English 2F - Traditional Fiction
Seminar #7 -The Secret Garden
Directions:
Think about these questions.
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How does Burnett influence her audience's feelings about the characters in the book? How are we meant to feel about each character as we are introduced to them, and how does Burnett lead us to change our minds about certain characters as the story progresses?
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What messages do you think Burnett is sending about what children need in order to thrive? Do you agree with her messages and assumptions about children and their needs?
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While reading the book, what can we assume about the nature of childhood in Burnett's time? What cultural values do you see woven into the book, and how might we interpret them as a modern audience, as opposed to how her original/intended audience might have reacted to them?
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What did you make of the themes of magic and spirituality in the book? Does Burnett seem to be making any suggestions about a 'higher power' to which we are subject?
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What symbols did you discover in the book? How might her original audience have interpreted those symbols? How might a modern audience respond? How might an adult audience interpret those symbols differently than a young audience?
Write a brief (1-2 paragraph) response to one or more of those questions. Note: You don't have to respond to all these questions. You are free to, of course, but you might also pick a few to focus on, or even just one.
Post your paragraph using the "New Topic" button. Initial postings will be due by Monday, 10/8 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 10/15.
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