Period 4

Read the topics below. Please pick one of the following topics (A, B, C, D). When you post your answer, tell us what discussion topic (A, B, C, D) you have decided on, then give us your response.

For this discussion, you will have to read outside resources I have provided before addressing the question.

  • Be very detailed in your answer.
  • Refer to the resource you used.
  • Refer to specific details in the book.

Remember, everything should be logically explained.



Discussion Topic A – Gothic Fiction

The gothic novel was a type of fiction that became popular in England during the late 1700’s and early 1800’s (World Book Online) . . . a melodramatic mode of English fiction of the late 18th and the early 19th century (Grolier Online). The Hound of the Baskervilles was published in 1902 (not within the accepted range of dates noted above), however it could qualify as a Gothic Novel.

  • Information for this discussion can be found at
    • B.E.E.P. – You know the way there.
      • Go through Doorway #2: Research & HW Help.
        • Go to Grolier Online/Middle or World Book/Middle.
        • Search for gothic novel.
        • Read the first article that comes up.
    • The Gothic Novel page at The University of Adelaide Library’s website
    • Gothic, Novel, and Romance: Brief Definitions page at Washington State University’s website

Discussion Topic A QUESTION: What elements of gothic fiction are present in The Hound of the Baskervilles? Use details and information from the text to support your answer.



Discussion Topic B – Stereotyping

Stereotyping is the act of holding or promoting generalized and oversimplified beliefs about members of a group (World Book Online). Many of the problems we face in day to day life related to sxism, racism, descrimination, and intolerance have their foundation in this practice.

  • Information for this discussion can be found in these and other places.
    • B.E.E.P. – You know the way there.
      • Go through Doorway #2: research & HW Help
        • Go to Grolier Online/Middle or World Book/Middle
        • Search for stereotyping, or gender stereotyping

Discussion Topic B QUESTION: Are the characters in the Hound of the Baskervilles stereotypes? If so, explain why Sir Arthur Conan Doyle used. Use details and information from the text to support your answer.



Discussion Topic C – Conflict in the Novel (Plot)

Conflict is the struggle between the opposing forces on which the action in a work of literature depends. There are five basic forms of conflict: person versus person, person versus self, person versus nature, person versus society, and person versus God (About.com).

Discussion Topic C QUESTION: What are the main conflicts in the novel? Are they all resolved? If so, how? If not, why not? Use details and information from the text to support your answer.



Discussion Topic D – Climax & Resolution in the Novel (Plot)

Climax is the point of greatest tension in a work of literature and the turning point in the action. In a plot line, the climax occurs after the rising action and before the falling action (About.com)

Discussion Topic D QUESTION: At what point does the climax occur in the story? What events clearly led up to it and what is the resolution of the novel? Use details and information from the text to support your answer.

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