#teachingliterature

[notanislander]

Got my books ready for #teacherswrite

[adealma2112]

#northropfrye #teachingliterature

[theirongarters]

Two very different books about Auschwitz I attempted to teach in the Literature class this week: Frankl's is a testament of survival culminating in a very practical philosophy of "tragic optimism," and, to me, one of the more strangely hopeful books I've ever read. Borowski's book, on the other hand, seems to this reader a far crueler, more cynical testament to how the demands of survival can make anybody complicit in atrocity, while heroism becomes, simply, a way of stoically walking towards death's demands. Both are unforgettable and necessary books. Although wildly unqualified to discuss many of these issues, I was impressed by the impassioned conversations they inspired, at least among the small group who showed up! #teachingliterature #holocaustliterature #manssearchformeaning

[preeoz]

Instinct

Hyun Soo raises his hand to talk about how he believes the main character's mother is trying to show the greatness of Chinese food to her guests and wants her daughter to be proud of Chinese food. I asked him where he sees evidence for that in the story. He said, "No evidence." Points to brain. "Instinct."