Literature Circles—Relevancy Questions

 

Purpose: The novel you are reading is relevant to our world today. So, as a group, you will choose one of the items below for discussion. (* Titles of intended focus are in bold after the question; however, you may choose any question you feel fits your novel.)   You will connect the novel you’ve chosen to the real world and explore some issues and events that are taking place now. Many of the questions will require you to do outside reading and/or research.  Each team will need to assign tasks to each of their members in preparation for the next session.

 

  1. Everyone needs to fit in, to find a niche, or peer group they can relate to and communicate with.  What is the school’s responsibility to help students who can’t find a peer group?  Who, if anyone, is to blame when these students become violent and hurt themselves and/or others?  Geo. Club

 

  1. In view of 911 and the Homeland Security Act, how does the novel relate/mimic what is happening what is happening today to individual liberties/rights/freedoms?  1984

 

  1. Recently, much has been made about the nuclear capability of North Korea; however, as most know, China keeps a close watch on its “neighbor” to the SE.  How is this similar to what you’ve read in the novel [so far] and how does this relate to our relationship w/Mexico, Great Britain, Israel?

 

  1. China’s economy has grown more than any other country’s in the last 5 years and they have gained more personal freedom.  Their exports out number their imports %, in contrast to the huge trade deficit of the US.  What responsibility do we have in choosing to support, or not, industries in countries who mistreat, abuse & exploit workers?  Wm of Silk

 

  1. Globally, strong female figures who take care of their families have been applauded.  Prime Minister Tojo of Japan reiterated this in a speech during WWII.  He also said women should not work outside the home, because this would mean the weakening of the family and eventually the nation.  Strong women in business and politics have been strongly criticized, while their male counter parts lau8ded and promoted.  Today under 6 % of all company CEO’s are women and the majority of sweatshop workers are female and/or children.  What fundamental changes have to be instituted for change to occur in the workspace and at home.  Wm of Silk

 

  1. In all wars, and more recently in WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam young men, and now women, go off to war, fight, often kill and witness horrible scenes of violence, death and destruction.  Yet, upon their return home no re-adjustment strategies or counseling is offered.  What should be done to help our returning veterans cope with the personals scars/wounds they carry inside?  Catch 22

 

  1. Argue: People should be made to take medication against their will if it improves their ability to function in society.  Cuckoo

 

  1. How do you communicate emotion to a person who doesn’t understand or can’t process them?  Curious,  Alice, Whipping Star

 

  1. Pericles, the leader of Athens during the Golden Age of Greece, mistakenly quarantined the city during a plague.  Almost everyone died.  At the time, this was society’s answer as to how to end combat at “medical catastrophe.”  The same happen in the novel.  Today we battle the Bubonic Plague, Polio, HIV?AIDS, Anthrax, Asbestosis, Cancer, Herpes, Influenza, and other deadly diseases that affect the lives of millions annually.  Are we doing this effectively?  How could we better treat, cope with and discuss these diseases?  Year of Wonders

 

  1. Prejudice is evident all around us.  Discuss some of the different types you’ve witnessed & how it demoralizes, neutralizes and/or stigmatizes its victims.  Caged Bird, Cuckoo, Scarlet, Year, Bees

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. At present, stem cell research and cloning are very controversial topics.  Many see the horrors, potential abuse and exploitation both of these scientific advancements could bring while others trumpet the possible health benefits and cures for multiple diseases and injuries millions are afflicted with.  What do you believe?  Argue: Should stem cell research and human cloning be funded by the Federal Government?  Legal?  Explain & support your answer.  Should it be legal?  Funded privately?  Frankenstein, Brave New World

            

  1. Our ancestors didn’t have to think about many of the topics we are confronted with today.  When does life begin, when does it end?  Everyday, people are struggling with these profound issues.  How can we intrude upon such personal, difficult decisions?  Who should make these decisions?  Should the government have the right to intervene?  1984, Brave New, Frank.

