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Writing and Discussion Assignments
There is one writing and discussion assignment already here in the prior document in this Teaching section of episode 8, but send your additional assignments for inclusion on this list to Edward J. Gallagher at ejg1@lehigh.edu.
1) Langdon is a stand-in for Jefferson. What's the purpose? Does BCR give Sally her final defiance toward the white man? (Edward Gallagher)
2) Martha and Sally's relationship deteriorates. How does BCR represent this struggle for power? (Edward Gallagher)
3) An analysis of Jefferson and Sally's intimacy, especially the first time. What does BCR's construction of these moments say about TJ and Sally's relationship? What feelings does she evoke? (Edward Gallagher)
4) Sally's voice vs. Sally's thoughts. Are they consistent? (Black dialogue when speaking to Burr vs. perfect French when speaking to Jefferson. Why? It's irksome!) (Edward Gallagher)
5) Power of the written word. EH, SH and TJ all mention at different moments throughout the novel that the written word is very important. Was this intentional? What are the implications of this? (Edward Gallagher)
6) Analysis of Sally's relationship with men, specifically TJ, Trumbull, and Langdon. (Edward Gallagher)
7) James's logic and Sally's heart: Why they stayed. Why do we have a tendency to punish Sally for remaining at Monticello and not James? Logic vs. Heart? (Edward Gallagher)
8) Do a case study on the different perspectives on Sally to analyze how historical representation affects us. Half of the class read BCR's novel, the other half become familiar with Notes on the State of Virginia. Once both tasks have been completed, jot down reactions; how do you feel about Sally? Jefferson? Sally & Jefferson's relationship? Talk about it for a few class periods within the separate groups. Once that is documented, switch. The half that read BCR reads Notes, the half that read Notes reads BCR. Jot down reactions. Did they change? Many of the BCR's chapters begin with quotations from texts written by TJ and his contemporaries. What is the significance of these quotations? Does this vary among the two groups? (Stephanie DeLuca)
