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San Diego Jewish Academy
High School Humanities
"Quest" Reading with Huck and Odysseus


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Assignment Rationale: to explore the element of the quest in classic literature, to practice reading comprehension with literature circle discussions and topics, to practice analytical essay-writing in a timed setting
Kickoff Piece(s): video clip of Arthurian quest with Joseph Campbell, video of Room With a View , discussion of quest in literature
Essential Ingredients: reading the novel, preparing responses to the reading questions, participating in literature circle discussions, writing an analytical essay in a timed setting
Steps of Creative Process:

Reading and Weekly Literature Circles with Responses

Discussion and Examples of Quest in Literature

Group Reading Questions Due

Thesis Development

Final, Analytical, Timed Essay


Reading Questions:

Why do both title characters have red hair? What does red hair suggest about a hero on a quest?

Trace, find, or construct a visual model of the physical quest.

For what is the character questing, both inside and out?

Identify 5-10 of your favorite metaphors from the story. What makes each metaphor memorable for you?

Discuss and give some examples of religion/superstition/gods in your piece of literature. How do these influence the quest?


Rubric: (scored plus, check, minus)

participates in class discussions by contributing ideas orally

reads the novel in a thoughtful manner, practicing comprehension skills

prepares wordprocessed, thoughtful, complete responses to the reading questions with literature circle

participates in literature circle discussions with active responses

writes an analytical essay in a timed setting (using essay rubric)


Site Map | On-Line Resources | Glossary | Quotes | WordList | Grades | Co-Teachers - Doug and Melissa | Gallery

E-Mail Doug at mrdoug@aznet.net or Melissa at mjmckinstry@earthlink.net