Idiots.

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Jenny states that everyone is an idiot; how is she an idiot?  How is Dan an idiot?  How are each of the characters idiots in their own way?

Also, what did you think about this novel?  Was it too outrageous for you?   Why/why not? What do you suppose Winston Groom's message was?

Jenny and Forrest

Jenny and Forrest
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We have discussed how Forrest has been taken advantage of in this novel by various people, but what do you guys think about Jenny's character?  Is she taking advantage of him, or is she actually a good friend?  Give reasons for your assertions.

On another note, what do you think about the events of this novel?  Is Winston Groom taking you where you thought he might?  Why/why not?

Poor Forrest

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In what ways has Forrest been mistreated thus far in the novel?  Why do you suppose it happens so frequently?  How have times changed since the 1960's for people with disabilities?

When in your life have you witnessed someone with a disability mistreated?  What did you do about it?  How did it make you feel? 

Gump-Speak

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In Gump-speak, write a journal entry that expresses your thoughts about the first three chapters of the novel. Have fun with this prompt!

Gruen's Message

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It seems as if most of you really enjoyed reading Sara Gruen's Water for Elephants, which makes me soooo happy!  The time has come to analyze the work as a whole and determine what you took from it; what message did Gruen send to you?  If this story has a moral or a lesson, what is it?  What about the novel was particularly enjoyable for you as a reader?  Explain.

Crazy August

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There is a certifiably crazy character in Water for Elephants - August. For this journal entry, psychoanalyze August as a psychiatrist might analyze a patient. What makes him tick? Why does he act the way that he does? What is wrong with this guy? After you psychoanalyze and diagnose August, be sure that you prescribe him something that will even him out - he needs it.

W4E Journal Prompt

Marlena and her ponies.
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Since Sara Gruen's novel Water for Elephants is written in first person from Jacob's perspective, as readers we are constantly "inside" of his head.  But for this journal prompt I want you to think about what it would be like inside the head of a more minor character like Kinko, August, Camel, or Marlena.  What are each of these characters going through in the novel right now, and what would they have to say about it in a diary entry?  Ready...set...WRITE - character-diary-entry-style!