Elements of Gothic Literature

1. Read The Huffington Post article The Appeal of the Gothic, paying careful attention to the spiritual, societal, and psychological reasons behind the appeal of this genre.

2. Open the following PDF Elements of Gothic Literature

- Scroll down to the "Elements of Gothic Literature" section and look at elements 1-25
- Consider The Devil and Tom Walker and The Masque of the Red Death
- Choose one element from the list that applies to The Devil and Tom Walker and a different element from the list that applies to The Masque of the Red Death

3. Post a comment discussing how one of these elements is seen in each story. Provide specific examples from each story to support your point. Your paragraph should be roughly 10 sentences in length and should include:
- an opening/topic sentence(s)
- analysis and examples
- a transition from your analysis of one story to the next
- a final, concluding sentence.

4. Be sure to post your comment with your name to earn credit

Emerson's Aphorisms

In class we discussed several aphorisms from Emerson's essay Self-Reliance. 

Go to the following website to read more of Emerson's quotes: Emerson Quotes

In a comment below:
- Choose ONE of Emerson's aphorisms
- Start out by displaying your selected quote (use appropriate formatting)
- Explain what the aphorism means
- Explain why you agree or disagree
- Give a real life example or scenario to support your point
- Your response should be a solid paragraph that is at least five sentences long, not including your quote. 

Sample Response:

"Don't waste yourself in rejection, nor bark against the bad, but chant the beauty of the good."

This quote addresses the fact that there is a lot of negativity in the world, but we shouldn't waste our time and energy ranting about it. That only fuels more negativity. Instead, we should put our time and energy into celebrating and contributing to what is good. I agree with this statement, because although we cannot control and are not responsible for the words and actions of others, we have complete control of and complete responsibility for our own words and actions. Words can wound or heal, and choosing to encourage, uplift, inspire, and point out beauty and success is a much more honorable legacy. I'd rather be known for what I'm FOR than known for what I'm AGAINST. In light of recent terrorist attacks, social media has been riddled with cruel and hateful comments towards people of differing viewpoints. Instead of wasting time "barking against the bad," turning against each other, spreading negativity, and rewarding terrorists with spotlight and attention, we should all focus on the positive stories of heroism, sacrifice, generosity, and the beauty of good. 

School Days of an Indian Girl

Indian School in Carlisle, PA

Considering what you have just learned about Indian Schools, read the following excerpts from School Days of an Indian Girl by Zitkala-Sa, and respond to the question below.

Reading:
Section I, II, and III

Response:
Post your response in the comment section below - between 5 and 10 sentences.

Consider the injustices Zitkala-Sa and the other children suffered. In a short response, share some opinions on what you have just read. Provide analysis and reflection. Make personal connections. 

Potential points of discussion to consider: What stood out to you? How would you have felt in this situation? What should the missionaries have done differently? Do you feel badly for these children? What do you think of Zitkala-Sa? Discuss her personality. Were the Indian Schools a good idea? What made them unsuccessful? Etc.

Your response should have a clear opening and closing sentence. 

Note: This is an academic assignment. To earn full credit, follow all directions. Your response should use proper grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. No text or chat abbreviations, please.