History Present in the Novel

D day occured June 6, 1944–the day the Allied invasion of Normandy began.  Throughout the rest of 1944, the Allies advanced across Europe toward Germany. In late 1944, Hitler took a stand along the French and Belgian border. This battle is known as the Battle of the Bulge, and the Allies nearly lost it. However, it also took a toll on Hitler’s armies and ultimately played a significant role in the Allies’ cause. The war in Europe ended nearly a year after D-day. As revelations were made about the extent of the killings that took place in Europe, reactions by Jewish Americans were severe and varied.

Why do you think the author chose to place the novel at this time period?

Does it really impact the story?

Could he have created the tension between the two different Jewish sects without placing the novel in the time period of the war?

Support your answer and be sure to respond to one another’s ideas.

The Chosen Discussion (3 Comments – Leaders Only this round)

Possible prompts (if you have other ideas, feel free):

What were your first impressions of Danny and Reuven?

Why did the author decide to have Danny and Mr. Malter already have an established relationship by the time Danny and Reuven met? How did this impact the characters in the novel?

*Don’t forget to respond to other’s comments and ask questions of your own

“Seven Ages of Man” and “Pain for a Daughter”

Use this space to discuss the two poems we read in class. Your assignments requires you to submit at least three comments total. You may respond to my prompts or you may respond to what others have said, but please remember the classroom expectations.

First names, last initials ONLY. Complete Sentences. Be POLITE when responding to or disagreeing with a fellow classmate. No text jargon (i.e., lol, omg, etc.) Check your spelling and use complete sentences.

Possible Prompts (Defend your answers) You do NOT have to answer all of them:

What is the tone of each?

Do you feel as though Pain for a Daughter expresses a beautiful thing despite its use of figurative language?

Which stage of man, according to the poem, is the most favorable stage?

Which line(s) from each are the most powerful?

Which poem do you like better?

Which poem more accurately describes the “human condition”?