The students are spending this week working on expository
writing pieces to culminate the novel, Where the Red Fern Grows. Two
different prompts have been assigned. Half of the class will be responding to
the prompt: Reflect upon the four Greek
words for “love”. How are they displayed in the book, Where the Red Fern
Grows?
The four words for “love” in Greek are:
agape: love for
humanity, religious commitment (Example: volunteering, love for a God)
eros: romantic
love (Example: respect and teamwork between a husband and wife)
philia: love for
friends, loyalty to a community, mutual sharing (Example: bond between friends,
teammates, etc.)
storge: natural
love for family, “familial love” (Example: a parent’s love for his/her child)
The students had a very insightful conversation about how
each of these types of love is evident in the book. Tonight, your child will
write about agape and eros. Textual support for agape includes Billy’s strong faith and his
love and reliance on nature. To expand on eros,
your child will discuss the importance of Billy’s parents’ reliance and care
for each other as they persevered through the Great Depression raising their family
and coping with various trials along the way.
The other half of the class is writing an expository essay
on the prompt: How has Billy grown
throughout the novel? The three points that the students have chosen to
touch upon are: Billy’s maturity, responsibility, and integrity. For homework
tonight, the students assigned to this
prompt will write their first draft of the first two paragraphs: maturity and
responsibility.
If you have any questions about this assignment, please feel
free to email me. I am already very moved by the depth brought forth during
both groups’ discussions. I look forward to reading the final products on
Friday!
