Analysis of Ishmael (35test pts)
The novel Ishmael by Daniel Quinn presents a unique look at the history of man’s interaction with the planet. Quinn presents a teacher and a student, who through discourse become enlightened as to the downfall of the planet and the necessary actions to save it.
Your assignment is to write argumentative paragraphs, which address each of the following questions. Unlike Quinn, I expect you to use concrete details to back up all of your ideas with quotes from the text, or real life examples. Remember, an argumentative discussion is trying to persuade the audience that your point of view is correct, so provide evidence and explain weaknesses in your argument and why they are not important enough to prove you wrong. You will be using your paragraphs in a class discussion to earn the rest of the points for this assignment. 25 pts for the written paragraphs, 10 pts for participation in the class discussion. Turn in a hard copy to Mrs. Boyd as well as a digital copy to turnitin.com.
- Do you agree with what Ishmael (Quinn) is saying in the following statement?
“Yes. I no longer think of what we’re doing as a blunder. We’re not destroying the world because we’re clumsy. We’re destroying the world because we are, in a very literal and deliberate way, at war with it.” (p. 130)
What is Ishmael (Quinn) saying in the above quote?
Use evidence from the book to support your view, with at least two examples.
Explain how these examples support your view of Quinn’s statement.
Also, use at least two real life examples that support your view. So that’s four examples total for those of you counting.
- Quinn used an ape as the teacher. Do you think this the best way to tell the story?
Why do you think Quinn used an ape as the teacher?
What is Quinn suggesting by pairing a human with an ape?
How does this pairing affect the story?
Would another animal have been more effective? If so, what animal and why?
- Do you believe humans are captives as Ishmael (Quinn) suggests? If so, what do you think humans are captives of? What are the bars of the cage made out of?
- Do you agree with Quinn?
In terms of getting across Quinn’s environmental message, what few quotes or passages best emphasize what Quinn believes are happening to our world?
What is Quinn’s message to the reader?
Why is this quote so important to Quinn’s ideas?
- What is the law that Ishmael refers to as the peace-keeping law?
State the law.
Who is breaking the law and what are the consequences?
What is their excuse for breaking the law?
What does this law promote and why is it important to a community?
- What do you think the statements on Ishmael’s poster mean? (both front and back of poster)
- Give an example of how we, the Takers, are enacting our current story.
- What does mother culture look like? How does she communicate with us?
Give one example of how mother culture communicates with YOU. (or pacifies you)
The paragraphs are due on ____10/5/15______. Class discussion will occur on ___10/12/15______
EC for paragraphs turned in by 9/25/15