Earliest Memory and Identity

The play opens on Rosencrantz and Guildenstern betting on a coin
toss. Guildenstern loses repeatedly, as Rosencrantz always calls heads.
Guildenstern displays his nervousness as he mutters about the laws of
probability. These characters obviously feel confused about who they
are and what they are doing. In a futile attempt to comprehend what is
happening, Guildenstern asks Rosencrantz to tell him the first thing he
remembers. Rosencrantz replies that he cannot remember, because “it was
so long ago.” Thus, Stoppard highlights the fact that much of one’s sense
of self comes from one’s memories.
Free write about your earliest memory. What role does it play in your
identity? Separate the memories suggested to you by relatives and friends
or family photos from events you clearly remember.

Parents and Kids

To what extent do parents have the right to "spy" on their children? What circumstances might allow or prevent this?

Thinker or Doer Journal Entry

Characterize yourself as a "thinker" or a "doer." In this respect what character in the play are you most like? How would you like to be different, or would you like to be different?

On Toni Morrison's Nobel Prize Speech

Welcome to the newest class of AP students!

This will be your first chance to practice a journal entry. No, you don't have to answer every question below, but here are some questions to guide your thinking.

What IS this thing? What is the point of view? Who is the old woman? What is the bird? What do you think this all means? What is confusing? What does this have to do with literature anyway? What kind of writing is this--formal, informal, a little of both? Why do you think Toni Morrison is giving this speech while accepting a prize for being an amazing writer? Who do you think she is talking to? Are there metaphors? Themes? Dialogue? How many KINDS of writing can you identify? What phrases or words struck you? What did you think the tone was? How about the mood? Did it change or was it the same throughout? Were there archtypes you recognized?

Unpack!

Lauren