I'm experimenting with inserting links; if nothing shows, I screwed up!

I want you to read and internalize Johns Steinbecks nobel prize for literature acceptance speech. If the link doesn't work just google it. It is such a profound statement and something you need to read to understand why Steinbeck wrote what he wrote.

Cathlyn's understanding of religious allegory and allusions is amazing!

After you have read Grapes, please thoroughly read Cathlyn's post. Her knowledge of the bible has definitely enhanced her understanding of Grapes of Wrath. She has some brilliant points here (and they are beautifully supported.)

When author's use allusions they know that many people will not see the parallels so I ask you this question: Why use allusions if many people won't "get" them? Is this not a waste of paper? We are not all as knowledgeable as Cathlyn!

By the way ehP students the brand new copies of Grapes of Wrath are in. You can sign one out at any time now.

See you soon, people. (If any of you have time to help me put up an EhP display of your portfolio work, please drop by. I need someone with style, with pizazz, with a flare for the visual, with a stapler.)

Ah but the novel does have an amazing conclusion!

Z is questioning the ending of the novel. I don't want to say anything about it because it would spoil the novel for many other readers. But do remember to remind me at a much later date to discuss this. (Will probably be in class!)

Rose of Sharon is mentioned in the bible but I would like you botanists to figure this one out.

Avril and Z sittin' in a restaurant... you need to post the picture.

Say hi to my relatives in Kelowna, Z. (Pretty well every 2nd person on the street.)

(Re: Judas - could the gov't play that role? Just thinking....

MJ

ps. I have just bought (and somewhat mastered) an mp3 player. Very cool gadget. Tell me something...Is it worth signing up at Napster or one of those other download places. I am worried about getting a site with nothing but crummy music. Also, how do you delete a song? I have a MuvoC100.

SMART OBSERVATIONS! (I'm not yelling - just impressed!)

Cathlyn and Z have some great observations and questions. JC is a parallel to Jesus; as you read on, and if you read your bible, you will recognize some of the statements he makes. They are so closely related to passages from the bible. If JC is Jesus then that makes Tom (and many others) a disciple. Some great parallels here as well. Excellent points from Z about JC going into the wilderness and about resurrection.

Regarding Tom, note that initially he is a hesitant leader. JC helps lead him to a higher purpose.

Look for growth of character not only in Tom but in Rose of Sharon. She evolves into an incredibly interesting character. See if you can find out the symbolic significance of her name. (Interesting factoid: Steinbeck was asked to make certain changes in his novel regarding Rose of Sharon but refused at risk of not getting published; subsequently, this refusal led to one of the most controversial plot developments in 20th century literature.)