Novels Reflection

Mr. Nafso
Hi everyone,
I want to take a few moments to reflect on this class, beginning with the Final Exam. You will
note that the exam is graded, but the 10% impact will not take effect until posted on Monday.
The average on the final was an 87%. This percentage was a boost after a slight adjustment to
some of the questions. I took a look at incorrect responses, and if more than 20 people answered
a question incorrectly, I eliminated the question. After this, each of you received +4 points on
your test score. If you received a 52/60, your score was technically a 48/60.
To begin, there were seven questions that everybody answered correctly:
We all know how our experiences create differences in how we interpret text
We all know how readers crave closure, just like Oskar
We all know how our social identities (gender, religion, etc.) impact how we read
We all know how reading novels can have positive, long-term effects on the brain
such as improved language processing and embodied semantics (so keep reading)
We all know how Oskars mind operates based on his age and intelligence
We all know the purpose of reading through another lens is to gain new insight
We all know Jing Mei and Waverlys conflict is character v. character
Speaking of conflict, 22/29 matched the conflict portion perfectly
I also want to make sure I cover questions where more than half of you answered incorrectly. I
want you to remember these as you transition out of novels:
Central message and theme are not synonymous. On Friday, I wrote this on the board
Symbol -> Motif -> Theme -> Central Message The theme allows us to make
meaning of the central message. For example, a potential theme of Extremely Loud
and Incredibly Close is Overcoming Fear. A central message based on this theme
would be In order to overcome fear, one must expose themselves to danger to
become desensitized.
The monster kills only three characters: Elizabeth, Henry, and William. Victor dies on
the ship, Justine is executed, and Victor destroys the She-Monster
Novels are not restricted by page numbers. A novel, by definition, is a narrative
including fictional characters in the form of a sequential story. Whether it is 80 pages
or 120, they can both be novels.
I emphasized studying motif. Remember, a motif is concrete, while a theme is
abstract. A motif in Extremely Loud would be letters, while the theme could be Guilt
and Isolation.
The phrase, I will give you a ring later is ambiguous. Does it mean I will give you a
phone call or a ring for marriage? This question yields ambiguity.
While a story includes events, the narrative includes how a story is told. The
narrative is what allows authors to tell stories through different lenses (e.g. a childs
narration vs. a firefighters narration).

 People hate epics because the characters are way too unrealistic, too fantasy-like, and
long to read.
An allegory represents a real-life event (e.g. the Industrial Revolution), while an
allusion represents a popular plot line (e.g. Spongebob episode of SpongeDoodle
strikes similarities to Frankenstein).
In MLA, the header should include your last name and page number (e.g. Nafso 1)
In addition, I made note of some of your favorite activities and thoughts about them, so I can use
them in my future classroom (if this is what I decide to pursue). Interestingly enough, you all
loved interactive activities. This is my philosophy as a teacher. The best learning occurs when
everyone is involved; often times, we do not even realize we are learning. I will be brainstorming
more of these activities:
I dream of a place where I dream of a home where activity: We love to see
other students perspectives of similar issues we face on a daily basis
Agree/disagree Activity: Allows us to put our opinions on display for the class
Color analysis activity: It is so relatable and interesting to analyze our personalities
Poison Card Game: It allowed everyone to be involved in a suspenseful activity
The Digital Identity Portfolio: It brought our essays to life and let us be creative
Facial Expression Activity: Helped us learn about the importance of speaking up
Warm Ups: Got us ready for each day and excited to learn something new
One Word: Loved being limited to one word and seeing how others perceive us,
especially after knowing one another for four years
Finally, I want to reflect on the importance of learning from one another. The beauty of English
is the opportunity to learn from new experiences. I meant what I said earlier today: I love being
able to learn from each of you. While I hope you were able to learn about novels and about
yourself in this class, know that you have taught me so much about teaching. These lessons
expand to life lessons such as encouraging others, setting expectations, managing personalities,
planning ahead, and building community.
By far, this has been my most challenging collegiate experience. With that said, I am glad to
finally be accepting my Bachelors degree on December 12 th. Without you, I would not have
acquired such valuable lessons to benefit my future experiences. After December 12th, I plan to
substitute in the building while applying for summer 2015 broadcasting jobs/internships (see me
if you have any leads!). Although unofficial, you are the first to know that I plan to accept Mrs.
Alexanders long-term sub job from April-June.
If you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to send me an e-mail (mnafso@umich.edu).
Enough of the sentiment! Have a very happy Thanksgiving. Be sure to root for my Lions on
Thursday.
With best regards,
Mr. Nafso