I am woman....hear me roar.....
9 years ago
Friday, December 6, 2013
The appeal of this book
Much of the appeal The Screwtape Letters derives from Lewis's startlingly original reversal: telling a story about Christian faith not from a Christian point-of-view but from the perspective of a devil trying to secure the damnation of one man's soul. Why is this strategy so effective? What does it allow Lewis to accomplish that would have been impossible in a more straighforward approach?
The way to tempt
In the first of Screwtape's letters, he instructs Wormwood not to attempt to win the patient's soul through argument, but rather by fixing his attention on "the stream of immediate sense experiences".
Why is immersion in particulars of "real life" ground for temptation?
Why is immersion in particulars of "real life" ground for temptation?
Difference in view
In describing the differences in how God and the Devil view men, Screwtape says: "We want cattle who can finally become food; He wants servants who can finally become sons".
What is it about God's relationship to man that Screwtape finds so unfathomable?
What is it about God's relationship to man that Screwtape finds so unfathomable?
Friends
Why is Screwtape so pleased when the patient becomes friends with a group of people who are "rich, smart, superficially intellectual, and brightly skeptical about everything in the world"?
What influence does Screwtape hope they will have on him?
What influence does Screwtape hope they will have on him?
Human Nature
Lewis exhibits throughout his writings a sense of human nature. Do you think this book accurately reflects not just Christians beliefs but the workings of human psychology more generally?
Screwtape and Wormwood
The sub-plot of The Screwtape Letters turns on Screwtape's relationship with his nephew Wormwood, the apprentice tempter and demonic understudy in charge of carrying out Screwtape's instructions.
How do Screwtape and Wormwood regard each other?
What is Lewis suggesting by having the story end with Screwtape preparing to devour a member of his own family?
Love
Love is an important theme. Screwtape is confouned by the human idea of love and God's love for man. What do you think Lewis was saying in the book as a whole, about human and divine love?
Temptations
Over the course of The Screwtape Letters, the state of the patient's soul changes as he experiences conversion, doubt, dangerous friendships, war, love, and finally death.
What major strategies does Screwtape use to tempt him into the Devil's camp?
Why do the temptations fail?
In what way can we relate to the Patient?
What major strategies does Screwtape use to tempt him into the Devil's camp?
Why do the temptations fail?
In what way can we relate to the Patient?
Ending
In the end Screwtape does not lose faith in his cause even though the patient triumps over temptation. Why do you think Lewis chose to end the book that way?
Why is Screwtape sustained by "the conviction that our Realism, our rejection (in the face of all temptations) of all silly nonsense and claptrap, must win in the end"?
What warning is implied in the book's ending?
Why is Screwtape sustained by "the conviction that our Realism, our rejection (in the face of all temptations) of all silly nonsense and claptrap, must win in the end"?
What warning is implied in the book's ending?
Characters
Did you find the characters likeable? Even though they were rabbits, were there any themes or feelings you could relate to?
Conflicts
What are the conflicts in Watership Down? What kind of trials do these characters go through?
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Favorites
Who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
What did you like or not like about them?
What were your favorite or least favorite parts of the book?
What did you like or not like about them?
What were your favorite or least favorite parts of the book?
Open for you
Is there anything else you would like to discuss from the book that is not mentioned here?
Justification
In many ways Scarlett seems to believe that the end justifies her means. Do you agree with her in that? Is there anything she did that you believe didn't need to be done in order to suceed?
While answering think about when she made everyone do things on the plantation that they didn't want to do, her marriage to Charles, her marriage to Frank, her marriage to Rhett, etc.
While answering think about when she made everyone do things on the plantation that they didn't want to do, her marriage to Charles, her marriage to Frank, her marriage to Rhett, etc.
Scarlett and the other girls
It is clear early on that Scarlett has never had many girl friends, if any. Why do you think she doesn't get along with other women?
Ellen
Why do you think Scarlett revered her mother so much when she was nothing like her? Do you think she really wanted to be like her mother or just have her approval?
Silly
Scarlett asks Mammy why a woman has to act silly to get a husband. Are there any women in the book that don't act silly around the men?
Race
What are your thought on race in the book? There are the characters like Mammy and Pork who think they are better than the field slaves and the "white trash". What do you think of the relationships between the slaves and Scarlett?
Ashley's request
Knowing how Scarlett feels about him why does Ashley ask her to take care of Melanie? And is it fair?
Rhett and Scarlett
Why do you think Rhett and Scarlett have such a hard time being honest with each other? They always seem to be trying to trick each other. Do you think they ever show real vulnerability with one another?
Rhett joining the army
Why does Rhett leave Scarlett and the others after getting them out of Atlanta to fight in a cause that he always said he doesn't believe in?
Scarlett's strength
When Scarlett pulls Tara together and declares she will never go hungry again- where does she get the strength?
What do you think makes her different and able to survive and flourish?
Melanie
Scarlett was surprised by at least two things about Melanie: 1) When she helped her with the Yankee soldier that she had killed and 2) when she realized at the end that she did care for her.
