AP English Literature Periods 1 and 3 The Fall of Rome Reading

Read The Fall of Rome Chapters 7-11; page 149 Please respond to the following study questions: 1. Why do you think Mr. Washington, an African-American himself who no doubtedly was stereotyped, continues to perpetrate stereotypes by only encouraging Rashid in running? 2. Why is it significant that Ms. Hansen is white? What purposes might the author have had to introduce a white compassionate character? What statement or theme is being made about mentorship and race? 3. Mr. Washing, in chapter 8, comes to make several realizations about Rashid--namely, that he was ignoring Rashid?He also gives his rationale for "not giving him a quarter". Do you agree with his rationale outlined at the bottom of page 90-91? 4. Discuss the irony in Mr. Washington being the poster child of diversity at the Chelsea campus, and his participation in diversity recruitment. 5. Explain the significance of Washington's run-in with Derrick Harper. Why is it significant? 6. Which demons, if any does Ms. Hansen grapple with as a result of being female, in a male dominated, elitist boarding school? 7. Why is Mr. Washington so stubborn? That is, why can't he help Rashid for Rashid's sake, and not because he has feelings for Jana? How will his intentions to help Rashid fail? 8. Even though he feels awkward when he picks up the chicken with his fingers, while Gerald's family uses their forks, Rashid's weekend with Gerald's family still proves to be eye-opening, important, and useful. Why? In spite of the differences between them, how do Gerald and Rashid continue to bond and really, become friends, despite their differences. 9. Come to class with a section, part, passage or aspect of the reading from Chapters 7-11 that you would like to discuss.