University of California San Diego Sonnys Blues and Maus Essay

Part 1: Please see the May 10 daily agenda for the definition of motif (which I have attached below as labeled ‘May 10 daily agenda). Choose a motif that runs throughout “Sonny’s Blues” and explain its significance. You may discuss one of the motifs identified in the presentation or identify one you noticed. You will probably need Microsoft powerpoint to use the daily agenda.

“Am I Blue?” is the song Sonny plays at the end of the story. I’ve chosen this version, sung by Dinah Washington, because it demonstrates the kind of musical improvisation that Baldwin describes. Listen for the piano! Here is the video that you will use to discuss motifs identified in the agenda or one that you noticed.

This should be at least one well developed paragraph

Part 2: Please choose one of the following prompts and post your response.

Be sure to give specific examples to earn full credit. To answer these questions you will find everything you need in a DIFFERENT presentation called ‘May 12 Agenda’ the book that is being shown is called ‘Maus’

Response to interview:

1. 1. Use the links in the daily agenda to watch one or both of the film clips (just the portion I’ve identified, not the whole interview)
   2. How does this interview change your response to the excerpt you read
2. Response to challenge:
3. 1. Use the link in the daily agenda to read about the attempts to ban or restrict access to Maus
   2. Use examples from the excerpt you read to respond to these challenges.