In Partial Fulfilment for the Requirements of the Subject

Great Books

Comprehensive Topic Summary

Submitted To:

Mr. Justinn Baniel

Submitted By:
Puzon, Ceilo Micco V.

Section:
BSHM-511

November 2023
Objectives:

To demonstrate a thorough understanding of the subject Great Books by summarizing all key topics covered throughout
the semester.

Selecting Topics:

1. Story of an Hour
2. Reading techniques
3. One thousand- and one-night Vol. 1
4. Grimm’s Fairytale
5. Elements of Plot (Pride & Prejudice)
6. Alice in Wonderland

Comprehensive Summary:

1. Story of an Hour

"A Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin is a short story that explores the theme of female liberation in the late 19th
century. The story digs into the emotions, desires, and aspirations of the protagonist, Louise Mallard, upon learning about her
husband's alleged death. Through Chopin's masterful storytelling, readers are taken on a journey where the limits of marriage and
societal expectations are questioned, ultimately leading to a shocking twist. The story revolves around Mrs. Louise Mallard, who
receives the news of her husband's death from her sister, Josephine, and her husband's friend, Richard. Upon hearing the news,
Louise retreats to her room, where her emotions take an unexpected turn. Rather than grief, Louise is overwhelmed with a sense
of liberation and newfound freedom. Chopin describes Louise's sensations as "a sob; and opening her eyes, she saw in front of
her, erect, motionless, and bewildered, an unknown man."

This line reveals Louise's inner thoughts and her deep desire for independence. It suggests that her suppressed identity and
submissive role as a wife are now shattered, and she finally has the opportunity to live life on her own terms. Louise is portrayed
as a woman who has been yearning for freedom, which has been stifled by the constraints of marriage and societal expectations.
The story further explores the theme of female liberation through Louise's reflection on her marriage. Despite appearing to be a
devoted wife on the surface, Louise reveals her true feelings of conquer. Chopin describes her marriage as "the face that had
never looked save with love upon her, fixed and gray and dead." It becomes evident that Louise's apparent sorrow and grief upon
hearing of her husband's death are not tied to love but rather to the limitations of her married life. Her emotion is not one of
genuine loss but of the realization that she can now embrace a future filled with possibilities. Chopin employs vivid imagery and
powerful metaphors to underline Louise's quest for selfhood. The open window symbolizes the newfound freedom that lies
beyond the confinement of her marriage. The spring-like atmosphere reveals her rebirth and reawakening. Chopin's description of
Louise as "drinking in a very elixir of life through that open window" emphasizes her rejuvenation and the tantalizing prospects
that lie before her. Ironically, Chopin takes an unexpected turn when Mr. Mallard returns home unharmed, having been unaware
of the accident that supposedly led to his death. Louise's initial elation and the hopes of her newfound independence are dashed in
an instant. This sudden reversal of fortune provides a sharp commentary on the limitations imposed on women's liberation in the
19th century. It highlights how societal structures continue to deny women the freedom to pursue their desires and dreams,
relegating them to predefined roles.

The story "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin was first published in 1894, during a time when women's rights were severely
limited and patriarchal values dominated society. The historical context of the late 19th century plays a significant role in
understanding the themes and messages conveyed in the story. Key figures also emerge, representing influential voices and
movements that shaped the discourse of women's liberation and the critical analysis of literature. During this period, women were
often confined to domestic roles and had little control over their lives. Marriage was considered an essential institution, with
societal expectations enforcing submissive behavior from wives. However, the suffragette movement was gaining momentum,
advocating for women's right to vote and challenging societal norms. In her story, Chopin defies societal expectations and
explores themes of female agency, autonomy, and the suppression of desire within a marriage. The protagonist, Louise Mallard,
discovers her newfound freedom when she learns of her husband's death. She experiences a moment of awakening, realizing that
her life can be her own without the constraints of marriage. Chopin challenges the notion of a happy marriage and portrays a
complex portrayal of love and freedom.
2. Reading Techniques