She has looked at Melanie as weak. Do you think Melanie was weak or strong? Do you think that she really didn't know about Scarlett and Ashley? Why do you think she cared so much for Scarlett?
She has looked at Melanie as weak. Do you think Melanie was weak or strong? Do you think that she really didn't know about Scarlett and Ashley? Why do you think she cared so much for Scarlett?
Atlanta
Were you surprised by the way Atlanta was described when the war was over? Why do you think so many of the former slaves stayed with their families?
Coward
Ashley told Scarlett, even after he fought in the war and was imprisoned, that he believes he is a coward. Why do you think he felt this way and do you agree?
Scarlett working
Why did Scarlett want to work so much even when she had enough money?
Why do you think she was so successful in business?
Why do you think she was so successful in business?
The Klan
Why do you think so many of the Southern men joined the Klan? And why did the women support it?
Why do you think Scarlett was the only one to speak against it?
And why did Rhett bother to help save the men?
Why do you think Scarlett was the only one to speak against it?
And why did Rhett bother to help save the men?
Rhett as a husband
Why do you think that Rhett proposes to Scarlett even though he has repeatedly told her he is not the marrying kind?
Do you think he is a good husband?
Do you think he is a good husband?
Bonnie's death
How do you think Rhett and Scarlett reacted differently to Bonnie's death? Do you understand why they reacted the way they did?
children
With each of Scarlett's children coming from a different marriage, do you think she treated them differently?
How did having a daughter change Rhett?
Do you think he would have acted the same with a son?
How did having a daughter change Rhett?
Do you think he would have acted the same with a son?
The end
At the end of the book Scarlett finally realizes that she loves Rhett. He rejects her.
She seems to think that she will be able to win him back.
Do you think she will?
She seems to think that she will be able to win him back.
Do you think she will?
The Land
Scarlett's father told her that the only thing that lasts is land. Is that true with Scarlett?
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Revolution
Would you have taken part in the Revolution? Did you think Miri handed it well? What are your thoughts on it?
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
Overall
Did you read all 7 novels? What was your opinion of the series?
Which book is your favorite? Your least favorite?
Which book is your favorite? Your least favorite?
Emeth
What happened to Emeth? Describe why he was there when he had worshipped Tash all of his life.
The End
How did everyone end up in Aslan's country at the end of the book? What did you think of this?
Aslan
Aslan tells Jill, " Here on the mountain I have spoken to you clearly. I will not often do so down in Narnia. Here on the mountain, the air is clear and your mind is clear; as you drop down into Narnia, the air will thicken."
What did he mean by that? Can you relate this to your own beliefs?
What did he mean by that? Can you relate this to your own beliefs?
The Chair
What is the significance of the chair? Would you have believed the Prince during his lucid moments are left him bound?
overcome
How do Puddleglum, the children, and the Prince overcome and resist the enchantment of the witch?
Eustace
What was your opinion of Eustace? Why do you think he was the way he was? How and why did he change during the course of the book?
Reepicheep
Why do you think Reepicheep wanted to go to Aslan's land in this book? Why didn't he want to wait until death? What is your opinion of Reepicheep?
Tempting
There were many instances of temptations in this book :Lucy at the magician's book , Prince Caspian wanting to sail to the end of the world, and the fears overtaking them in the dark island. How did they overcome these temptations?
Last time for Lucy and Edmund
Lucy and Edmund are told that they will not return to Narnia. How did that make them feel? Why do you think they won't be coming back?
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Seeing
Why do you think that Lucy was the only one to see Aslan at first? What happens as they each begin to see him?
Time
Who is the old professor? Based on your knowledge of THe Magician's Nephew, how much time has gone by in the professor's life in relation the world of Narnia? What hints are there in the story about how much time has gone by? How much time do the children spend in Narnia?
Lucy
In the beginning the children have trouble with Lucy's claims that she has been to Narnia. What does the Professor say about this? How does he apply magic to this situation?
Good and Terrible
Throughout the book there is a paradox about Aslan, which the beavers especially talk about. They say he is good and terrible. Compare this to what is said about God in the Bible.
Deep Magic
What is the magic of the Emperor as the witch understands it? How does Edmund fit into this? What is the deeper magic she didn't know about?
Aslan
Aslan tells Beaver "All names will soon be restored to their proper owners. In the meantime we will not dispute about noises." What do you think he meant by this?
Uncle Andrew
Uncle Andrew believes that certain people, because of their superior intelligence, do not have to follow the same rules that ordinary people must. Do you agree?
Son of Adam
What did Diggory do that he regretted afterward? Who did his deed affect and how? How did he right that wrong? What is the significance of the term "son of Adam" and Diggory's role in the world of Narnia?
The Witch and the Apple
Why did the witch eat the apple? What effect did it have on her? Discuss what Aslan says to Polly: "That is what happens to those who pluck and eat fruits at the wrong time and in the wrong way. The fruit is good , but they loathe it ever after..."
