Rethinking the American Dream

1.     In The Epic of America, James Truslow Adams coined the term “the American Dream,” which he described as “a better, richer, and happier life for all our citizens of every rank.”  In his article “Rethinking the American Dream,” David Kamp suggests that modern day Americans have reinterpreted the American Dream to mean the acquisition of extreme wealth and fame. 

In your opinion, how does the character of Jay Gatsby—his background, his dreams, his actions—fit into these conceptions of the American dream?  Is he the embodiment of the American dream, or a corruption of the concept? 

Perilous Stuff

After reading "Perilous Stuff" and "Why I Wrote the Yellow Wallpaper" consider the following questions:

Who wrote "Perilous Stuff" and what possible motives might  you infer from how the letter writer signed at the end? Do you  agree or disagree with the writer who claims that "such  literature contains deadly peril."

Paraphrase Gilman's intention in writing "The Yellow Wallpaper" (based on her rationale from "Why I Wrote the Yellow Wallpaper"). Do you think she was successful? Why or why not? Use details from the articles as well as your own experience with the story as evidence.

Speeches on the Clinton/Lewinsky Scandal

Select one of the two Clinton speeches we read in class (the Map Room Speech 8/17/1998 and the Prayer Breakfast speech 9/11/1998) and evaluate how successfully Clinton uses persuasive techniques to convey his message.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read

In her essay, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read," Francine Prose is critical both of the quality of the literature being taught in high school classrooms (see her discussion of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and To Kill a Mockingbird) and the practice of using literary works to teach values.

Based on your own experiences, how valid are her criticisms?