In each class, students nailed the connection between "The Bet" and "Ozymandias" by realizing that both pieces show the fleeting nature of power, money, and fame. Death and time show themselves to be much stronger than anything the cruel, domineering Ozymandias or the greedy, arrogant banker were able to accumulate or produce. Many of you also brought in that deadly sin hubris and discussed how all three characters (Ozymandias, the banker, and the lawyer) paid the price for believing themselves infallible. Nice work.
Is "The Bet" a classic short story? What do you think? Well, today in class you brainstormed some ideas about what it takes to be a classic, so lets see if it does. Ask yourself, does "The Bet"...
...stand the test of time?
...have a strong sense of purpose/an enduring theme?
...show itself to be creative and original?
...offer a strong sense of time and place?
...generate scholarly discussion?
...find relevance across cultural and generational lines?
...carry with it a sense of excellence?
...have a little luck?
If you can answer yes to all or most of those questions, then you'd have to concede that it is indeed a classic short story.
Now what about classic novels? You will be reading one--with a partner--and then presenting something in front of the class (tune in tomorrow in class to find out what!) with that partner. I want you to choose a book you feel comfortable with. Here's a link to a pretty strong list of classic novels.
There are some things on the list that we have already said are not acceptable due to the maturity level, length, etc. Nevertheless, there are plenty of superb choices to examine.
Don't forget that you need to have your picture and theme identified by Friday. Whatever you hand in will be what you will use. No exceptions.
Ah...you sneaked out before we had time to distribute "The Interlopers". It's a great short story that you will be actively reading tomorrow. But what is an Interloper? Will this story have anything to do with "Ozymandias"? "The Bet"? Is "The Interlopers" a classic?
And what of this elegy that was on the board yesterday? We didn't get to it so guess what...It too is on the way. Block scheduling would make this so much easier.
Tell me what an interloper is and I'll sign your Archer card.
See you tomorrow.
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