The Dichotomy of Eden: September 5, 2017

Focus: What central dichotomies does Steinbeck set up in the first chapter of East of Eden?

NOTE: I have a meeting with Mr. Hawk tomorrow (Wednesday) from 10:10-10:40 and will not be available to conference with you at that time.

1. Warming up with three good things

2. Interpreting the dichotomies in two famous paintings of the Garden of Eden

Click HERE for the slides.

3. Using Venn diagrams to unpack the dichotomies in Steinbeck's setting (with a partner, of course!)

4. Enjoying a gallery walk of your Venn diagrams to revisit the title:

• What does the phrase East of Eden mean to you right now?
• Why does Steinbeck start his book like this?
• Listen to the original description of the Garden of Eden: How does Steinbeck's first chapter dramatize this? What parallels do you notice? How does he change the story?

HW: 
1. For catch-up: 

• Finish composing your first Big Question blog; spend time simply freewriting on your question (why'd you pick that one?), then use it to analyze/react to Oedipus Rex.
• Augmenting your vocabulary with Quizlet: Click HERE to join our class
• Staying on top of your game with Remind: Click HERE to join (if you haven't done so yet)

2. For Wednesday:

• Read (and annotate) Chapters 1, 2, and 3 in East of Eden.

3. For next Friday:

• Read (and annotate) Chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7 in East of Eden.

4. Ongoing: Stop in for a conference on your college essay!