First seminar

Today our class experienced our first seminar--it covered James Hurst's The Scarlet Ibis.

Dr. Roberts posed a question to start our seminar, and then she allowed a few minutes for each of us to write our thoughts on the topic.

She asked, "Who is the most invested character in this story?"

My response:

I think the person who's most invested in the story is Doodle's brother. Since the story is written in his perspective, Brother shares his thoughts, feelings, and motives through his words. His initial motivation to teach Doodle how to walk was selfish (". . . Doodle walked only because I was ashamed of having a crippled brother"). However, I think that, when Doodle started making real progress and the boys bonded over their time spent together, Brother began to help Doodle for reasons other than selfishness. Doodle's and Brother's camaraderie strengthened as the boys tackled obstacles throughout the story.

Favorite quote: "We never spoke (What are the words that can solder cracked pride?)"

The "soldering cracked pride" just displays such a command of the English language--I love it.

Quiz question: Why did Brother start teaching Doodle how to walk?

Answer: "I did it for myself, that pride, whose slave I was . . . Doodle walked only because I was ashamed of having a crippled brother."

Real-life question: Describe a moment or event in your life where you acted with an ulterior motive, such as that which prompted Brother to start teaching Doodle how to walk.

Characters: Brother, William Armstrong (Doodle), Mama, Daddy, and Aunt Nicey

Significant Influence

As a child, I spent every spare moment engrossed in a book. My love of reading stemmed from my family, who constantly read to me. My kindergarten-teaching mother also greatly influenced my love of language and books.

Growing up, the first books I learned to read were A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh series. Even before I learned to read, I loved Pooh. Mom videotaped three-year-old me as I sat in the hallway with a bowl of popcorn, a glass of milk, and a tale of my beloved bear and his quirky

friends. I was convinced that I knew how to read, but really I was making up the story as I turned each page.

Winnie the Pooh was my first obsession. Pooh books, movies, and stuffed animals filled my bookshelves. After I actually learned how to read, Pooh helped me to discover that books were capable of transforming my world into something completely different. Within moments of turning the first page, I was suddenly playing Poohsticks and having adventures in the "Hunner" Acre Wood. I was so enthralled with Pooh's world that I copied Christopher Robin's outfit--

yellow shirt, jean shorts, and red shoes--nearly every day.

I credit Mr. Milne and his highly exciting creations for piquing my love of reading. Growing older, I have not been able to read for pleasure as much as I want to. Young Adult literature is my favorite genre, so I am eager to explore new texts and find new favorites in this class!!!!