Dream of A Ridiculous Man (Extra Credit--Fall 2006)

Award winning actor George Dillon takes on tour a one-man show version of "The Dream of a Ridiculous Man." Suppose Dillon was coming to NSU and you were in charge of publicity. Choose a quote or two from "Dream" that you would use as sound bites in a radio advertisement for the performance. Why would you choose this line/these lines?

Communist Manifest (Extra Credit--F 2006)

In the "Communist Manifesto," Marx and Engels suggest some "wonderful improvements" for society. Cite a line from the Manifesto highlighting one of these improvements, i.e, something Marx and Engels want to see changed. Would the change they suggest be a good one? Why, or why not? Do you get a feeling of deja vu when you read through the Manifesto? Any issues raised similar to those in contemporary American politics?

Among the many controversial issues on the November South Dakota ballot, Initiated Measure Six is probably the most controversial. Feelings on both sides are very strong. Supporters call it "sensible legislation that protects human life," while opponents call it a "cruel and silly law."

Why do you think the two sides take such opposite views of this measure? Did anything in today's Noon Forum presentation give you better insight into the fundamental disagreement involved here?

Night (Extra Credit--Fall 2006)

Of all the events associated with the rise of totalitarianism in the 20th century, one of the most disturbing is the Holocaust, Hitler's attempt to exterminate the Jews of Europe. Pick out a passage from Elie Wiesel's "Night" that particularly well illustrates one of the disturbing aspects of the Holocaust.

Opinions about Dostoyevsky differ greatly. One writer says, "To Dostoyevsky belongs a place beside the Great Christian writers of world literature,” and another calls him "a prophet of God." Another writer, though, calls Dostoyevsky "a sick, cruel talent," and another, "Russia’s evil genius." How would you evaluate the way in which Dostoyevsky used his unquestionable talent? For good, or for evil? Cite a line or two from "Notes from Underground" in support of your evaluation.

More Dostoyevsky quotes here: http://www.kiosek.com/dostoevsky/quotations.html

November 2005 Dream Comments

Award winning actor George Dillon takes on tour a one-man show version of "The Dream of a Ridiculous Man." Suppose Dillon was coming to NSU and you were in charge of publicity. Choose a quote or two from "Dream" that you would use as sound bites in a radio advertisement for the performance. Why would you choose this line/these lines?

Dragon trouble? The guy on the white horse just may be on this blog! Harry the Talking Hand sometimes stops by as well. Feel free to share your questions, comments, and/or advice on NSU college life.