While the the historical and political content of Persepolis is obviously crucial, I would argue that the book, at its core, is the story of one girl’s complex transition from childhood into adolescence and adulthood. We can’t help but be drawn to sympathize and identify with her innocence, idealism, and identity being broken apart and…
Poetry by and Inspired by Rumi – Due Sept 30
I don’t do poetry much in World Lit, but when I do, I think it’s worth it! As a first step into this unit, I’m excited for you to get exposed to Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rumi, the incredible classical Middle-Eastern poet who has withstood the test of time in rare form. Perhaps you’ll soon discover…
Blog Entry #3 – “Culture and Morality” – Due Sept. 14
The tension between culture and morality seems to be ever-present in The Good Earth, but I think it reaches a climax when Lotus enters the picture. I of course think that Wang Lung committing adultery is morally wrong, but these cultural questions still naggingly tug in the back of my mind. Would I have felt…
Blog Entry #2 – “Human Rights” – Due Sept. 1
If we are to live as informed and empathetic citizens of the global community, the topic of human rights must be at the center of our minds. The more life I live, the more I am fascinated by this topic and the profound questions it raises. We could consider this topic from a political or…
E. Asian Poetry (Part 2) – “Poetry Writing” – Due Aug 20
I always think that one of the best ways to really engage with specific forms of poetry is to try your hand at writing them! Below, I have described and given examples of two specific poetic forms found in each of the classical traditions of China, Japan, and Korea. Choose one of these six forms, and…
E. Asian Poetry (Part 1) – “Analysis” – Due Aug 20
The first blog on East Asian poetry I’d like you to post will focus on reading and analyzing some classical poems. As you can imagine, there is an incredibly rich and storied tradition of poetry in China, Japan, and Korea. Because we can’t possibly talk about all of it in such a short span of…
Blog Entry #1 – “Senior Year” – Due Aug. 18
Welcome to your World Literature WordPress homepage! From here, you can view blog entry assignments, their due dates, and find the links to your fellow students’ blogs. My hope for this part of class is that these blogs sites provide you a way to write personal pieces of reflective writing for a real, authentic audience. …
Mr. Mark's World Literature 