The Crucible Blog Post #2: Evil

In your final writing assignment for The Crucible, focus on the theme of evil. In a detailed two-paragraph post, discuss something or someone from today's society that you would a) consider evil, or b) others may consider evil, though you believe it's misunderstood/mislabeled. Use your Google and your noodle. In addition, compare this present day example to the "evil" that may or may not have been present in Salem (be specific - mention characters!) during the events of the play. Be sure to include a creative yet appropriate title, a suitable picture, a link to an outside web site, and a quote from the play. Questions to get you thinking:

• Can a person be completely evil? Or is it just that their actions are evil? Or their mind?
• Who, if anyone, was evil in Salem, in your opinion? Explain your position.
• Do people commit evil acts of their own will or does their environment influence them?
• Why was Danforth so sure that Proctor was evil when he was just trying to tell the truth?
• Does evil exist in our world today? How is it different from how it seemed to pervade in Salem?

Don't forget to put your initials in the 'Labels' section before you publish your post!

The Godfather Blog Post #2: Separation

As we have recently read in The Godfather, there have been at least three different examples amongst the characters of severe separation between loved ones. Your assignment: find a song about separation (breaking up, losing a loved one, etc.) and write a two-paragraph blog post analyzing and comparing both the song you found about separation and one of the characters dealing with separation in the book. Your post should include a creative yet appropriate title, a picture, a quoted lyric (see quote button above) from your song, a quote from The Godfather that you can connect to your analysis, and your initials in the 'Labels' section. Some questions to consider when typing up your post:

• Which is worse - geographical separation or separation by death? Consider what Kay Adams does/does not know about Michael's whereabouts before jumping to the obvious conclusion!
• Why is separation (such as getting dumped or breaking up) such a popular theme in the field of songwriting? How does it affect the characters of The Godfather unlike the other themes discussed?
• Can songs communicate emotions about separation that perhaps the characters of The Godfather are unable or unwilling to admit? What do they do instead of expressing their grief?
• What's the absolute worst part of separating from a loved one, whether by death or otherwise? Which character seems to have the most trouble dealing with separation? How about in the song you chose?

Without an iPod or ideas? Try searching via Google for song lyrics about the topic or anything related (like break-ups or losing a loved one). Let me know if you have trouble finding something!

The Godfather Blog Post #1: Corruption

As we have just seen in finishing Book I of The Godfather, Michael has finally officially become corrupted by the Corleone family. Your assignment: research an act of corruption in the news or from history and conduct a 2-3 paragraph compare/contrast analysis between the real-life story of corruption you read about and Michael's unfortunate transformation in The Godfather. Your post should include a creative yet appropriate title, a picture, a link to the page (NOT Wikipedia, please) where you read about your subject, a quote from The Godfather that you can connect to your analysis, and your initials in the 'Labels' section. Some questions to consider when typing up your post:

• What sparks the desire to become corrupt within someone? Is it something they're conscious of or does it just happen? Explain.
• How much does one's environment and loved ones affect whether or not someone engages in corrupt activities? Explain.
• Are there some levels of corruption that are more accepted in our society than others? Why or why not?
• Does Michael still have a chance to redeem himself after his big act of corruption? Did or does the person(s) you researched? How or how not?

 Some places to research corruption in the news, around the world, or from the past: Google News, Star Tribune, BBC, and History Channel. Let me know if you find an article/information elsewhere!