Discussion Prompt #12

As we end our discussion of Dante's Inferno, what particular images and cantos stood out to you? What was your overall impression of the poem?

Discussion Prompt #11

After reading over half of Dante's Inferno, what elements have particularly intrigued you? What details would you like to learn more about?  Then introduce 2-3 topics for a Research Paper based on your thoughts.  One of these paper topics must tie in a direct way to something discussed in cantos 22-28.  Be sure to use some details to explain why you think these topics are important things to research in the study of Dante and the Divine Comedy.

Discussion Prompt #10

After reading cantos 16-21, introduce a burning question you've had from the specific cantos that you believe will help spark discussion during class. Be sure to include an explanation that details why you think your question is important.

Discussion Prompt #9

As we discussed in class, Dante draws a distinction between sins: those in which reason acknowledges what is right but allows itself to be overwhelmed by misdirected natural desires, and those punished within the walls of Dis, in which reason itself consents to the sin.  How do you see this distinction playing out in one of the sins we encounter in cantos 10-15?

Discussion Prompt #8

As Dante proceeds through hell, he begins to interact with the sinners he finds there. What is your own reaction to these individuals? Discuss your response to one particular sinner in detail: do you find yourself sympathizing with them, or condemning them? Why?

Discussion Prompt #7

Do you feel that the first three cantos of Inferno match your expectations concerning a Medieval poem about a descent into Hell?  Why or why not?  Be specific and take evidence from the text to support your response.

Discussion Prompt #6

From reading Chapter 5, what did you find either most confusing or most intriguing about New Criticism?  Explain why, being as specific as possible.

Discussion Prompt #5

List in order of importance which five critical theories you would like most to learn more about.  Of these, what made your first choice so intriguing?  Give a brief explanation, using an example from the text, on what led to your decision.

Discussion Prompt #4

Considering the two new explications you read, do you agree with Graff’s argument that  essays are generally better when writers have "a countervoice, something to push off against, to motivate their writing and give it a point” (3)?   Are the second set of explications stronger or weaker than the first, and why?  Connect one of Graff’s points to a direct example from the explications to support your argument. 

Discussion Prompt #3

What do you think might be similar about analyzing a film instead of a written text?  What do you think might be different? Use an example from An Education to help illustrate your response. 

Discussion Prompt #2

Based on these two samples (posted on Blackboard under "Readings"), what is an explication? What does it try to do, and how? Use some specific examples from either or both of the essays to illustrate your points.Try not to look at the assignment sheet as you do this--the point here is to to try work backwards from the samples.

Discussion Prompt #1

How do you personally define the field of “English”--is it something you “do” (if so, how?), an object of study (if so, what?), an adjective describing something (if so, in what way?), or all of the above? And how does this understanding of English inform your decision to be an English major?

For this initial post, please write responses between 250-300 words.