1. 5/11 What is the meaning of life? Why do you think we're here? What makes your life meaningful? Why is/n't this question important? ********

2. What does it mean to be self-reliant? Explain how this concept affects your identity and choices. Share a time when you relied on yourself to make a decision rather than listening to others, including its result.

3. 5/18 When is it acceptable to disobey those in authority? What is/are the best way/s to demonstrate your unhappiness with the status quo? Share a time when you disobeyed and the result. Was it worth it? What did you learn?

4. Choose one of the Whitman poems (beginning pg 397) that we have read in class. In your journal, answer the questions from the question sheet. ALSO find examples of the following: alliteration-personification- metaphor/simile- connection to transcendental concept- *One of your project options is to write a poem in response to one of these poems. It does not have to rhyme, but it should be at least six lines long. Write as if you are responding to Whitman and his ideas. Your poem will be the second “voice” in a conversation between Whitman and yourself. Title your poem appropriately.

5. What is “carpe diem”? How can one live it (consider the contrasts of social norms, purpose, fulfillment, and responsibility)? Rate yourself in this category and explain, citing examples.

6. WhitmanFrost Alliteration- Metaphor/simile- Personification- connection to transcendental concept-

7. The Road not Taken Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth. Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; And both that morning equally lay Though as for that the passing thereIn leaves no step had trodden black. Had worn them really about the same. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way. I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

8. 6/1 Make a list of the top five ways that you spend your time. (Where does most of your time go?) THEN Make a list of the things that are most important to you. Then rank them in order of importance. Compare these lists. Comment on discrepancies.

9. How does the “seize the day” philosophy relate to one of the transcendental concepts that we have discussed in class? In the film – and in your own life, if applicable – note the positive and negative effects of living the Carpe Diem lifestyle.

10. Discuss Neil’s conflict with his father and the resolution. How does Neil’s family dynamic compare with your own? Explain, citing examples.

11. Are good and evil subjective concepts to be measured against a person’s own “constitution,” as suggested by Emerson? Or are there things that are purely good and purely evil? Give examples and explain.