How Our Novels Work

     This week's blog is based off of an essay I read today, "The Transcendent Power of Triangular Fiction."  I find it very interesting in that it argues that "...fiction should work on at least three levels of interpretation: The personal, the conceptual, and the philosophical. In other words, the shape of the core of great works of fiction must be triangular — it must be emotional, cerebral, and sublime" (Obioma). 
     As you are reading this essay, think about Crime and Punishment or even one other text we have read this year.  Does this idea apply?  Make your argument in your post citing the essay and your chosen text.  Additionally when you post, please explain if you agree with this idea and back up your ideas with your reasoning.  

The Role of the Arts

     The role of the arts is one that has been in question lately.  What is the role of the artist? What is art?  Is it safe to say that there are expectations of artists?  The question comes in who puts those expectations into place? 
     We have read many novels, poems, and plays this year.  We have discussed the purpose behind the art, and we have discussed the overall meaning.  What we have not discussed is the role of the artist.  Does art exist for art's sake, or do we as a society expect artists to have a social responsibility?  
      This week, explain the role of the artist.  What responsibilities, expectations, and/or hope do you put in the hands of artists?  Think about the texts we have read and pull one of them to use as your springboard.  Do you think there was a responsibility put on that artist to say, do, or think a certain way?  

Remodeling

     We constantly look at our world and look for ways to remodel it.  We want change and we want it now.  Think about the book Crime and Punishment. What are some of the changes the characters in this novel would want to make to remodel their world?
     Choose one character and explain how they would remodel their world.  Provide examples from the text to help reinforce your argument.  What would they remodel, why would they remodel, and what result do you think they would want to achieve?

Connections

This week we begin presentations.  You each chose from my list a book to read, and now, it is presentation time.  As you are listening to the presentations this week, I want you to make a connection to your book.  What from their presentation resonates with you, and how can you connect it to your book.  Explain the connection in your post. 

When the new meets the old

 

  When our new knowledge meets our old knowledge, change should occur.  The way we see the world, the way we see ourselves, and even the way we see ourselves in the world.  You chose between four books to read and in doing so, change should have happened.  
     
For this week's blog, I want you to explain how your book changed the way you view, know, understand or think about something.  Since many have not read your book, provide a brief summary of the idea or moment and then go on to explain how it impacted you.