" But the Hebrew word timshel - thou mayest - that gives a choice. It might be the most
important word in the world. That says the way is open. That throws it right back on a man. For if 'thou mayest' - it is also true that 'thou mayest not'.
Don't you see? ... Why that makes a man great, that gives him stature with the gods, for in his weakness and his filth and his murder of his brother he still has the great choice. ... you can never lose that. It cuts the feet from under weakness and cowardliness and laziness.
I feel that a man is a very important thing - maybe more important than a star. This is not theology. I have no bent toward gods. But I have a new love for that glittering instrument the human soul. It is a lovely and beautiful thing in the universe. It is always attacked and never destroyed because 'thou mayest' “
John Steinbeck – East of Eden
Final project and presentation of English4B
1. If you were to sum up all you have
learned about life the last 18+ years with only one sentence what would it be?
• What are your “words to live by” or a “mantra” that you try to remember in all you do each day?
• What is important to you? What do you value in
yourself? What do you value in others? What do you do to push yourself to be better?
• What life lesson have you learned but can’t quite seem to master? A lesson that sticks with you and that you will carry and pass down when you have children?
2. Think about your life in terms of the
films/movies you’ve seen. What films match certain phases in your life, and which ones seem like the perfect metaphor for the
journey your life has followed?
3. If your life had a theme and were made into a movie, what would the movie be
called? What scenes would be included?
• YouTube video clip of Steve Nguyen’s “The Making of Memoir”
• As you watch, reflect on how the use of media to tell his story is strategic? What does it mean to be strategic?
As you view, write observations and reflections on the following questions:
1. What are a few of the narrator’s life themes that weave throughout the film?
2. How are these themes/mottos tied in to the memory content/defining moments of his story? In what ways?
3. How are these theme/motto symbolized through its
stylistic/filmic elements? Consider the images, the colors, the filters, the camera angles, music, etc.
4. What is the film saying about the relationship between memory and truth and its influence on identity?
• Discuss all 4 Viewing Guide questions with your group. Fill in any gaps in understanding and
add any new insights you hear as you discuss
• Be ready to share out TWO new insights or ideas about the theme of the character’s life
and how it was symbolized through the plot and
stylistic elements of the film
• Many of the lessons we wrote about last week were very similar to one another and had to do with really vague generalizations.
• Instead of trying to think of BIG events that somehow impacted you and changed your life, think about how your perspective has changed regarding various topics
• Topics like:
• Life in general
• Love
• Family
• Friendship
• School and learning
• Making decisions
• Death
• The future
• Kindness
• Injustice and Inequality
• Emotions like anger, sadness, joy, resentment, frustration, fear, pain, excitement, etc.
• People change and not all friends are meant to stay in your life forever – and that’s okay
• In order to grow at all, you have to push yourself outside your comfort zone and do what you are afraid to do
• Try something new every month – when you find something you love, keep doing it as much as you can
• Prioritize yourself sometimes and make time to do something that makes you happy every single day
• You learn something from every single relationship you are a part of – especially the “bad” ones
• If you only shoot for mediocrity, you will probably only feel mediocre
• Choosing a “major” or a “career” does not have be permanent. You are never too old to change and start over.
• Never apologize for or feel embarrassed about the things you love – we are all a “nerd” for something!
• Kindness is a choice you make, and when you choose it says a lot about who you are
• No matter how much something hurts, it will not last forever - just take it day by day
• Show up, work hard, be kind
When asked about one thing they have learned, people of various ages responded
differently. Choose one that resonates with you and explains how it is true to you and relate it to one specific example in your life.
• I’ve learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing “Silent Night”… Age 6
• I’ve learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back.
Age 9
• I’ve learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up. Age 14
• I’ve learned that although it’s hard to admit it, I’m secretly glad my parents are strict with me. Age 15
• I’ve learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it. Age 39
• I’ve learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don’t know how to show it. Age 42
• I’ve learned that you can make some one’s day by simply sending them a little note. Age 44
• I’ve learned that the greater a person’s sense of guilt, the greater his or her need to cast blame on others. Age 46
• I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. Age 48
• I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die.
Age 53
• I’ve learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life. Age 58 12. I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. Age 62
• I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. Age 64
• I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision. Age 66
