I think Grosshans' modern version of Aesop's "Ant & Grasshopper" really does update the story and reflects today's values. Or the limits of two opposing value systems: the traditional "work ethic" and modern "hedonism." It's pretty clear which value system has won out today: and yet we all know how destructive and utterly meaningless such a value system - or lifestyle - is. But most of us still admire it -- fantasizing that kind of life even though our reality is much closer to the eternal drudgery of Ant. Perhaps that is why we need all these stories of Boring Rich People (BRPs, for short) frantically luxuriating -- as an escape from our grim reality. One thing is for sure, as Grosshans points out in his story, at some point they too will drop dead just like the rest of us. Nothing terribly comforting there - but it does make you think, which is exactly what good stories should do.
For your first Blog entry, you will write a critical response as explained in the Blog #1 assignment. Be sure to include the stories' titles, authors' names (correctly spelled), character names, and quotes from the story to help support your opinion.
Also, be sure to proper punctuation and spelling. You will probably want to draft the entry in Word and use a spell and grammar check and then paste into Blogger. Blogger does have a spell checker, but no grammar checker. You might also need to use some other tools such as a good Spanish-English dictionary or translator such as http://www.translate.google.com/. Remember the most important thing is to THINK for yourself and think critically -- don't try to write what you think I want you to say about the stories. For me the beauty and the joy of reading and talking about literature is the very different interpretations we all have. Just be sure you provide support (evidence) for your position (opinion). And then we will have some juicy material to argue over!
I look forward to reading your blogs. Also, become a follower of some (if not all) of your classmates' blogs. Make comments that are genuine. PLease, feel free to comment on this blog, as I will be commenting on yours.
