Siddhartha by Herman Hesse

Note: To fully understand and appreciate Siddhartha, it may be helpful for you to explore concepts like spiritual enlightenment, self-reflection, and even some of the more specific ideas and beliefs of Buddhism. Words like brahmin, ascetics, samanas, nirvana, and om, are very culturally specific and warrant some understanding while trying to make meaning and relevance out of this text. It would be in your best interest to note these words as you come across them in the text and do some quick, informal research on these topics.


Siddhartha explores the path to spiritual enlightenment. In the novel, Siddhartha encounters several people who aid him in one way or another toward achieving enlightenment. Can you discuss at least one important person on Siddhartha's journey who aids in his self-discovery? Be specific as to how that individual helps Siddhartha. Also, in your own life, have there been specific people who have helped you discover important realizations about yourself? Be sure to use false names when writing about real people.

Why is it important for American students to read and understand world literature about other cultures, religions and ways of life? What important lessons learned from Siddhartha's way of life are especially relevant to American culture today? Why? 

Siddhartha, too, is rich with symbolism. Again, without consulting resource web cites, can you identify a minimum of three important symbols and explain their significance.

Is it best to learn by studying the ways of others and imitating them or by experiencing life yourself? Define what you think is the best path of education or, if you will, enlightenment and defend your stance.

Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart

Before addressing the following question, you should do a bit of research on the following concepts: colonialism and post-colonialism writing. Once you know what these terms mean, relate them to a discussion of the novel.

Once again, the novel Things Fall Apart can be very relevant to the world in which we live today. From conflicts created due to culture clashes to characters that are ruled by a force which ultimately leads to great strife and anguish, Achebe's novel has a bit of everything. What comparisons can you draw from the novel and current happenings in the world today. As always, support your response with ample textual support.

What is the greatest lesson to be learned from Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart and why is that lesson important for students in today's society to learn?

This novel is typically a "love it or hate it" read. What did you think? Why? It is always much easier to criticize a novel of this nature than defend its merit, but what redeeming qualities did you find? Why do you suppose this novel is on the AP College Board's Reading List? Why should it be considered a classic?

Symbolism is important in Things Fall Apart. Without consulting sparknotes or other sources, what objects, people, places, ideas, etc. do you think are symbolic? What might they represent? Note: The teachers DO compare student ideas with "resource support" cites like sparknotes.

1984 by George Orwell

Orwell's 1984 is a cautionary tale; it warns against the dangers of a totalitarian regime that hinders intellectual freedom and liberty. In the novel, Orwell creates a dystopia; however, there are traces of Orwell's fictional world found in today's society. Can you find parallels between Winston's Oceania and the world in which we live today? (Note: You may have to do a bit of background research on the following words: dystopia, social commentary science fiction, and intellectual freedom.)

Another idea to make note of as you read and think about 1984 is the notion of paradox. What is a paradox and can you identify several paradoxical situations present in novel?

What other aspects or ideas of the novel did you find interesting to discuss? Can you draw comparisons between this novel and other social commentary novels you have read in the past? Can you comment on Orwell's writing style? (Remember, you do not have to address every question given in the prompts; however, we put several different ideas here so that you are not all responding to the same questions. Feel free to explore your own ideas as well as respond to other classmates or even pose your own questions.)