VIII - Final task: resume

Task: Explain whether you liked or disliked the novel? Consider the following ideas:

- Is the story relevant to you?
- Was it an exciting read? Was there enough tension, drama, conflict, emotion?
- (How did you get along with the technical side of writing a blog?)

VII - Community? Individuality? Acceptance and rejection?

The most common contemporary understanding of theme is an idea or point that is central to a story, which can often be summed in a single word (for example, love, death, betrayal). Typical examples of themes of this type are conflict between the individual and society; coming of age; humans in conflict with technology; nostalgia; and the dangers of unchecked ambition. A theme may be exemplified by the actions, utterances, or thoughts of a character in a novel. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theme_(narrative)

Task: Pick a main theme in DPS and analyse it. See the first entry of this blog for ideas on themes.


Here's a list with typical themes in literary works.

VI - Pick a task

Choose one of the following tasks:

- Has Mr Keating reached what he wanted? Discuss!
OR
- How has Mr Keating managed to make the introverted Todd (Anderson) more open, confident and positive-thinking? Explain why and how Todd changed.

V - Neil's death - who is to blame?

Mr Keating is a complex character. He used to be a student at Welton himself, but seems to have developed a teaching style and life philosophy fundamentally opposed to Welton's ideals and principles. 

Neil is a all-around happy-faced character fascinated with Mr Keating's ideas and methods. His relationship to his father, however, is problematic: he is intimidated by his compulsory and unaccepting behaviour.

When Keating's teaching methods intrigue the boys (and especially: Neil) and make them delve into poetry and the fine arts, he seems to have triggered something deep within them. The newfound passion clashes with reality at Welton and - perhaps even more significantly - with the ideas of the students' parents. 

In a tragic turn of events, Neil commits suicide. Mr Keating appears to be paralysed by this and gives up his idea of teaching the boys about poetry.

While Todd blatantly exclaims that "Mr Perry killed Neil", the school fires Keating, apparently blaming him for having "misguided" his student.

Task: Discuss: Who is to blame for Neil's death? Don't be quick with your judgement, but assess different answers before you decide.

IV Character analysis

This is a straightforward task. Perhaps you have already picked a favourite character.

Task: Write a characterisation on one of the main characters in DPS. Explain your choice!!!

Please remember the skills file for character analysis.

--> https://www.dropbox.com/s/7w9ixo1x1yw3ti5/Skills%20-%20Characterisation.pdf?dl=0

III Carpe Diem - Seize the Day

You find them on any tacky wallpaper and influencers on social media think it's "deep" philosophy to quote them randomly: proverbs and sayings like "Carpe Diem", which means something along the lines of "make the most out of your day". 

How do you feel about mottos like these? Do you have a personal favourite? Do you think they are relevant? (If not: do you have anything else, a famous author or (book) character that you consider guidance in your life?)

Task: Write a paragraph about your favourite proverb/saying/motto. Explain why it is important to you.

How to add images

I am going to show you how to add pictures to a blog entry.

1. Find and download an image! (Right-click onto an image and save it to a folder).
2. Upload the image, using the little image button.

3. You can then edit the image (size, position, ...) by clicking on it and using the commands below, or by moving it around.
4. Don't forget to test your layout with the "Vorschau" button.