 

  1. Recently, the State of Washington voted down a bill that would have given equal rights to gay/lesbian couples in regard to marriage, insurance, death benefits, etc.  Are there other groups who in this country are denied equal rights?  Should everyone be given equal rights?  If not, who should not be eligible?  Who decides eligibility for those rights?  What could be the consequences of denying equal right to all?  Geo. Club

 

  1. As the fight for individual rights continues to push center stage, children’s rights are being heralded.  Should children have the right to divorce their parents?  In any situation or only in neglectful, exploitive, or abusive situations?  Who should be the judge?  What could be the fallout/consequences of such legislation?     Alice

 

  1. Argue:  The “Golden Rule,” Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, should be the national ethos, (belief, attitude) so people truly begin to see other people as they wish to be seen and treat them as they wish to be treated.  Cuckoo, Caged Bird, Bees, Scarlet, Year, Catcher

 

  1. At present, stem cell research and cloning are very controversial topics.  Many see the horrors, potential abuse and exploitation both of these scientific advancements could bring while others trumpet the possible health benefits and cures for multiple diseases and injuries millions are afflicted with.  What do you believe?  Argue: Should stem cell research and human cloning be funded by the Federal Government?  Legal? Explain & support your answer.  Should it be legal funded privately?   Frank., Brave 

 

  1. Marijuana is illegal for sale and consumption in the United States and many other countries.  The US spends hundreds of millions of dollars trying to eradicate it at home and stop it from coming across our borders.  Presently, it has been legalized for medicinal use in many states and others are considering this now.  Should marijuana be decriminalized and legalized?  Defend and support your answer.  Alice

 

  1. It has been postulated that there are 8 kinds of intelligences: Linguistic (world smart), Spatial (picture smart), Musical (music smart), Logical-mathematical (number/reasoning smart).  Do educators have a responsibility to teach to these intelligences vs. staying with the traditional language oriented approach?  If so, how can this be achieved?  How can schools more effectively teach to those artists, architects, musicians, naturalists, designers, dancers, therapists, entrepreneurs, etc. who don’t fit into the mold of “regular” education?  What are the consequences when we don’t? Geog. Club,  Bees

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Our society loves to label people.  Republican, Democrat, learning disabled, cognitively impaired, social climber, gold digger, Yuppie, DINK’s, etc.  Occasionally, labels have a positive effect, but usually they stigmatize those so named.  In the novel, Hester is the one who is publicly labeled; however, she is not the only one who suffers.  Think of those you know who have been labeled, whether fairly or not.  Why has this happened?  What was the outcome?  How could this have been avoided?  This has become very prevalent in our society, how can we halt this damaging situation? Scarlet, Geo. Club, Curious

 

  1. What is the purpose of human life in today’s world? Siren, Lathe

 

 

  1. For most of the latter half of the 20th century, NASA had an unlimited budget; however, because of the recent accidents, delays and cost overruns many say the “blank check” policy should be stopped.  With a growing deficit, should the U.S. be spending billions on space exploration?  If so, what should our goals and objectives be?  Should we undertake this mission alone?  What could happen if we abandon our space program?  Sci/Fi Books

 

  1. Should government step in and regulate cable TV and the Internet?  Defend and support your answer.  1984

 

  1. The spirit of adventure and survival is present in many.  If given the chance, what uncharted, dangerous, or little known territory(s) where you would venture to?  What safety precautions could you realistically take?  Are there still places like this on earth?  Where?  What actions would you take if you were lost with no prospect of immediate rescue?  Is it the responsibility of society or your home country to rescue you?  Dove, Sci/Fi Books

 

 

  1. How do you communicate with those who don’t speak or understand the language you speak?  In Europe, most students speak at least 2 languages, many 3 to 5.  Do you have a responsibility to speak a language other than English?  Why or why not?  As a traveler in another country or world, what is your responsibility as a communicator?  Should English become the “global” language? Left Hand, Dispossessed

 

  1. Argue:  There are different time lines of existence.  Parallel universes can coexist.  Telepathy can be a passageway to another dimension. Sci/Fi Books

 

  1. In today’s society, many children live in homes headed by single mothers.  Their fathers have abandoned not only parental responsibilities, but also financial ones as well.  What should happen to “dead beat” dads?  Should tougher legislation be enacted?  Should society institute harsh penalties for those who desert their children?  Bees

 

  1. The search for the meaning of life has long been a religious quest.  Is there a way to achieve peace, harmony and wisdom in your life time?  How?  Is there a society or culture in today’s world who seem to achieve this? Siren, Lathe, Siddhartha, House Dawn