Reading Assignment: Please read the first 15 pages of When Jesse Came Across the Sea. Once again you will have to count and number the pages. Make the opening picture of the house with the two people in front be page 0 and the page across from it page 1.
Writing Assignment: Fairy tales often teach a lesson. Please write a paragraph explaining what lesson the author, James Thurber, wants readers to learn from reading Many Moons.
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Alfonso's homework
The story of “Many Moons” teaches me lots of lessons. The first is, when you have a problem you cannot fix, try to think from a different point of view. In the story, only the jester knew how to help the princess to get the moon because he did not think the request of the princess was impossible and thought they should ask the princess how big the moon was, or actually figure out what the princess wanted was.
Secondly, don’t always think by yourself. You also have to communicate with other people. In the story of “Many Moons”, most of the people the king had ordered only thought by themselves and thought the princess wanted the real moon. Only the jester went to talk with Princess Lenore, so he finally knew what the princess really wanted was not the real moon.
Finally, the “moons” of the story means everybody has his or her own thought. Like the story, everybody’s “moons” were different from others because he or she had his or her own thought. The princess’ moon was tiny that can be held in her hand. The other people’s moons were the real moon that appeared in the sky every night but they also had different understandings of the moon.
We may not always agree with other people. Sometimes, if we look at things through other’s eyes and stand in their shoes, we may understand them better.
Alfonso, beautifully put on all counts. I'm ashamed to say that I had not thought much about the meaning of the title. But you are clearly right, the title sums up the whole point of the story: There are many moons because there are many points of view.
As for your last paragraph, the world would probably be a better and kinder place if we all made this our personal vow.
Amazing work. I will send you some comments on grammar and style AFTER I complete my comments on your previous assignment. I know that I am, as we say in the States, one behind. See you on Tuesday.
Here is Elsa's response to the assignment:
Some people think parents are our teacher , we grow up under their looking after.If you feel sad , they will stand beside you and comfort you .when you win a place , they feel happier than yourself . They always tell us life is wonderful . Friends are our teacher , when you feel friendless , they do something to tell you what is friendship .When you need help , they give you a warm hug . But I think Fairy tales is a fantastic teacher too .When you want to study some knowledges out of the textbooks , you can walk into the ocean of books . They often teach a lesson by means of other people’s exciting incident ,when you attent them , maybe your life will be better than before.
The interesting story ‘Many moon’ was written by the James Thurber , a little Princess named Lenore felt ill of a surfeit of raspberry tarts , she wanted to get the moon and if she has the moon , she will get well again . But king’s clever men all said the moon is too far , too big , they all take a list of things to tell the king that they have got many expensive things to him .The king was so disappointed that he had to tell them to leave .But the Court Jester doesn’t like others who think the moon is too far and have a moon is a dream . He went to the princess bedroom and have some questions to ask the little princess Lenore ,then he knew what was the moon she thought . He thought maybe the smart Lenore didn’t want a true moon which is in the sky , she only wanted a moon which is only likes the moon in the sky .
Finally , the princess Lenore can play in the garden again because she had a beautiful moon that she wanted to get in her heart .
In this story I think , the James Thurber want to tell us that When you must face some incident , don’t think it so complex , in your best to make it easier , be like the clever Court Jester in the story and when you solve this problem ,it will be easier than you think it hard and no any result .
I think there is a wonderful moon in everyone’s heart .
Else, This is just lovely. I very much like that you were able to use a phrase from the story ,"a surfeit of raspberry tarts" and use it perfectly. And I think you are absolutely right in your understanding of the story.Thurber is saying, Don't make everything so complex. Be more like the clever jester who actually talks to the princess about what she wants. Very nice work and some very nice sentences, and as always a very unique (one of a kind in a good way) voice comes through the words.
Shirley's response:
Many moons
In the many moons of one part is my best is：clown－court jester．In the lift clown is funny role，in story exception，the king like to listen them play lute relieve the mood．
I like role of Court－Jester：thought read many moons I real know clown，in kingdom can play the lute relieve the mood．Second I think count jester is a unhurried．He when anything crops and is all to ask others opinion first．Clear others want what！third although he role are small but he act as major．He can princess Lenore what she and think deeply ultimate did great job，is very terrific．
Thought somebody proficiency isn’t bring into platy，but we can neglect he exist！each person in the society is all favorable use．Even those are tiny，but one day is bound to emit light！
Yes Shirley you are absolutely right. The Court Jester is, in many ways, supposed to be a clown. But in Many Moons, he is, in fact, the wisest of all the king's men. That is a very sophisticated (advanced) insight into the book's meaning. Your understanding of the fairy tale is really excellent.
Here is Jackie's writing on the lessons of Many Moons.
1 If someone wants to get some things, you need to know what he or she thinks about in the mind. Some people understand that the world is very different from anyone thinks about. In Many Moons, the little princess wanted the moon, but all the king’s wise man said: “we can’t get the moon for princess.” But the court jester knew how the princess thought about.
2 If some of people do many things for you and they can help you all the time, I think you are happy. But you have to know that some things are very difficult to do. Such as Many Moons, the king wants his wise man to get the moon for the little princess, but they didn’t know what to do. You must forgive them, don’t get mad.
You are wise beyond your years Jackie. It's true if you want to understand what someone wants or needs from you "you need to know what he or she thinks about in the mind." That is exactly Thurber's point, or it is, at least, one of his most important points.
And it is true, the king's wise men do suggest that people have their limitations, and we must accept them. Unfortunately, as you suggest, the king does not do that. When they cannot help him, he gets furious. That's not the best way to react. You are right about that too.