The last writing assignment for our American Literature Course, came after our previously unplanned reading of Ben Hur. Throughout the story, we often discussed the role of Esther. The poor girl! What was she doing all the time as she served her father and waited to see what would become of Ben Hur? Therefore, … Continue reading Sighs, Tears, and Faith
New Wyoming Folklore
These folk stories are a 1860’s Literature assignment from Diane’s American Literature Course. The Loyal Canine “I wonder if that rascally raccoon and the prickly porcupine are going to stroll down here and taunt me again?” reasoned Charlie, the loyal canine, who was guarding the chicken coop one cold night. “Those two figure that playin’ is better than workin’,” … Continue reading New Wyoming Folklore
The Virginian Essays
The Virginian essays are an assignment taken from Diane's American Literature Course. The Virginian, written by Owen Wister, is about a young man, called simply “the Virginian.” He is seemingly perfect, though he maintains that he has many faults. He is the hero of the book and is humble, wise, and good. Though he never claims … Continue reading The Virginian Essays
My Ántonia Essays
These essays are a My Antonia assignment from Diane's American Literature Course. A Day in My Life in Wyoming Territory March 30 We have survived this long, long winter! It was hard, and very cold, so much different than the winters back East. And the wind! I’ve never heard it howl like that before. But now spring … Continue reading My Ántonia Essays
Life on the Mississippi
This part of Diane's American Literature Course Series I didn’t get time to read Mark Twain’s Life on the Mississippi before I had to decide on my American Literature syllabus this past school year. I did get through the first couple of chapters, which are full of the geography and history of the Mississippi River. I hoped … Continue reading Life on the Mississippi
My Ántonia
This is part of Diane's American Literature Course Series My Ántonia By Willa Cather My girls have kept up an admirable pace this year. My Ántonia is the last book in their American Literature syllabus. Though I had some titles in reserve for just-in-case, I hadn’t dreamed we’d get through the list with two months of school … Continue reading My Ántonia
The Virginian
This is part of Diane's American Literature Course Series Owen Wister’s The Virginian Oh, that old thing? Why, yes, it’s been one of my favorites for many years. I noticed, though, while doing research for our American literature class, that it seems to be going out of style. Too trite and formulaic, perhaps? Wait! Please note that … Continue reading The Virginian
Ramona
This is part of Diane's American Literature Course Series The first time I read Ramona by Helen Hunt Jackson (not Beverly Cleary), was with my beloved book group in Colorado Springs. The person who chose the book for group perusal chose it partly because of Jackson’s Colorado Springs ties. As I’ve read more about her, I realize … Continue reading Ramona
Ramona Essays
These essays are a Ramona assignment from Diane's American Literature Course. Two books were written for similar reasons. One was to influence slavery, the other to influence the Indian’s problems in California. The first book was Uncle Tom’s Cabin, written by Harriet Beecher Stowe. The second is Ramona, written by Helen Hunt Jackson. If a reader of … Continue reading Ramona Essays
A Man Without a Country Essays
These poems are a 1860's Literature assignment from Diane's American Literature Course. “Breathes there the man” Sir Walter Scott From “The Lay of the Last Minstrel,” Canto Sixth II O Caledonia! Stern and wild, Meet nurse for a poetic child! Land of brown heath and shaggy wood, Land of the mountain and the flood, Land of my … Continue reading A Man Without a Country Essays