Subjectivity and Representation at the end of Book 1 of Beloved

In the first part of class today, you read and discussed chapters 16-18, and how each one represents a different perspective on the same event.
Then you did a close reading of some of those passages, keeping track of key details, descriptive words, figurative language, structure, and the "goal" of each perspective.
Now, you will put that information together in a Venn diagram.
Click here for a template for your group to use.
Your group will need only one computer to enter the evidence you found.
Be sure to print out a copy for each member of your group and one to sumbit to us.
(20 minutes)

Then, individually, you will write a paragraph response, exploring the ways in which values and identity shape the ways in which a narrator recounts an event.  Be sure to make use of the evidence on your diagram as a way of naming the similarities and differences.
(30 minutes)

Baby Suggs - Her Sermon and Ways to Hear It

In class last Friday, I played several video clips to suggest ways of imagining Baby Suggs's sermon in the clearing.
First, to think of it as gospel music, I played this song from Mahalia Jackson, one of the greatest gospel singers of all time.
Next, to think of it as revolutionary ideas communicated through the power of the spoken word, I played this song from Gil Scott-Heron.
Last, to think of it as a dance and celebration, combining elements of both of the above examples, I played Kanye West's "Jesus Walks."
I also shared with you a short clip from the film version of Beloved - it captures a powerful combination of these ideas. 
What did you think?  Did you find these clips to be helpful?  Share your thoughts below.

Beloved - Memory, Rememory, and the Power of the Past

After you complete your reading for today, we'd like you write your journal entry for chapter 9 as a blog post.  The focus of it revolves about the issue of Memory, Rememory, and the Power of the Past - what is the novel saying about these topics at this point?  What are the challenges and issues that arise when the past is either raised or specifically avoided?  When is it embraced - when is it hidden - why?