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Invictus
his week in class, we’re reading “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley. William Ernest Henley (1849-1903) was an English poet, critic, and editor. His best-known poem is “Invictus,” published in 1875, which he wrote just following the amputation of his foot due to tuberculosis. As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Fate & Free…
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Nothing Gold Can Stay
This week in class, we’re reading “Nothing Gold Can Stay” by Robert Frost. Robert Frost (1874-1963) was one of the most popular and critically respected American poets in history. His poems frequently employ rural scenes from the New England countryside. “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” published in 1923, uses nature to describe aging and the inevitable…
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Parent Guide: Travel
This week in class, we’re reading “Travel” by Robert Louis Stevenson. Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet, essayist, and travel writer. In this poem, the narrator speaks of his wish to travel the world, one day, when he is “a man.” As we read, we will be discussing the theme of Growing…
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If
This week in class, we’re reading “If” by Rudyard Kipling. In “If,” the speaker sets out a list of rules by which he thinks his son should live. As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Friendship & Family, Growing Up, and Honor & Courage as they relate to the text. We are…
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Telephone Conversation
This week in class, we’re reading “Telephone Conversation” by Wole Soyinka. In Wole Soyinka’s poem “Telephone Conversation” the speaker is asked to disclose how dark they are when they attempt to rent an apartment. As we read, we will be discussing the theme of Prejudice & Discrimination as it relates to the text. We are…
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We Wear the Mask
This week in class, we’re reading “We Wear the Mask” by Paul Laurence Dunbar. Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906) was an influential African American poet, the son of freed slaves, and friend of Frederick Douglass. In “We Wear the Mask,” Dunbar introduces the idea of hiding behind a metaphorical mask. As we read, we will be…
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Winston Churchill’s ‘Never Give In’ Speech
This week in class, we’re reading “Winston Churchill’s ‘Never Give In’ Speech” by Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Winston Churchill’s speech “Never Give In,” discusses the recent successes of the United Kingdom in World War II. As we read, we will be discussing the theme of Resilience & Success as it relates to the text. We…
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Parent Guide: Cell One
This week in class, we’re reading “Cell One” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. In Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s short story “Cell One,” a girl’s brother is arrested and is changed by the injustices he witnesses in prison. As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Growing Up, Justice, Freedom & Equality, and Morality as they…
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Parent Guide: The Value of Being Confused
This week in class, we’re reading “The Value of Being Confused” by Barrett Smith. In the informational text “The Value of Being Confused,” Barret Smith discusses the benefits of allowing yourself to be confused. As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Education & Knowledge, Identity, and Social Change & Revolution as they…
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Parent Guide: The Bet
This week in class, we’re reading “The Bet” by Anton Chekhov. A young lawyer and a banker make a fifteen year, two million dollar bet to determine which is more humane, capital punishment or solitary confinement for life. As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Loneliness & Isolation and Power & Greed as they relate to…