Visual Analysis

Read this whole post as it contains the expectations for quality.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Now, we’re not going to write a thousand words, but pick two of the pictures below and compare them. Compare their visual elements. Compare their argument. Compare their effect on the viewer and the way those effects are created. As we just read Richard Selzer’s The Surgeon as Priest, how do the images you chose to analyze relate to that essay?
Really analyze these images. Don’t stop with something like, “This picture shows a scary looking surgeon and reinforces people’s fears about going under the knife.” Continue on with how that effect is created. What specifically in the image makes the surgeon look “scary”? Don’t forget colors, lighting, angle, medium, and other effects. Please blog your analysis for Monday.
I'll be looking for your connection to The Surgeon as Priest and the depth of your analysis. This score will, uncharacteristically, go in the writing category rather than the skill building category.

If you didn't get to see TTV, here's the link.

Shooting an Elephant Argument

Elephant trumpets, "Please don't shoot me!
Just write a good paper..."

Choose one of the following prompts.

Option 1

“Shooting an Elephant” concludes: And afterwards I was very glad that the coolie had been killed; it put me legally in the right and it gave me a sufficient pretext for shooting the elephant. I often wondered whether any of the others grasped that I had done it solely to avoid looking a fool.” Orwell implies that such petty and selfish reasons, if we are honest enough to admit it, often drive our actions. Write an essay in which you argue for or against Orwell’s position concerning human motives. Support your essay with evidence from your reading, observation, and experience.

Option 2

Early in the second paragraph of the piece Orwell’s narrator says, “Theoretically – and secretly, of course – I was all for the Burmese and all against their oppressors, the British.” And he concludes the same paragraph: “Feelings like these are the normal by-products of imperialism; ask any Anglo-Indian official, if you can catch him off duty.” With these qualifiers, Orwell suggests that a duplicity accompanies authority, a difference between the expression of the public and the private self. Write an essay in which you defend, challenge, or qualify that position regarding human expression. Refer to your reading, observation, or experience to support your position.

Option 3

In paragraph 7 Orwell observes that “when the white man turns tyrant it is his own freedom that he destroys,” and that “He wears a mask, and his face grows to fit it.” Consider the implications of these statements concerning human nature. Write an essay in which you support, refute, or qualify Orwell’s paradox and metaphor. Refer to your reading, observation, or experience to support your position.

Vital Statistics

Due February 28, 2014
750 words (+/- 10%)
MLA format required

Remember that this is an argument paper. You are not analyzing the essay per se, but arguing a position about a broader issue raised in the essay.

Be verwy quwiet...we're hunting elephants

Maybe not a rubbish van, but this van is now rubbish.

If you weren't in class today, finish reading Shooting an Elephant on page 979 of TLC. Tonight, blog your answers to the questions on page 985.

This elephant wishes Olivia a happy birthday. He's sorry Mr. Giddings gave you all homework on her birthday.

Mr. Giddings reminded the elephant that it's someone's birthday every day, but we don't have homework every day.

The elephant just shook his head.

Assertion Journal: Carlyle on Work

For those of you not in class on Friday, I'm sorry but here's your homework. Don't let it get bigger than 300-400 words and post it on your blog.

Provide a clear explanation of the assertion that follows. Then defend, challenge, or qualify the assertion noting the complexity of the issue and acknowledging any possible objections to your point of view:

“[T]here is a perennial nobleness, and even sacredness, in Work.” –Thomas Carlyle

Use any combination of first-hand, second-hand, or quantitative evidence you may have stored up in your grey matter (as we said before, everything you’ve ever read, seen, or experienced) to make your case. Make sure you follow the organization pattern laid out in the instructions.

Since we're doing Super Bowl commercials on Monday and a timed write Tuesday, I'm changing the due date from Monday by class to Wednesday by class. Spread the word.