Ponder: Why should we care about these endangered habitats? Is it a big deal habitats are disappearing?

Please answer this in at least one paragraph 4-6 sentences.

FEAR - LOF

As Ralph and Jack climb towards the beast, they encounter many fears. And when they come face to face with the beast, they react to those fears.

Please tell a quick story about your most fearful moment OR detail what it is you most fear.

Ron Burkhart - Reader

Evaluation Day - LOF

A few months have passed on the island and the boys are dealing with lots of issues: fire and smoke for a possible rescue, hunting, forming social groups, anger, boredom....the list goes on and on. Now it's time as a reader to take inventory and see if you can sort out the main characters and how they are doing. This is called character development. Here is your assignment:

For each of these characters - real or imaginary - write a "progress report" for their time on the island. This should be at least two sentences each and can discuss any of their physical, emotional, spiritual or personal growth or decline.

PIGGY

RALPH

JACK

SIMON

The LITTLE ONES

The BEAST

Benefits of Trees

Topic to Ponder: What are all of the benefits of trees? Consider, not just the birds, but the fish, insects, humans, children, bats, squirrels, burning of fossil fuels, air quality, water quality, soil quality, habitat, food, shelter, spiders, chipmunks, weasels, bear, owls, etc.

Need I say more?

Predictions anyone? - LOF

The battle between the hunters and the "fire keepers" is raging! Jack and Ralph are the two natural leaders. Now we are introduced to a "Beast from the Air"!

Your blog comments today are to be made about two thoughts:

1. What do you think the beast is that comes from the air? Please explain in detail.

2. Make an educated predicition for the outcome of this story (we are half way through the novel). Please use actual happenings from the book and some common sense to explain your answer.

Gun Control

Topic: Gun Control

Question to Ponder: Should laws be passed to limit gun ownership further?

Background Info: Gun laws vary widely from country to country, so this topic focuses upon arguments for tightening gun laws in principle. Particular debates might center upon different categories of guns (for example automatic weapons, handguns or shotguns), licensing requirements for ownership, the right to carry concealed weapons, or requirements that manufacturers increase the safety features on their weapons. The USA is exceptional in protecting the right to own firearms in the Second Amendment to its Constitution, and gun control has been a major issue in American politics over the last few years, partly due to a series of tragic massacres involving children.

Directions: Please develop an argument FOR or AGAINST the topic of laws to limit gun ownership. Please go to the following LINK for more information to develop your argument.


Your response should be typed in complete sentences and spell checked.

The Beast Within - LOF

Our young friend Simon doesn't have alot to say, but when he does say something, it is profound. During the chapter called Beast From the Water, Simon says, "What I mean is....maybe it's only us?" How are the boys the BEAST?

THE SEPARATION - LOF

Jack and Ralph are two boys with different personalities. How can they co-exist on this island? Please use the quote from the novel to explain what has happened to them. See if you can tell me what this quote means and what it could mean to the story:
"So Ralph asserted his chieftanship and could not have chosen a better way if he had thought for days. Against his weapon, so indefinable and so effective, Jack was powerless and raged without knowing why. By the time the pile was built, they were on different sides of a high barrier."

CHRISTOPER GARDNER

Topic: An evening with Christopher Gardner

Please respond to the following prompts:
(1) Chris Gardner talked a lot about overcoming “life” in order to achieve his dream of becoming a stock broker on Wall Street. Have you ever felt like there was something that you were passionate about achieving in your life? What was it? Explain.

(2) Becoming a stock broker on Wall Street with only a high school diploma, these days, seems nearly impossible. It is a cutthroat world out there. What are your career dreams and what are some of the steps you need to take in order to achieve them?

(3) Do you think you really understand the reality of achieving your dreams? What are some characteristics it takes to make your dreams come true? Explain these characteristics.

(4) On a side note: If you attended the dinner and the presentation, what did you like best about the evening and did anything Chris say resonate with you?

Please proof your work prior to posting!

Strange Things Happen - LOF

The boys are getting familiar with the routine of the island and are getting to know each other. Once in a while we meet people we doubt we will ever talk with, much less befriend. Tell a story of someone you know personally, or are friends with, who you never would have expected to befriend.

Alone - LOF

Simon finds a place on the island where he can be alone after all the chaos that has taken place with the boys.
Do you find value in being alone sometimes? Why or why not? Is it important to be by yourself or is there no real value in it?