In these past two weeks we’ve stayed pretty focused on the American Dream. As this was our first experiment in closed reading, we had a slow progression towards independently analyzing. At first Mrs. Holmes guided us through the section and pointed out key details which she found significant and that added to Albie’s message. Then we made a baby step towards independence by dividing the next section into group work. We each analyzed our sections and then the class discussed while Ms. Holmes added tidbits here and there. The next day, Ms. Holmes wasn’t even in the classroom. Yet still, we organized ourselves and managed an effective discussion. I think the progression worked out quite nicely.
However, I am slightly concerned that our independence will hinder us from understanding Albie's message effectively. While everyone can interpret text differently, and I’m well aware that in literature there are no “correct” answers, I am concerned that through our amateur attempt at interpretation we will miss key points that a more well-versed mind would have caught. For example, if we had not read the packet which presented the idea that Grandma resembled an older version of the American Dream, I would have never recognized that and would have missed a major chunk of the play’s meaning. Furthermore, most of us are only at the level of literary interpretation which allows us to feel a vague sense of significance when we encounter a certain passage although we cannot explain why. Although sometimes through our discussion we can flesh out the answer to the “why” question, often we are left with more questions than answers.
Hopefully, our guided discussion on Thursday will help us to aliviate some of these concerns.
However, I am slightly concerned that our independence will hinder us from understanding Albie's message effectively. While everyone can interpret text differently, and I’m well aware that in literature there are no “correct” answers, I am concerned that through our amateur attempt at interpretation we will miss key points that a more well-versed mind would have caught. For example, if we had not read the packet which presented the idea that Grandma resembled an older version of the American Dream, I would have never recognized that and would have missed a major chunk of the play’s meaning. Furthermore, most of us are only at the level of literary interpretation which allows us to feel a vague sense of significance when we encounter a certain passage although we cannot explain why. Although sometimes through our discussion we can flesh out the answer to the “why” question, often we are left with more questions than answers.
Hopefully, our guided discussion on Thursday will help us to aliviate some of these concerns.
I think some of your fears should be relieved in that there are no correct answers. Just take it as deep as you can and make some shots in the dark, in that you can't really be wrong as long as you can back yourself up.
ReplyDeleteTrue. The biggest problem is that only a few people bring up new things in our class. 4 or 5 people will never get as deep as the whole class could, and that could hurt us.
ReplyDeleteWe'll all get better at analyzing as we go. Eventually we'll see the apparent patterns in works that will act as road signs to meaning and be significantly better at independent analyzing because of it. The key to knowledge is repetition.
ReplyDeleteCassidy Murphy