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Jack London.

Today we are finishing our inquiry of London's chilling narrative. 

Agenda:

1. Pater Noster
2. Finish "To Build a Fire" by London
3. Reading Journal (2/6): London's "To Build a Fire" 
1. Contrast the dog and the man in the story: What motivates the behavior of the dog vs. the man? How do the man and the dog differ in their approach to the cold?
2. Cite 3 quotes that show London's Naturalistic philosophy. Check the Lit Book's definition in the "Elements of Naturalism" (p. 393).
3. Based on the questions above, what moral conclusion do you think London wants us to draw from this story?
4. Review HW:
1. Be perfect.

"The trouble with him was that he was without imagination."

Today we will read well written story. But it is not a story that is without argument. It contains what is perhaps the most clear and persuasive defense of the philosophy of Naturalism.
 
Agenda:

1. Pater noster
2. Intro to Jack London: read his bio in the Lit Book (p. 479)
3. Read "To Build a Fire" by Jack London (p. 481 in Lit Book)
4. Review HW:
1. Be perfect.

Heroism and David's Mighty Men

We are picking up where we left off in our study of Crane's "A Mystery of Heroism." All stories and poems make some kind of argument. The Realists of the late nineteenth century are no different. Crane has a particular agenda; he is positing a very deep question in this story, one that reaches to the foundations of knowledge, or the branch of philosophy we call "epistemology" (i.e. - How you know what you know?). For the Realist, any Transcendent assumption is called into question, since we can't falsify or prove it. So much is implied even in the title of the story, and a Christian must be critical of Crane's argument and purpose.

Agenda:

1. Our Father
2. Reading Journal (1/17): "A Mystery of Heroism"
1. Read 2 Samuel 23:8-17 (click the audio button to hear it narrated).Compare and contrast the two narratives. Based on the reading, what might Crane be arguing against or attacking?
3. Review and discuss the rhetorical argument Crane makes.
4. Review HW:
1. Be perfect.