Monday, January 7th

1. For class today you selected 5 quotes from the 37 to examine in the context of our larger discussion about power.  In addition to your notes you should already, discuss in your small group the following ideas:

• Put quote into your own words. 
• What literary devices do you see being utilized? 
• What advice does this quote seem to offer? 
• Is the focus interior? Exterior? 
• How does the literal meaning support or emphasize the figurative meaning? 
• What specific words (diction) in the quote are supportive of your findings/understanding?
• Why do you think the speaker is making this statement? 
• Any contradictions in the definition? Contradictions with Weber? 

2. After your discussion, you should have your notes, which have been supplemented by your discussion. Plenty of ideas to work with.  You are going to select TWO of your original 5.  You are going accompany this quote with an analytical response where you are going to explain the meaning, purpose, impact of the quote where you will include specific examination of the quote as a whole AND specific words as evidence for your findings. With your explanation, you will need to interact with Weber's definition.

EXAMPLE:

Do the thing and you will have the power. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

In his quote, "Do the thing and you will have the power," Emerson proposes that power is subjective. This idea coincides with Weber's definition of power. Weber's approach to explaining power is centered upon the individual's ability to go achieve their own goals, surpassing obstacles. This is emphasized with the use of the article "the" before the word "power" in the quote. By including "the" before "power," it is presented as something concrete to obtain by doing "the" thing-- the article of "the" repeated being again. Both Emerson and Weber emphasize the action(s) of the doer, and what is done. Furthermore, in this quote, Emerson points to the doer by referencing the 2nd person pronoun "you." The individual on the receiving end of this sentiment is given the power by Emerson to determine what gives them power. This is highlighted by a purposefully ambiguous word choice of "thing." The reflection upon the diction choice of "thing" prompts one to recognize that they do indeed have power, or have access to achieving power by being able to choose their specific "thing."  As result, power is philosophical and conceived by the individual. With further evaluation, however, brings up the question if Emerson is challenging us to de-emphasize the quest for power in our lives because of its constant accessibility.  Because power is available to everyone by the "thing(s)" they are prompted to recognize, and "the" power that should be the goal, does power hold the "power" it is believed to hold?

• Are you referencing the speaker by last name in response?
• Are you citing specific words to support your findings?
• Are you using accurate capitalization and punctuation? 
• Are you explaining the meaning of the quote?
• Have you referenced how it interacts with Weber's definition?
• Do you have MLA heading? 
• Have you written 2 responses?
• Have you printed this off for class on Tuesday?