Animal Farm Trailer

What is Going to Happen to the Milk?

Three months pass between the death of Old Major and the actual animal revolt. What were some of the animals doing as they waited? How do their actions foreshadow the possibility that things may not play out as equitably as Old Major had hoped?

Rebellion! Will the Lives of the Animals Improve?

"Man is the only creature that consumes without producing," states Old Major, the older, benevolent boar who first inspires the animals on Manor Farm to consider rebellion rather continued submission. During his speech he clearly points out all the reasons why life would be better for the animals if they were to assume control over their own situation and expel Farmer Jones. However, as he speaks, we get the perfect opportunity to watch the animals and learn about them. What particular characteristics or stereotypes do you begin to associate with what animal and why do you think that characteristic could help or hinder a successful rebellion?

House of Sand and Fog: A Choice Response

Although we have discussed this film in class and online, there are still areas worth a more thorough examination. Select one of the following prompts below and respond in a responsible and thoughtful manner.

1. In the movie, the house in dispute is not just a house. It also symbolizes different things for Kathy and Mr. Behrani. What does the house symbolize for each of them?

2. There are several instances of bird imagery (verbal and /or visual) in the film. Describe three instances of this imagery in the film and explain its significance.

3. Compare and contrast the immigrant experiences of Baba and Amir (Kite Runner) with those of the Behrani family (House of Sand and Fog). Be sure to include both similarities and differences that go beyond the superficial.

4. Why did Colonel Behrani kill himself and his wife?

House of Sand and Fog: The Escalating Conflict

As you have been viewing the film and noting some of the similarities to events and/or characters in Kite Runner, what do you think are some of the specific causes to the escalating conflict between the Colonel and Cathy and between the Colonel and Lester? What specific prejudices or assumptions do the characters make, limiting their inability to communicate effectively? What about the Colonel's wife and son, Cathy's mother and brother, and even Lester's wife?

Intermission: Discussing and Viewing House of Sand and Fog

As we continue to view the film House of Sand and Fog we have had many opportunities to discuss characters, particular events, and themes. We noted the similarities between the Colonel and Baba from Kite Runner. We couldn't miss the obvious cultural conflicts that escalated the tension between Lester and the Colonel or the pride that contributed to the destruction of three families. However, we haven't really talked about the imagery - the trees, the birds, or all the fog and sand that seamlessly link the story events together. Why are they there? What do they mean? In today's blog response select just one of those repeating images and tell us what you think it might mean and how it figures into the story. (Oh, you cannot say a tree is just a tree here.)

Stories within Stories

Throughout the narrative Hosseini has continually woven a vast array of memories, dreams, and epic tales into the story. These additions becomes stories in their own right, and they often help readers better understand the personal, familial, and cultural challenges Amir and Hassan face together and alone. Whether it is Hassan telling Amir his dream about a monster in a lake or Amir remembering how he and Hassan imagined themselves to be the world's "greatest explorers" as they paraded a tortoise around in a wagon, these stories reveal just how much these two boys struggle to move beyond their individual and cultural limitations. Which one of the many stories woven into the narrative made the greatest impression on you and how did it help you better understand and appreciate the story?