Materialism, Selfishness and Selflessness

"The Gift of the Magi" by O'Henry

"The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant

For this post, I would like you to respond to the following quote based on the two stories that we have read. This is a group activity post to be done in class. Think carefully! Discuss! Dissect! Think, think, think!

"The human being who lives only for himself finally reaps nothing but unhappiness. Selfishness corrodes. Unselfishness ennobles, satisfies. Don't put off the joy derivable from doing helpful, kindly things for others."

B. C. Forbes

Think about how Della, Jim and Madame Loisel may have been selfish for personal gain and/or willing to put their needs aside for others. Also feel free to pull from what you wrote about yourself in your Materialism Thought Piece.

Keep posting! Remember two required posts by the end of the week! Over break there may be more of a chance for some extra credit! Post, post, post!

Miss Holmes :)

In the spirit of the season....

We will be reading a couple stories that will make us think of the true meaning of the holiday season. You can start reading now online if you would like. The two stories are titled "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant and "The Gift of the Magi" by O'Henry.

You will also have a thought piece for this unit. I will hand it out next week. Think about how many of us get a little off track and worry about the wrong things around the holiday time. Are we losing the real spirit of the holiday? Are we forgetting what is most important? I think you will understand my message once we delve deeper into the stories.