1. Steppenwolf–Read the preface! (up to page 22) Annotate as you read (using post its) or after in your notebook!
2. Class Forum–To Come
3. Steppenwolf–(Due Monday, April 4th) Read and annotate up to p. 40 (stop at The Treatise). Tonight’s reading gives us the first glimpse into the mind of Harry Haller/Steppenwolf. Please be prepared to discuss the preface and tonight’s reading on the morrow. Till then…enjoy the steppes…
4. Steppenwolf–(Due Tuesday, April 5th) Read and annotate “The Treatise” (pp. 40-66). The treatise is critical to understanding Harry and to getting a literary grip on the rest of the novel. Each part of the Treatise presents an argument on the Steppenwolf. Keep that in mind as you read across the three sections and note how they represent a progression for the Steppenwolf.
Part I (40-50)
Part II (50-56)
Part III (56-66)
5. (You should have your Jung notes in class each day during the Steppenwolf experience.) Carl Jung–Hermann Hesse’s Steppenwolf is the manifestation of Jungian influence (among other things), so it is imperative that you be familiar with Carl Jung. Research Carl Jung focusing on (but not limiting yourself to) the following: collective unconscious, anima/animus, mother archetype, shadow, complex, ego, self, persona. Additionally, research Carl Jung’s influence on Hermann Hesse. You must take notes in your binder (2 pages). As we read Steppenwolf, you will be expected to make connections to Carl Jung. Here is a good starting point. Let me stress, developing control of Jung is not optional; you are expected to develop control and demonstrate that control when discussing and writing about Steppenwolf.
Archives for March 29, 2016
HW due 3/30: Steppenwolf
HW due 3/30: Duino Elegies
1. Duino Elegies–Read and annotate the second elegy.
2. (Due Thursday, March 31) Transcendental Poem–As for all poetry, be aware of how you are using words to create image/meaning. Thematically, you should weave characteristics of Transcendental poetry into your poem. One final (and very important) requirement: In the spirit of The Rhodora your poem should be inspired by and focused on a specific aspect of the natural world.
Characteristics of Transcendentalism
1. Believed in living closer to nature (Thoreau)
2. Believed in the dignity of manual labor (Thoreau)
3. Saw the need for intellectual companions and interests
4. Emphasized the need for spiritual living
5. Considered man’s relationship to God a personal matter established directly by the individual himself
6. Posited the essential divinity of man (versus Calvinism’s tenet of innate depravity)
7. Urged one great brotherhood (the Oversoul, the unity of all things)
8. Proposed self-trust and self-reliance
9. Believed in democracy and individualism
10. Encouraged reform (to awaken and regenerate the spirit)
11. Insisted on a complete break with tradition and custom
12. Know through intuition