Make sure you read my "Expectations for Reading Responses "prior to getting started on your assignment.
| 1. Despite Japan and other East Asian countries' economic success, what are some of the factors depicted in Battle Royale that indicate that there are major cultural, economic, or other social problems in these countries? How do these factors affect the tone of the film or book? |
| 2. Now it's time for a rant. or a reflection. Given the problems about school depicted in this scholarly essay, what were some of the difficulties/conflicts that you experienced during your high school years, if any? Are these problems and difficulties reflected in the piece? If so, comment upon them. |
| 3. What are some of the pressures placed on the academic figures in the novel/movie, especially the pressures placed on the teacher, Mr. Kitano? How do these pressures affect his relationship with his students, especially Noriko Nakagawa? |
| 4. Discuss the importance of trust, and the role that it plays in the novel/movie. How does trust enhance or destroy relationships in the novel? |
| 5. The movie is probably going to be remade in America, with American actors in all of the lead roles. Speculate on the ensuing controversy. In addition, comment on the relationship between the novel and modern-day reality T.V. programs; how is Battle Royale an 'apocalyptic millenial message? |
| 6. Additional comments and points you'd like to add. |
7. Extra-credit: If you were forced to become a participant in The Programme, would you play? Why or why not? |
Expectations for Reading Responses
In general, any teacher will tell you that what they are looking for is insightful, often original commentary that 1) cuts to the core of the piece read; 2) answers questions deftly rather than swiftly; 3) provides quotable evidence; 4) offers insightful analysis of those quotes. Ideally, a good response usually has 3 things that are completely related to basic PIE structure: a general claim, evidence supporting that claim, and analysis of that evidence.
As such, here is a sample of strong analysis based on a seven-line poem that I use in my English 100 class. The poem is Gwendolyn Brooks' "We Real Cool."
"WE REAL COOL"
--Gwendolyn Brooks
The Pool Players.
Seven at the Golden Shovel.
We Real Cool. We
Left school. We
Lurk Late. We
Strike straight. We
Sing sin. We
Thin gin. We
Jazz June. We
Die soon. (642)
Sample Question: Why is the setting of this poem important?
Sample Answer: The setting of the Golden Shovel not only typifies the type of activities that go on at the pool hall, but also foreshadow the early deaths of the seven pool players. While there is no clear indication of a physical setting in terms of climate or geographical location, Brooks' decision to call the pool hall the Golden Shovel is a symbolic act. Most pool halls might give their establishments "cooler" names; even in Hawai'i, pool halls have cool names such as Hawaiian Brians' or Velvets; these names accentuate the fun or supposed grandeur of the activity. A shovel, golden or not, typically serves one purpose: it is used to dig a hole. Treasure-seekers or gravediggers use it as their most important tool. The narrators seem to be simultaneously living out the dual nature of the shovel's use: they seek hedonistic excess, and at the same time, are brought to dig their own graves because of that search. The word "Golden" implies that the pursuit for sensuality in this piece is valuable and worthwhile for these players, even though their lives may be at stake.
Commentary: The author has tried to employ what is known as "quote recycling" to set forward the juiciest and tastiest bits of quotes so as to comment on them strongly.
And here's an example of a response that is a rush-job, which usually results in a less than stellar grade.
Sample Question: Why is the setting of this poem important?
Sample Answer: The Golden Shovel is a bar. Bars usually attract drunks. That's why it's important. These kids are drunks.
The student, it can be argued, has made a strong assertion. Lacking quotable evidence, however, the student's claims cannot be significantly made legitimate in the reader's mind.