LIVING LIFEThe Human Condition

Pre-Reading Activity Write a list of the first ten things

you did when you opened your eyes this morning.

Now imagine if you were unable to remember anything you were supposed to do. Say nothing…

LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX

1. Aneurysm: a permanent cardiac or arterial dilatation usually caused by weakening of the vessel wall.

2. Genial: favorable for life, growth, or comfort; pleasantly warm; comfortably mild: the genial climate of Hawaii.

3. Prozac: Prozac is a medication used to treat major depressive disorders, bulimia, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder. This medicine effects chemicals in the brain.

4. Gape: to stare with open mouth, as in wonder. 5. Mental Illness: a chemical imbalance in the brain

that can be genetic or caused by a traumatic event.

VOCABULARY

What caused Dennis’s accident? What sorts of things did Dennis forget to do? What are the side effects of his brain aneurism? What two activities does he engage in during

his rehabilitation? Who is Barry Tibbett? What career has Denis chosen? What three pieces of advice does Dennis offer

readers for dealing with people with disabilities?

COMPREHENSION & RECALL

What words, phrases and details does the author use to develop sympathy for Dennis?

WRITER’S STYLE

What is the difference between physical and emotional rehabilitation? Re-read the article and describe ways that Dennis had to cope with both.

ANALYSIS

I LIVE IN A LANGUAGE THAT’S

NOT MINE

Write your own definition of a Canadian.

PRE-READING ACTIVITY

How does the author’s first person point of view telling about her experiences, affect the reader (you)?

Does the personal essay style she uses effectively communicate her message to you?

AUTHOR’S STYLE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3_Bb9wGObY

Write down one of the major themes of this story and discuss why you think this is a prominent theme.

View the following book trailer and identify what theme(s) are identified.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqkuxT2kBY4 Watch this short film and discuss the possible

themes. http://vimeo.com/877053

MAJOR THEMES