Monday, March 25, 2013

Devil Final: #11

Why did it take so long for Holmes to finally be caught and brought to justice?  Is anyone at fault for this, or is it just the best it could have been, given the time period?

Devil Final #10

The film rights for this book were purchased in 2007 by Leonardo DiCaprio.  If you were the casting director, who should be cast as Burnham and Holmes (and pick 2 other major characters)?  Then, explain why these actors/actresses should play that particular character.

Devil Final #9

Burnham and Holmes were both visionaries in their own ways.  Discuss what drove each of these men, whether they were ever truly satisfied, and how their lives ultimately ended.

Devil Final #8

What do you think of Holmes' claim he was the devil?  Can people be inherently evil?  How would you explain his strange attraction and cold-hearted behavior?  Explain.

Devil Final #7

How did the fair, White City, contrast with Chicago, the Black City?  Explain.

Devil Final #6

How did Holmes' hotel contrast with the buildings of the World's Fair?  Can architecture reflect goodness or evil, are buildings neutral until used?  Explain.

Devil Final #5

What ultimately led to Holmes' capture and the discovery of his crime?  Was this inevitable?  Explain.

Devil Final #4

How was Holmes able to exert such power over his victims?  What weaknesses did he prey upon?  How was Holmes able to get away with so many murders without becoming suspect?  Why wasn't he caught earlier?  In what does his story "illustrate the end of the century" (370) as the Chicago Times-Herald wrote?

Devil Final #3

How did the Chicago World's Fair change Chicago?  America?  The world?  Discuss some of the inventions and ideas that were introduced at the fair that still impact life today.

Devil Final #2

At the end of the book, Larson suggests that "exactly what motivated Holmes may never be known" (395).  What possible motives of Holmes are exposed in The Devil in the White City?  Why is it important for people even today to try to understand the motives of a person like Holmes?

Devil Final: #1

Why do you think Larson chose to tell Burnham and Holmes' stories together?  How did the comparison affect the narrative?  Do you think the stories worked well together or would you have preferred to read about just Holmes or just Burnham?  Explain why.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

OTHER OPTION: Devil conclusion blog

What did you think about how the author, Larson, ended both his stories?

Devil conclusion blog

Now that you have finished reading Devil, write a little about what you thought of the book, the writing, the plot, and the characters... be specific about likes and dislikes!

Friday, March 15, 2013

Devil Part III: "The White City"

Choose a quote or passage from this section of the reading and reflect on its significance. The reflection can be a personal reaction, a literary analysis, a comparative observation (to other literature we've explored), or a springboard to deeper discussion with your peers. In essence, you are participating in an interactive discussion with one another. We will be looking for critical thinking, unique perspective, insightful questions and observations, as well as genuine interest in what others have to say about the novel.

Friday, March 1, 2013

How We Grade Blog Postings

Hello!  As you prepare to post your response to the blog question, here are a few things to keep in mind.  1. be sure to post by midnight on Monday, Mar. 4th!  2. be sure you are not the shortest blog responses out there.  In fact, we would advise you to shoot for a longer posting!  We would expect to see more than just a short paragraph in order to give full credit.  3.  You can build your blog posting in response to someone else's posting, just hit the 'comment' or 'reply' button and respond with your ideas!