Thursday, April 28, 2016

Discussion n. 15: "The Godfather" due May 4

Two separate PARAGRAPHS.

1) Do a search on 'familial amoralism' before you jump into the discussion: it's a term commonly used in sociology. You ought to know what you are talking about before you talk about it. Do not include in your comment.


COMMENT: In terms of "value to society" (not just to the selfishness of 'familial amoralism') does Don Corleone have any redeeming qualities? Or is he just a smooth and polished greedy monster (like Wall Street's sharks?)  


SEPARATE PARAGRAPH

2) Which representation of the don is 'better': Puzo's or Coppola's?  (Interpret "better" as you want.)


REPLY:  Argue back on n. 1 only.

We will discuss n.2 extensively in class.

Sunday, April 17, 2016

DISCUSSION n. 14: Puzo's "The Godfather" -- DUE APRIL 20

COMMENT Choose one little -- and I mean little -- detail or quote that most likely nobody else noticed.

It must be something that shows HOW DIFFERENT the values, lifestyle, mentality, etc. are from those of ordinary people.

REPLY to one comment that seems particularly interesting or meaningful.

Saturday, April 9, 2016

Discussion n. 13: GIVE US THIS DAY

COMMENT:

  1. What did you think of the film in and  by itself, without including the association with the book?
  2. Surprised that the plot is not what you expected?
    Surprised that the characters are not the same as in the book?
    Surprised that the Italian American theme is almost absent?

REPLY:  reply to a comment you don't agree with completely.

DISCUSSION n. 12: CHRIST IN CONCRETE - due April 13

COMMENT:

NO MORE THAN 3 PEOPLE CAN CHOOSE THE SAME CHAPTER

Choose one chapter in the second part of the book (after page 60) that somehow in your opinion "does not fit" well with the rest of the book.  Explain the reason of your choice.

REPLY:  find a comment you don't agree with and explain WHY you think that particular chapter does fit or adds something relevant.