#IBTHEBOSS

Now that you have finished your first official year of IB, reflect back on what you have learned; not only academically but as a person as well. What is your favorite part of IB? Your least favorite? How do feel the program is making you a better person and preparing you for the future? Your thoughts.

"We veneer civilization by doing unkind things in a kind way."-George Bernard Shaw

Another theme of Titus Andronicus is the idea of civilization vs. barbarism. The Romans see themselves as civilized while viewing the Goths and everyone else as barbarians. In modern times, we too, consider ourselves to be civilized. Are we? What does being civilized really mean? How can a society define itself as civilized? And, if  we are living in a civilized society, what constitutes a barbaric one?

"I am the punishment of God...If you had not committed great sins, God would not have sent a punishment like me upon you."-Genghis Khan

Titus Andronicus is Shakespeare's most bloodiest and misunderstood plays. It is a story of revenge. Everyone seeks revenge against everyone else. Is revenge ever justified? Why are we so obsessed with revenge stories? What does that say about ourselves? Our culture? Explain.

The Stranger

In class, we haven't really discussed the title of Camus' work. Why do you think he chose to title his novel The Stranger? What is the meaning behind it? Who is The Stranger and why might he be considered as such? Think "big picture" on this one before you answer.

"Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal." -Albert Camus

 

In Part II of Camu's The Stranger, Meursault is put on trial as much for the murder of the Arab as he is for his deviation from the standard norms of society. His behaviors go against what many believe is standard societal "normalcy". Our whole lives, we are told mixed messages. On one hand, we are told to stand on our own two feet, to be our own person, and not to care what everyone else thinks of us. On the other hand, those that are brave enough to stand out from the crowd and truly not conform to society are treated as outcasts, ridiculed and sometimes this persecution has dire consequences. What does it mean to be "normal"? Who gets to decide? What effect do these mixed messages have on the individual? On society? Think about this and explain your thoughts.

"Apathy is the glove into which evil slips its hand"

One of Meursault's most predominant character traits is  his apathy. He doesn't really care about anything or anybody. He is indiffent to Marie when she expresses her desire to marry and has no qualms about participating in the heinous plot to get revenge on Raymond's girlfrend. He doesn't even seem to care about the death of his own mother. It has been said the the opposite of good is not evil, but apathy. Do you agree with this statement? Is not caring really worse than evil? Use examples from real life as well as the novel to support your point of view. 

"We must cultitvate our gardens"

The last words of Candide are him stating: "We must cultivate our gardens". What is Candide's meaning behind his statement? What does the garden symbolize? How might you apply Candide's philosophy to your own life?