We hope your summer is splendid and that you have successfully begun reading Lewis' Out of the Silent Planet. Remember to download the assignment from the Monte Vista website if you have not yet.
It has been brought to our attention that in the PDF Version of the assignment some links might not work. Just in case, here are the links:
- Some tips and examples of how to ANNOTATE A TEXT
- A brief overview, with illustration, of BASC PLOT STRUCTURE
- A page on Mr. Schwagger's Blog with a list of MALACANDRIAN NAMES AND TERMS
- *For Honors Only*: MLA FORMATTING GUIDE for your short story assignment.
Do not hesitate to contact myself or someone else from the school if these are not working or if you have more questions. We are so looking forward to reading, and making, stories, poems, and essays together this coming August.
Finally, we did promise some tips throughout the summer, so here are two--
1) Do not underestimate the power of RE-READING. If something strikes you as puzzling, confusing, or interesting, mark it to come back to. Read it over again. And again. Let it soak into your bones. There are many mysterious things you will encounter, and you should savor them to find their meaning. Who knows, it may become your favorite line or favorite image, and may even change the course of your entire life... muahahaha.
2) Remember, Lewis is imagining life on Mars, Malacandra, as if it is an UNFALLEN planet. He wrote this book before humans made it to the moon. In order to catch the vision that an author casts, it can be helpful to consider how an author's work is different from other stories or images that are slightly similar. As you read, consider comparing Lewis' vision of Mars to these other images and stories about Mars in our culture:
- The Mars One Project--humans are planning to settle on Mars on 2025. But there is one catch: there won't be enough fuel for a return journey, and the settlement will be documented for a Real-Life television series. Does this sound exciting? Or creepy?
- Marvin the Martian--arguably, the most famous Martian of all time. (Notice: martian=creature from Mars).
- The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury--a series of short stories by a California Native. If you finish Lewis, and have time, check it out!
Keep in mind, these are optional resources. Follow the assignment closely to know what is mandatory.
Peace and Blessings!
Mr. Kirkendall, Mrs. Fleming, Ms. Mori
