Comments on the design of a novel's cover, "The Cure for Death by Lightning," and how it mirrors what is inside the book--it recreates a scrapbook belonging to the adolescent protagonist's mother. Finds the use of color and baking smells significant in the novel. States that the protagonist eventually realizes she needs a scrapbook of…

The complex irony of Act III, Scene i, of "Richard II" indicates how Shakespeare directs audience response in the play. Understanding this process of directed response--a dialectic of alternatives--illustrates that a meaningful standard of kingship is not provided in the play by either Richard or Bolingbroke. (RL)

Suggests that the idea of maturation of the innocent through the tutelage of an experienced adult has been a mainstay in literature. Discusses how each of the parents from the novels "American Pastoral,""The House Gun," and "Disgrace" protests in a private or public way in order to reclaim his/her child. (RS)

Defines rhetoric and describes and illustrates conflicting attitudes toward language and the art of rhetoric. States that since rhetoric was the art that brought people together and that taught people not only how to survive but also to live well, the rhetorical tradition is worth rehabilitating. (EL)

Proposes that students can be taught to respond critically to literature through appropriate textual analysis. (RL)

Outlines the five stages of a poetry lesson, illustrating their use with the poem "Spring and Fall," by Gerard Manley Hopkins. (RL)

Suggests language arts instructors use film adaptations as well as novels to teach literature. (PRA)

Considers the ways in which different ideologies promote particular understandings of texts and certain kinds of readings. Outlines three broad ideologies of reading and interpreting literature. Argues for the usefulness of a reading pedagogy drawing upon cultural criticism. Provides classroom activities to foster such a way of reading. (HB)

Challenges the idea in the critical and educational thinking about literature that poetry is an experience that does not need analysis. (RB)

Analyzes the relationship of form and content in producing meaning in creative writing, specifically in poetry and drama. (RB)

Discusses possible reasons why Stephen Crane's short story "The Open Boat" does not go over well with students or the author's colleagues: (1) students cannot identify with the scenario of the story; (2) the story is a "guy" thing; (3) the teacher's enthusiasm kills the story; and (4) the story is intrinsically unteachable and dull. (RS)

Draws on current television programs to show how English teachers can teach the elements of plot, character, and theme. (HTH)

Connections and associations in metaphors are examined in terms of "tenor,""vehicle,""bridge," and "framework." (HTH)

Discusses reader-based and text-based approaches to teaching literature to high school students and then offers suggestions for questions and activities for the teaching of Robert Cormier's "The Chocolate War." (TB)