Of Mice and Men

All posts should be 200 words or more. You should use formal language and mechanics. Each blog is worth 10 points. I will accept them a day late for half credit, but no credit will be given after that.

Blog #1
Select one of the topics for debate from the anticipatory handout. Explain why you agree, disagree, or are unsure about the statement and your reasons for feeling this way.

Blog #2
What makes a friend? Why do we have friends?

Blog #3
How important is it for human beings to have a place where they belong, where there are people who know them and love them?

Blog #4
Why do dreams sometimes fail?

Blog #5
Define euthanasia. Then defend or condemn the practice. Justify your belief.

Blog #6
Who is your favorite character in this book? Explain your reasons for choosing him or her.

Romeo and Juliet reflection

Select five of the following questions and respond to them on your blogs.  Be sure that you specify which questions you are answering.  You need to have thoughtful, well-developed responses.

“Love and insight is better than love at first sight.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Was it right for Romeo and Juliet to run off and get married? Or was it foolish?  Or both?  Explain your response.

Was it right for Romeo and Juliet to kill themselves because of their love for each other?  Why or why not?

Was it wise of Friar Lawrence to give the potion to Juliet? Why or why not?

What do you think of Capulet’s orders that Juliet marry Paris? Was he correct to do so? Why or why not?

Would you have lied to your whole family if you were in Juliet’s position? Why or why not?

Do you think that The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is really a tragedy?  Explain your response.

Should Romeo have been punished for killing Tybalt? How should he have been punished?  Explain why you think this.

Do you think Juliet should have faked her death? Why or why not?

Why does Juliet kill herself when she could be free?

How would you feel if you were one of the parents in one of these families after all this happened?

Who was ultimately responsible for all of the death that occurred in the play?  Why?

Romeo and Juliet, Act 1

Question: What are your thoughts on Act 1?

Length: 200 words minimum

I want to hear what you think.  You may write about any aspect of the first act (or several aspects) that interested you.  If you have a hard time getting started, here are some suggestions (not requirements) of topics that you may want to think about.

• Are the characters like you expected them to be?
  
• Does Romeo really love Juliet?  Is true love at first sight possible?
  
• What about Rosaline?
  
• What did you think of the puns and the wordplay?
  
• What about the language in general?
  
• Do you have questions?  Insights?  Things you wish we could discuss more?
  
• If you've read the play before, how are your experiences or interpretations different this time around?