English 2F - Children's Literature
Seminar 7 - Treasure Island in Context

Directions:

Think about these questions

• What about Treasure Island identifies it as appropriate to the genre of "children's lit"?
• What are the cultural and biographical influences on this book? Think about Stevenson's life, and the cultural climate of the time in which he lived.
• Are there any themes, scenes or ideas in the book that would make you question giving it (or reading it) to a young child? Do you think Stevenson handles those moments appropriately? Why or why not?
• Do you think the audience that Stevenson envisioned is substantially different from the audience that is reading the book today?   Think of similarities and differences between the generation that read the book when it was first published, and the generations since, leading up to our current crop of children who are reading the book for the first time.
• What kind of preparation might a child need (either via life experience or discussion with adults) to be able to deal with some of these more advanced or complex elements, themes and ideas?

Write a brief (1-2 paragraph) response to one or more of those questions. Post your paragraph using the "New Topic" button.  Postings will be due by Monday, October 6 at midnight.

Respond to at least two of your classmates' paragraphs.  When you respond, do add something to the discussion. Don't just say "I agree" or "disagree".  Give specific reasons why you feel the way you do, examples from your own childhood or observations, and other evidence. Responses are due by midnight Monday, October 13.