Friday, April 5, 2013
Civilization and technology
After the meteor strikes the moon, services such as telephone, Internet, and television
stop, and Miranda writes in her journal that “Civilization has ended.” Do you think
people are too dependent on electronic gadgets? Would you feel as Miranda does if you
could no longer use the gadgets many people have come to depend on in their daily lives?
How would you handle this situation?
Miranda's mom
Why is Miranda’s mom so angry about her leaving the food line to get Dan? Were you
surprised by her anger?
Reverend Marshall
Why does Miranda call Reverend Marshall “despicable?” Do you agree with her? Why
or why not?
Different ways of surviving
Miranda and her friends Sammi and Megan have different ways of surviving. Sammi
leaves her home with a benefactor; Megan puts her faith in God; and Miranda stays put.
Which one of those actions would you take to save yourself and your family, or would
you do something different?
What would you do?
What is the likelihood of these types of events taking place? What are more likely
scenarios that might cause this type of disruption to normal life? How would we cope
with them? How far would you go to survive? Would you share? Steal? Hoard? What
happens to our humanity in the face of imminent extinction
Monday, March 4, 2013
Classes
Describe
the class and rank of various characters in the village of Highbury.
Compare the positions of Mr. Weston, Mr. Elton, Miss Taylor, Harriet,
and Emma with others in Highbury. How do matters of class affect the
interaction of these characters, and would you describe class as being
rigid or flexible as it is depicted by Jane Austen? To what extent can
class be said to be of central importance to the development of the
novel, since it is one of the most important considerations in marriage?
Does class seem to be treated differently by those in Highbury than it
does by outsiders, for example Frank Churchill and Mrs. Elton? Do you
think it is significant that no woman in Highbury is of Emma's age and
rank?
Mr. Knightley
How
does the relationship between Mr. Knightley and Emma change throughout
the course of the novel? Although Austen does not directly tell us what
their relationship was like during Emma's childhood, their long and
intimate friendship is established at the novel's opening. In light of
their occasional quarrels and Knightley's criticisms of Emma, for
example, the criticism he made on Box Hill, how does Mr. Knightley feel
about Emma? Do Mr. Knightley's feelings change as the novel progresses?
If they do, what incidents account for the changes in his feelings?
Emma and Harriet
Does
Emma act as a good friend to Harriet Smith? Are Emma's concerns for
Harriet's education and refinement born of an honest desire to help, or
is it something less altruistic? Are Mr. Knightley's criticisms of
Emma's interference with Mr. Martin's marriage proposal justified? Does
Harriet ultimately benefit from Emma's friendship or her attempts to
help her?
Matchmaking
While
matchmaking is the central device in Emma, both for the plot and as a
backdrop to develop characters, not all of the matches made in the novel
are good. Compare the matches made between Mr. Weston and Miss Taylor,
Emma and Mr. Knightley, Harriet and Mr. Martin, Jane Fairfax and Frank
Churchill, and Mr. Elton and Mrs. Elton. Which are good matches and
which are bad? What character traits in the couples make them suited or
unsuited for each other? Why are the mismatches so important to the
story?
Emma
In
the final analysis, is Emma a sympathetic character? Does she seem to
have good intentions only marred by a slight desire to interfere with
other people's lives, or is she thoughtless and unconcerned with the
effects she has on others? In your estimation, is Emma ultimately moral
or immoral? What specific incidents in the novel lead you to that
conclusion?
Friday, February 22, 2013
The Power of a Word
We’re introduced to the ever-important Word at the very beginning of the
book. In what ways does the Word hold power in the story? In what ways
do words hold power in your life? Are there times when words can serve
as weapons? When do words become tools for good?
A Word
If you were to choose one special word that would best describe or
define you, what would it be? Explain the significance of your choice.
Dangerous Knowledge
Jason and Rachel go on a quest for knowledge in A World Without Heroes as
they search for the hidden syllables of the Word. How might you
consider knowledge a prize in our world? Can knowledge ever be dangerous
to us, as it is in Lyrian?
Galloran
Reflect on Galloran’s definition of a hero. What is your definition of hero? Whom would you consider heroes in your life?
Jason and Rachel
How did Jason and Rachel’s relationship change from the beginning of the
book to the end? At what points did you notice a shift in how they
interacted?
Maldor
Maldor is a ruthless ruler. He proves to be quite cunning in his methods
for keeping control of Lyrian. How was his idea for Harthenham
strategic in this way? In what other ways do Maldor and his followers
(Copernum, for instance) make sure that no one would overrule him?
Ferrin
Ferrin plays a unique role in A World Without Heroes. What is your take on Ferrin? How would you explain Ferrin’s actions? Do you agree with them?
Destiny
Jasher says to Jason, “For each of us destiny is a blend of potential,
circumstances, and choices." What does destiny mean to you? Do you
believe in destiny?
Thoughts?
I am kind of copping out on this one because it is so far behind.. but what were your thoughts on this book? Anything you would care to share?
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