HN English 10 - Siddhartha Essay Preparation

Tomorrow you will write an in-class essay answering the following question:  For Siddhartha, is solitude necessary for him to find himself? 

The structure of your essay will be as follows:

• The introduction should define your terms--What do you consider solitude?  What does "finding himself" look like for Siddhartha?  How do the two terms relate?  You should then answer the question posed for your thesis-- Solitude, ultimately, [is / is not] necessary for Siddhartha's self-discovery because [broad assessment of why that you will argue in your third body paragraph].
• The first and second body paragraphs should each explore one side of the argument: one should focus on how solitude was necessary; the other why it was unnecessary.  Use specific examples from the story, including quotations, and analysis to prove your point.
• The third body paragraph should solidly state why whichever side you've chosen is the stronger argument, utilizing more specific examples and analysis to develop the argument you posited in your earlier body paragraph.
• The conclusion should conclude, restating why this is a question that could be debated and your ultimate conclusion.  

You should prepare for your essay tonight.  You will be able to use notes and quotes you have collected, but you will not be able to use your computer.

I handed out the reading schedule for the remainder of the semester today in class-- the first All Quiet reading assignment is due on Wednesday, so prep yo'self.   Books are available in the library for you to check out, though you may pick up your own at a thrift store for about $.50 if you would like to be able to mark important quotations. 

HN English 10 - Siddhartha (The End)

Finish Siddhartha over the weekend.  As far as I know, that is all. 

HN English 10- Gilgamesh Test & Siddhartha

You have a Gilgamesh test tomorrow.  I am anticipating it only taking the first half of the class.

You should also read Chapters 5-7 in Siddhartha.  Reading check and discussion to be expected. 

HN English 10 - Gilgamesh: The Completion

Finish reading the Gilgamesh packet.  You should complete your Quest chart, including the three parts of the Dilmun episode: arrival, story of the flood (no challenges Gilgamesh faces here), and then the sleep/bread event.  More accurately name the snake/flower episode in the next box. 

You may use the study guide distributed in class to guide your reading and there will be a reading check tomorrow. 

Siddhartha Part I (Chapters 1-4) is due on Monday.  Be aware.

HN English 10 - Siddhartha Background Research

Look up the following list of terms (Wikipedia is fine for this assignment, though if you do not understand the definition given on Wikipedia, you should consult other sources).  Remember that all definitions should pertain to that word as it relates to Hinduism:

1. varna & the 4 castes within this system (NOT the larger social hierarchy in Indian society)
2. Four Noble Truths
3. Noble Eightfold Path
4. Nirvana
5. Self
6. dharma
7. the Buddha
8. ablutions
9. Atman
10. the cycle of rebirth
11. karma
12. maya
13. Upanishads

These definitions are due tomorrow.  Part I of Siddhartha (Chapters 1-4) are due on Monday.  You may use the study guide to help structure your reading, but I will not collect it. 

If you did not finish your quest chart that goes along with Books IX-X of Gilgamesh, you should have it done by tomorrow.

Oh, and Wednesday is notecard day.  Behave accordingly.