Week 2: Jan 11-15

Mon. We reviewed the quiz, filled out the cover sheets and submitted World Lit assignments. Oral Commentaries will be conducted on Thursdays and Fridays, so last alterations of the schedule were made. Finally, we read parts of Oedipus the King, our first work of drama, part III of the IB Syllabus.

Tues. After reviewing the quiz, the class discussed aspects of "The Dead". For a book as satirical as Dubliners, the story---especially its conclusion---is remarkably different in tone. Instead of snidely critiquing flaws of characters, Dubliners, Irishmen, and for good measure all human beings, Joyce seems to offer a more hopeful future. Gabriel has grown: he recognizes that "snow is general all over Ireland," but that's not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, the description of the falling snow has an unmistakable beauty to it which draws the reader toward its positive qualities (as opposed to the cold, paralyzing qualities which we've come to expect). Symbolically, the snow thus suggests hope for Gabriel, Dubliners, Ireland and all people.

Spring Semester, Week One (Jan. 4-8)

Mon. Welcome back from break! Students took notes on SATIRE in Joyce's Dubliners.

Tues. Today we reviewed the final and read Joyce's short story "A Mother".

Wed. Students wrote their reactions to two characters: Mrs. Kearney and Hoppy Holohan. We focused on the characters as being part of a larger satire. In this case, Irish mothers and "public life" seem to be satirized. Much vigorous discussion followed, centering largely around Mrs. Kearney's control issue and Hoppy's game leg.