02 December 2009

Power of One Reading Activities

Power of One Reading Activities
English 9
OReilly


The Power of One is a coming of age story, a bildungsroman. In a story of this type, a young character matures and reaches a state of self-awareness. Peekay, the hero of The Power of One comes to terms with who he is, but like any hero, he has help.

As you read, keep track of Peekay's realizations and how he learns. Also keep track of any classical heroic elements you may encounter. Let's review the mythological traits of a classic hero.

unusual origin, birth, or childhood
friends or guides, close relationships, mentors, teachers
supernatural, mystical aid
darkness, pathos, difficulties, trials
long journey
special "super" qualities, strengths, or powers
defects of character
successes, setting and reaching goals
civic duty, the desire and ability to aid others and benefit society

For each fifty-eighty assigned (50-80) pages, you will find three quotes. These quotes must be examples of a lesson that Peekay learns as part of his bildungsroman AND/OR a classical heroic trait—see above—that Peekay is developing or exhibiting. You need at least one example of each, heroic trait and bilungsroman, for each fifty pages you are assigned.

Here is an example of what I want:

Pages 1-51

Heroic Trait: Unusual childhood/special quality of seeing beyond race
bildungsroman: Peekay, from the very beginning, has a close relationship with a Zulu woman, making him less inclined to racial prejudice. This is a lesson he knows from the start.

Quote: "Before my life started properly, I was doing the usual mewling and sucking, which in my case occurred on a pair of huge, soft black breasts. In the African tradition, I continued to suckle for my first two and a half years, after which my Zulu wet nurse became my nanny. She was a person made for laughter, warmth, and softness, and she would clasp me to her breast and clasp my golden curls with a hand so large, it seemed to palm my whole head" (3).

Note: This example serves for both
bildungsroman and heroic trait. Some quotes might only work for one or the other. That is OK, but you must have an example for each included in your three quotes.

Rubric:

_______ At least three quotes taken from each 50-80 assigned pages.
_______ At least one quote reflects heroic trait. At least one quote reflects bildungsroman.
_______ Correctly format quotes and assignment, including page number as shown.
_______ Correctly format with proper heading, header, font type, and all usual and required formatting.
_______ Turn in on time with this rubric.


Keep up with these reading assignments. I will be randomly checking them.


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