Big Fish Theme

Please post your thoughts about theme here:

For this post you should remember, and do, the following:
-Theme cannot be one word--it should be a phrase (however this phrase should not be an aphorism or a cliche)
-You should reference specific characters, motifs, and symbols and discuss how they bring the theme of the work out.
-Make sure that your writing adheres to the rules of good writing: you do not need to say "I Think" nor should you include sentences/ideas that can be related to any topic. You must make the center of this entire response about Big Fish.
-Make sure you do the little things write: spell check, put titles in italics, use proper names when you can, etc. Along those same lines, maybe it would be wise to write your responses in Microsoft Word and then cut and past them to the blog.

Big Fish--Characters

Please post your character responses here.

For your character profiles you should do the following:
-List the important details about the character: who are they, what are the important details a viewer should know about them (how their name impacts their importance (example: Bloom--what is blooming), and the specific moments where they support a symbol or a motif.
-These responses should be 7-9 sentences in length but more to the point they should adhere to the rules of good writing: they should be clear, direct, make a point, contain depth of thought, but also ooze a sophistication of expression (that does not mean that should be over-written, but I would encourage you utilize good word choices).

Big Fish--Motifs

Please place your group motif responses here:

These responses should do/address the following:
-How/why are the motifs important--what are the scenes within the film where these motifs are established and accentuated. You should also state what characters help establish these motifs.
-It is your job to 'decode' these motifs and talk about how they are symbolically important and articulate how they drive the narrative of the film forward.
-Most importantly, these responses should adhere to the rules of good writing--more the point: be specific, be clear, and make sure that you are aptly articulating the importance of these motifs in strong written responses.

This is a challenge but you are ready to meet them.

Writing Assignment for Tonight

I am sorry that this is finding you so late--with that being said, do your best with this task...the more you get done tonight the easier your HW tomorrow will be.

Tonight, please brainstorm ideas you have regarding Toby's identity, or lack thereof. Your brainstorm can be in the form of a free write, a cluster, an outline, etc. I think it would be wise to include page numbers or pieces of textual support that will helpful for you to write a thesis, topic sentences, and later an introductory and body paragraph.

As always, let me know if you have any questions.

With thanks,
AK

HW for the Weekend

Please write a letter to Tobias Wolff...

This letter can be typed or hand-written.
You can ask him questions or state the importance of what his work means to you.

Toby wrote to you from his heart
So
Please write to Toby from you heart.

Let me know if you have any questions.

You don't need to post your letter on the blog--you can submit in hard copy form if you are more comfortable with that.

Best,
AK

Forget Themes and Forget Symbols

Instead....

Think about this:

Why does Father Karl come into the book, how does he relate back to Sister James, why is it important that he just nearly survives the concentration camps, and has Toby finally confessed--if so, how?

Tomorrow can be great--so my question is, will it?

Best,
AK

Character

A character is a person presented in a dramatic or narrative work, and characterization is the process by which a writer makes that character seem real to the reader. A hero or heroine, often called the protagonist, is the central character who engages the reader’s interest and empathy. The antagonist is the character, force, or collection of forces that stands directly opposed to the protagonist and gives rise to the conflict of the story. A static character does not change throughout the work, and the reader’s knowledge of that character does not grow, whereas a dynamic character undergoes some kind of change because of the action in the plot. A flat character embodies one or two qualities, ideas, or traits that can be readily described in a brief summary. They are not psychologically complex characters and therefore are readily accessible to readers.

I would encourage you to start a list of the essential characters in This Boy's Life--I will provide feedback for you as these submissions start rolling in.

Best,
AK