Good morning/afternoon. Today we have some group discussion/writing followed by some alone time.

1. First, share your responses to the reading check. Should Tim have jumped? Why/why not?

2. Now, let’s consider some themes. Yesterday we brought up some additional power and justice ideas that exist in this text. They are now on the whiteboard. How are the following supported in “On the Rainy River?” (Save these notes for future use):

Writing to control experience:

Being a “man” vs. being a coward (courage):

Society’s attitude (the town’s) vs. the soldier’s (Tim’s):

O’Brien’s anger and powerlessness:

3. Re-look at Tim’s job before he left (pps. 42-43, 53). Why might O’Brien have made this choice?

4. Look back at the list of people who stand on the shore and watch Tim (p. 58-59). Discuss the ones you are familiar with (perhaps some you will recognize from U.S. History class). Write down a few that seem significant and why you think they are there. Bonus for Huck Finn!

End of group work.

Now, let’s prepare for the personal writing connection. Use the back (or separate paper) to answer one of the following. The more detail you have, the better for later.

Write about either:

1. A situation that occurred to you that you found totally unjust/unfair (or very fair?).

2. A situation in which you showed great courage by doing the right thing (or where you failed to show courage, or were embarrassed to act.)

What happened, what did you do, what could you have done, how did you feel…

Is there a lesson you learned from this? A point/message you would communicate from this?