Grace Goodell's Reading Skills Ladder is a comprehensive tool that provides a framework for assessing and improving
reading skills in students. Developed by Grace Goodell, an experienced reading specialist, this ladder offers educators and
parents a clear and structured way to monitor and support a child's reading development. As far as I recall there are 16 ladders in
Grace Goodell’s Reading skills. 1st is Sight words, where usually acquired in the first and second grades. These are often used
words that don't follow any particular rules, thus they don't need to be sounded out. Sight words have to be learned for these.
They constitute the foundation of reading, and once they are committed to memory, they are easily recognizable. 2 nd is Phonetic
analysis this is sounding out larger words by breaking them down into their vowel/consonant/combination groups. 3rd Structural
analysis where this is breaking down parts of the word to understand what an unknown word means. 4th is Contextual clues, when
kids begin reading, a lot of vocabulary are foreign to them. They can utilize the words they already know to help them deduce the
meaning of the term that is close by. The 5th is Vocabulary building our vocabulary consists of the words we know and can use to
speak clearly. It will intensify even more as we read. Regardless of your child's developmental stage, getting them a dictionary
would be quite helpful.

6th Finding the main idea, identifying keywords in a sentence will allow them to build an idea. After a few sentences, your child
can then assume the direction of the story based on all the keywords or words they do understand. Images in a book can also
identify the main ideas. 7th Finding the supporting details where after finding the main ideas it will be easier to fill in the gaps.
Word webs can help your child connect ideas 8th is Interfering meanings and drawing conclusions, the overall context can suggest
a word's meaning. Your youngster can develop their own ideas and conclusions if you provide them with adequate information.
9th Classifying and organizing facts this is separating information, re-grouping them and then deciding how to organize and use
them. 10th is Using parts of the book Books are categorized by their title page, table of contents, glossary, and index. These can
help you maximize the benefits of a book. 11th is by using the dictionary You can start with a kid dictionary and move onto the
more comprehensive versions as your kids grow. 12th is by Using encyclopedias and other reference books Encyclopedias are
collections of books that cover a wide range of topics and are usually organized alphabetically. 13th Borrowing library books for
research or enjoyment, 14th Starting your private library collection, for most of us, this has already started. We should grow the
collection with more difficult books as they improve on their reading. 15th Exposure to reading from mass media This opens our
mind to real-time matters and allows them a much deeper understanding of today’s world. Last but not the least is Reading from
the internet, while information from other mass media outlets is typically more trustworthy, there is no shortage of news,
entertainment, and other reading material available on the internet.

Goodell's Reading Skills Ladder is a comprehensive approach to reading skills, covering phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency,
vocabulary, and comprehension. It provides a step-by-step progression, allowing students to develop a solid foundation in each
skill area before moving on to more complex ones. The ladder emphasizes vocabulary development, promoting fluency through
techniques like repeated readings, timed readings, and echo reading. However, it lacks explicit instruction on reading strategies,
does not account for individual differences in students' reading abilities, and primarily focuses on decoding skills. It also lacks
guidance on developing higher-order reading skills, such as critical thinking and analysis, which are crucial for independent,
critical readers. Despite these limitations, Goodell's ladder remains an effective tool for improving reading skills.
3. One thousand- and one-night Vol. 1

One Thousand and One Nights, also known as Arabian Nights, is a collection of ancient and captivating tales
originating from the Middle East. This vast collection of stories has been passed down through generations, enchanting readers
with its rich and diverse characters, vivid descriptions, and timeless themes. Vol. 1 of this work offers readers a glimpse into the
depth of understanding found within these tales, as it introduces us to the world of Scheherazade, the beautiful and courageous
storyteller. One of the profound aspects of One Thousand and One Nights is the exploration of human nature and the
complexities of the human condition. This is evident in the character of Scheherazade herself. In Vol. 1, we learn that she
possesses not only beauty but a sharp intellect and a deep understanding of the human psyche. Knowing that her marriage to the
Sultan would inevitably lead to her execution like many of his previous wives, she devises a plan to save herself and countless
others. By spinning enchanting tales’ night after night, she staves off her own death and captivates the Sultan's attention.

