Jacob Have I Loved: Discussion Questions

The cottage on Rass Island

In the novel  Jacob Have I Loved, Louise is struggling with her faith while learning more about herself as she battles self-esteem issues, jealousy, broken friendships, and the normal feelings that comes with growing up. 

1.    How do these trials affect her relationships with others?

2.   In what ways can you learn from her struggles and apply them to your life as a Christian?

3.   Think About It: Although Caroline is considered to be the artist in the Bradshaw family, Louise is described as the sensitive one. In contrast, Caroline is less likely to observe and question her environment. What might be some reasons for this?

4.   Compare/Contrast: What are some disadvantages of Louise being viewed as the stronger sister as she is growing up?  What are some advantages?

Incoming Student Supplies List

Hello!  You should have received a letter detailing the list of supplies that your student will need for the upcoming year.  Please feel free to bring these supplies to orientation on Thursday, September 1^st, at 7:00 pm:

     1.      New International Version Bible (Other versions are acceptable)

     2.      Webster’s Dictionary & Thesaurus (Desk Size)

     3.      Two 1-Inch Three Ring Binders

     4.      One 2-Inch Binder (For homework)

     5.      Two packages (200 sheets) of college ruled notebook paper

     6.      Three sets of 5-tab dividers

     7.      One spiral notebook to journal in. (80 sheets)

     8.      One package of 10-12 plain wooden plain pencils (Will be shared with the class)

     9.      Backpack

   10.  Pencil Box

   11.  Pencil sharpener (To keep in your desk)

   12.  Red ball-point pens (2-3)

   13.  Two large erasers

   14.  Package of Markers

   15.  Colored Pencils

   16.  Student Scissors

   17.  One bottle of glue

   18.  Two boxes of tissues

   19.  Bottle of Anti-bacterial gel

   20.  Compass and Protractor

   21.  Ruler

   22.  One package of Dry-Erase markers (Will be shared with the class)

Some of these supplies will need to be replenished periodically throughout the year.

 If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at the school.

A Wrinkle In Time: Tesser-what?

While watching this video, imagine yourself at the center of the cube.   If this were really happening, you would be hurtling through time and space at nearly the speed of light.  This is a digital version of what Mathematicians think the Wrinkle in Time portal would look like.   In the novel, the concept of a 'tesseract' is something like what in science-fiction is called a wormhole; a kind of portal that creates an opening through space and time and from one place to another.  This is how the three Mrs. W's are able to take the children to rescue their father, and how their father first finds himself trapped on a foreign planet.

1. What are the most important lessons that Meg learns over the course of the novel?
2. In what ways does Camazotz resemble Meg's neighborhood on Earth?
3. How are Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which distinguished from one another?
4. SPOILER ALERT: Why do you think the author  represents IT as a large disembodied brain? 
5. Think About It:Describe what makes Charles Wallace so extraordinary. How do these traits both hurt and help him on Camazotz?

Extra Credit Question: Who says this quote in the novel?

"God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty...."

20,000 Leagues:Novel Notes

          In the novel, Captain Nemo repeatedly mentions that he is seeking revenge. You as the  reader must consider that while Nemo’s violence seems senseless and evil, he is not any different from the rest of humanity when we stray away from God.   He has good moments and seems to not be entirely evil; he makes large donations to people in need, and comes to the aid of those he believes are worthy.Could Nemo's good intentions redeem his evil ways?  

Discussion Starters:

1. What is your impression of Nemo so far in the novel?

2. What do you think happened to the Nautilus after the incident with the whirlpool? If it did not survive, how might the end have been for Captain Nemo? If it did, where did he go next?

3. Making Connections: Imagine yourself as one of the crewmen. How did you meet Nemo? Why would you want to give up your life to serve on the Nautilus? Do you miss the land? 

4. What do you think happened to Aronnax, Conseil and Land when the voyage was through? Did Land ever return to sea? Did Aronnax become rich and famous? Did Conseil continue to be a servant?

5. Think About it:  The use of the Nautilus  i an example of how technology can be used for good or for evil.  If you were to invent something, what would it be, and how would you use it?  Would you use it to help others?