The Necklace

Mathilde Loisel is a pretty woman who married a clerk and has a standard of living where basic necessities are nothing to worry too much about.  However, she believes she deserves a life more luxurious and rich than the one she has now.  She daydreams about fabulous parties, extravagant furnishings, and fancy foods.  Her inner conflict becomes more complicated when she receives an invitation from her husband's work to attend a fancy party.  She turns down the invitation because she doesn't feel that she has anything to wear good enough for such an event.  This is IRONIC because the narrator shows the reader how much she wants to be part of the aristocracy (high-class folks), yet when the opportunity comes around she does the opposite of what we would expect -- she turns down the invitation.  However, this doesn't stop her and she must find a way to "dress to impress".  What price will she pay to live one night of her dream-come-true?

This story is a popular one because of the surprise ending.  The author's use of SITUATIONAL IRONY really makes the reader think about CHARACTER MOTIVATION.  What could Mathilde have done to avoid that situation?  Why do you think she refused to tell her friend Madame Forrestier the truth?

The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe uses an UNRELIABLE narrator in this tale of revenge to create suspense and add a mysterious dimension to the villain storyteller.  The story is told by Montresor whose elaborate plan for revenge on Fortunato leaves out a few details that has the reader questioning the narrator's credibility.  What did Fortunato do to insult Montresor?  Does Fortunato know if he did anything wrong?

If you liked this story as much as I have visit the site below for more Edgar Allan Poe:

http://www.poestories.com/

BELLWORK DUE!

Hello Scholars!

Eleven (11) Bellworks are due on Friday, December 9, 2011.  The list is posted in the yellow butcher paper in the classroom

Also, I will be grading the following items in your notes:

• TEN BAD LISTENING HABITS
• COMMON MISTAKES YOU BETTER NOT MAKE

PROGRESS REPORT IS COMING UP!!!

        

       MONDAY DECEMBER 19, 2011   

      EXTRA CREDIT for students whose PARENTS or GUARDIANS pick them up.