Scheherazade's stories within stories demonstrate her understanding of the power of narrative and the ability of storytelling to
shape reality. In one story, "The Fisherman and the Jinni," Scheherazade narrates a tale within a tale, where a lowly fisherman
manages to trick and outwit a powerful jinni, thus changing his fate. This narrative device not only showcases the power of
storytelling but also highlights the theme of cunning and wit triumphing over brute force. It reminds readers that there is more to
a person or situation than meets the eye and that even the smallest individual can possess intelligence and resourcefulness.
Furthermore, the tales within Vol. 1 of One Thousand and One Nights offer an insight into the cultural and societal norms of the
Middle East during the time of its creation. These stories are not merely entertainment; they provide a glimpse into the values,
beliefs, and customs of the people who originated them. From the lavish description of the Sultan's palace to the portrayal of
gender roles and relationships, the tales are infused with elements of the era in which they were written. This depth of
understanding allows readers to not only enjoy the magical stories but also appreciate the historical and cultural significance they
hold

4. Grimm’s Fairytale

Grimm's Fairytales are corner stones of children’s literature and a treasure trove of magical stories that have captivated
readers for centuries. The collection, originally compiled by the Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm, consists of over 86 tales
that have become enduring classics in children's literature. These tales have entertained generation after generation and continue
to resonate with readers of all ages due to their depth and timeless themes. One of the most intriguing aspects of Grimm's
Fairytales is the depth and complexity hidden within their seemingly simple stories. On the surface, these tales appear to be mere
children's stories, but upon closer inspection, one can uncover layers of hidden meanings and symbolism.

For instance, in the well-known fairytale "Cinderella," the story follows the journey of a young girl who endures the mistreatment
of her stepmother and stepsisters before ultimately finding her happily-ever-after. However, beneath the surface, "Cinderella" is a
story about the resilience of the human spirit and the power of kindness and forgiveness. Cinderella's ability to remain hopeful
and kind in the face of adversity resonates with readers and teaches valuable lessons about perseverance and compassion.
Similarly, in the tale of "Snow White," the story may appear to revolve around a beautiful princess and her evil stepmother.
However, a deeper understanding reveals the themes of envy, beauty, and the consequences of vanity. The stepmother's obsession
with her own beauty leads her to commit heinous acts, while Snow White's innocence and inner beauty triumph over her
stepmother's wickedness. This complex interplay between appearances and true character highlights the importance of inner
beauty and the dangers of vanity.

As Grimm's Fairytales provide much more than mere entertainment for readers. They offer profound insights into the human
condition, deeper meanings, and timeless themes that continue to resonate with audiences today. Furthermore, Grimm's Fairytales
often provide a window into the cultural and historical context in which they were written. Many of these stories were passed
down orally through generations, and the Grimm’s' collection sought to preserve legend, folktale and narratives of Germany
while adding their own interpretations. Consequently, these tales offer a glimpse into the values, beliefs, and social norms of the
time. For example, the story of "Hansel and Gretel" reflects the harsh realities of famine and abandonment that were common
during the 19th century. Despite the fantastical elements of the story, the underlying themes of survival and resourcefulness shed
light on the challenges faced by ordinary people during that era.
5. Elements of Plot (Pride & Prejudice)

Plot is the vehicle that carries a story forward, captivating the readers and keeping them engaged from start to finish. It
is the sequence of events that build upon each other, creating tension, conflict, and resolution. To have a deep understanding of
the elements of plot is to have a firm grasp on storytelling itself.

The first element of plot is the exposition, or the introduction of the main characters, the setting. This stage sets the stage and
gives readers a glimpse into the world they are about to delve into. It is during the exposition that the background information is
shared, allowing the readers to gain a greater understanding of the characters and their motivations.
Next comes the rising action, where the plot begins to thicken, and the conflict intensifies. This is where the majority of the story
unfolds and where the readers become fully invested in the narrative. The rising action is a series of events that escalate the
tension and build towards the climax. It is during this stage that the protagonist faces obstacles and challenges that they must
overcome in order to achieve their goals.

The climax is the turning point of the story. It is the highest point of tension and the moment when the outcome of the conflict is
determined. The climax is often the most intense and dramatic part of the narrative, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. It is
the pivotal moment that reveals the true nature of the characters and brings all the previous events to a head.
After the climax comes the falling action, where the tension begins to ease, and the loose ends of the story are tied up. It is during
this stage that the consequences of the climax are explored, and the characters navigate the aftermath of their actions. This is also
a time of reflection and resolution, where the readers see the growth and development of the characters as they come to terms
with the consequences of their choices.

Finally, we have the conclusion. This is the stage where the story reaches its ending and the conflicts are resolved. The resolution
can be satisfying or open-ended, depending on the author's choice, but it should provide a sense of closure for the readers. It is
during this stage that the loose ends are tied up, questions are answered, and the readers are left with a sense of fulfillment.
Understanding the elements of plot is crucial for any writer or reader who wishes to fully appreciate and comprehend the power
of storytelling. The exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and conclusion work together to create a cohesive and
compelling narrative. These elements allow the readers to become fully immersed in the story and go on a journey alongside the
characters.

6. Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland has remained a timeless classic, captivating generations with its whimsical characters, fantastical
setting, and poignant themes. Tim Burton's 2010 adaptation of this beloved story takes viewers on a visually stunning journey
into the fantastical world created by Lewis Carroll. While the film may be perceived as a mere visual spectacle, it offers a depth
of understanding that surpasses its fantastical facade, delving into themes of empowerment, identity, and the complexities of
growing up.

One of the key themes explored in Alice in Wonderland is the concept of empowerment. The film introduces Alice as a young
woman who is struggling with societal expectations and the pressures to conform. Throughout the story, she is confronted with
various obstacles and challenges that test her inner strength, courage, and ability to make her own choices. As the narrative
progresses, Alice undergoes a transformation, realizing her own agency and the power she possesses. This journey of self-
discovery culminates in a final act of bravery, where Alice confronts the tyrannical Red Queen and ultimately liberates
Wonderland from her oppressive rule. Through Alice's journey, the film encourages viewers to embrace their own power and to
question the societal norms that restrict individual growth and fulfillment. Another theme that is explored in the film is the notion
of identity. Alice's journey in Wonderland parallels the challenges she faces in her own world, where she is expected to conform
to societal expectations and adhere to the roles assigned to her. Throughout her adventures in Wonderland, Alice is constantly
faced with questions about who she is and what her purpose is. The film underscores the importance of self-reflection and self-
acceptance, as Alice navigates through a confusing world where nothing is quite as it seems. By embracing her true identity and
rejecting the limitations imposed upon her, Alice becomes an embodiment of self-discovery and transformation. Through this
exploration of identity, the film reminds viewers that one's true worth lies in embracing one's own uniqueness and individuality.

Furthermore, Alice in Wonderland explores the complexities of growing up. The journey through Wonderland serves as a
metaphor for the transition from childhood to adulthood and the challenges that accompany this process. As Alice grapples with
the absurdity and unpredictability of Wonderland, she is confronted with the duality of the adult world. On one hand, she
encounters characters who are trapped in their own delusions and desperately hold on to their childhood fantasies. On the other
hand, she is confronted with the ruthless and power-hungry characters that personify the harsh realities of adulthood. Through
these encounters, Alice comes to understand that growing up involves confronting both the happiness and the darkness that exist
in the world. The film ultimately suggests that true maturity lies in finding a balance between these opposing forces and
embracing the uncertainty and challenges that come with adulthood.
Conclusion

The subject of Great Books holds immense importance and relevance in my life. One of the fundamental reasons why
studying great books creates an impact in my own growth is that the subject enhance my critical thinking skills. Great books
present complex ideas, philosophical concepts, and arguments that require deep analysis and evaluation. As a student engaged
with these works, I learn to question assumptions, identify logical fallacies, and develop my own perspectives. This analytical
thinking plays a crucial role in academic success, enabling a student like me to analyze and evaluate diverse sources and
effectively contribute to class discussions and projects. Great books expose individuals to various perspectives on a range of
topics, fostering the development of open-mindedness and cultivating the ability to challenge established norms.

In addition to critical thinking skills, studying great books also significantly impacts professional growth. The books that the
subject wants us to foresee often provide timeless wisdom that extends beyond specific academic disciplines, equipping
individuals with essential life skills. Moreover, great books are foundational to acquiring diverse knowledge, which is
indispensable for professional success in today's interconnected world. As information expands exponentially, it becomes vital to
have a solid understanding of various subjects and disciplines. Great books provide a comprehensive overview of history,
philosophy, literature, science, and more, thereby equipping individuals with a well-rounded education that is relevant across
various professions.

Furthermore, studying great books leads to personal growth, enhancing one's understanding of themselves and the world. These
subject offer opportunities for reflection, enabling individuals to contemplate their values, beliefs, and aspirations. By exploring
various philosophical perspectives and grappling with moral dilemmas, me as students develop a strong sense of ethical
reasoning. The ability to navigate ethical complexities is crucial in both professional and personal life, enabling individuals to
make principled decisions and contribute positively to society.