The Apple Tree

   "The Apple Tree", a story written by Trevanian, delivers to readers a town, a culture and a rivalry born of the fierce independence and lovable hypocrisy that is the Basque character. The Widow Etchiverrigaray and Madame Utuburu face off in a life-long test of virtue and reputation that pits their gardening prowess, their social status and their parenting skills against one another. This story is funny and indirect in its approach to characterizing the Basque people.

   How does Trevanian juggle elements of character and humor within the confines of these two women? Do you trust this narrator? Is there something that adds dimension to these characters beyond what the narrator says directly about them and what they say and do themselves? Respond to one or more of these questions, or with original thoughts of your own, in the comments section below by Thursday, January 8, 2015.

Ackerman "Vision" reader response

Please do either #1 or #2:

#1

Respond to two of the questions posted below. This will have the effect of drawing on two of her ideas and expanding on them as you were asked to do in the previous reader response. Your response should be 400 words in length (approximate). Your response should make specific references to the text. See the model in comments. 




Color

1. "Color doesn't occur in the world, but in the mind" Given what this quote implies about the nature of color, why do you suppose color is so important to us as humans perceiving our environment?
2. Would you applaud after a sunset? Why or Why not?

Animals

1. Consider one of the many different animals that Ackerman mentions in this section and expand her thoughts by relating them to other observations or experiences you've had. There are many. Just pick one.
2. Which animals in your experience manipulate color most skillfully (please don't answer, "The chameleon")?

Beauty

1. Tell a story of a positive impact that human physical beauty has had on you or those around you. Can you relate this to something Ackerman mentions in her section on beauty?
2. Tell a story of a positive impact ugliness (in any form, not just human) has had on you or those around you. Relate to Ackerman?

*******-or-*******

#2

Consider the reading you did for class earlier in the week. Your group summarized the main points of the reading and highlighted certain passages that were of note. For this assignment, you are to highlight two of the ideas that the writers present in their essays. Then expand on those ideas. To expand on the ideas, consider how you see them to be true; or relate experiences of your own that come to mind when reading this passage.  Your response should be 400 words in length (approximate). Your response should make specific references to the text. See the model in comments.