Parametric versus nonparametric statistics

Tuesdays with Morrie--Study Guide(Teacher’s Copy)The CurriculumVocabularyhibiscus –a plant with large flowerslieu –instead of1. Explain the subject of the old professor’s course.The subject of the professor’s course is “The Meaning ofLife.”2. How does the course operate? How is it unique from other courses with which you may be familiar?The course operates as a one-on-one dialogue between a student and a professor. The course is unique because it does not require books, and it doesnot focus on any one subject. The course covers many subjects, including: “love, work, community, family, aging, forgiveness, and finally, death.” (Pg. 1)3. Describe the narrator of this memoir. How does he frame this book?The narrator is Mitch Albom, Morrie Schwartz’s former student. Mitch frames the book by informing the reader that it is a long paper on what was learned in the last course he took with Morrie.4. How does the use of “I was the student” add credibility to the memoir? (Pg. 2)The phrase “I was the student” adds credibility because it shows the reader that the story told in the book is a first-hand experience.5. The text on page three is in italics. After reading the text, decide how it functions in the book. What do you call this literary technique? How does the narration change during these passages?These italicized passages serve as flashbacks that describe Mitch’s prior experiences with Morrie. In the section, on page three, the narration changes the past to give the reader Mitch’sperspective rather than Morrie’s.6. What does the reader learn about Mitch?The reader should recognize that Mitch is a much different person now than he was as a student. The reader should also recognize the significance of the relationship that Mitch once had with Morrie. This will help the reader understand how the two are able to reconnect in such a fulfilling way.7. Using evidence from the book, describe Morrie Schwartz’ physical and personality characteristics when Mitch first new them.His physical characteristics can be described through the following quotes:• “He is a small man who takes small steps....”• “...he looks like a cross between a biblical prophet and a Christmas elf.”• “He has sparkling blue-green eyes, thinning silver hair that spills onto his forehead, big ears, a triangular nose, and tufts of graying eyebrows.”• “Although his teeth are crooked and his lower ones are slanted back....” (Pgs. 3-4)Morrie is a man who shows a great interest in his students. Morrie is charismatic and a person who shows affection to those he cares about. The narration describes Morrie with sparkling eyes, which should tell the reader that Morrie is full of energy. Mitch also describes an experience in which he and Morrie hug. Given the relationship betweena student and a teacher, for them to hug would assume that Morrie is comfortable with affection and has a very loving heart with those he meets. Morrie also cries when Mitch graduates from college. The reader should assume that Morrie is a very emotional man.8. How does Mitch feel about Morrie?Mitch obviously has great respect for Morrie. Mitch has taken all of the classes that Morrie teaches at the university. Mitch also takes the opportunity to introduce Morrie to his parents.9. At the end of the flashback, Albom states, “He asks if I will stay in touch, and without hesitation I say, ‘Of course.’” (Pg. 4) Do you believe this statement? Why do you think it is included in the book?Answers will vary. Some students might believe that because of the relationship that was described, Mitch and Morrie will stay in touch after graduation; however, some students might find the fact that Morrie is crying as an indication that Morrie does not believe that they will stay in touch. Its inclusion in the book could be a way of leading to Mitch and Morrie’s reconciliation.10. Cite two examples of figurative language in the italicized passage and explain their effects.[Answers will vary. Examples. . . . ]A.“For many of us, the curtain has just come down on childhood.” (Pg. 3)This is a metaphor that is used to provide the reader with a concrete example of the finality of graduating from college. The idea of the curtain coming down implies that the “first act” in a person’s life is over and now the person is left to continue with the life.B. “...as if a strong wind could, at any time, whisk him up into the clouds.” (Pg. 3)
This is hyperbole that exaggerates how physically small Morrie Schwartz is.C. “...he looks like a cross between a biblical prophet and a Christmas elf.” (Pg. 3)This is a simile that is used to juxtapose two images of Morrie. One image is of Morrie as a scholarly man, as illustrated by the biblical prophet, and one image is of Morrie as a humorous and energetic person, as illustrated by the Christmas elf..[ cont’d ] Attachment #11, cont’d D. “...when he smiles it’s as if you’d just told him the first joke on earth.” (Pg. 4)This is another example of hyperbole. It is used to illustrate how devoted Morrie is to the people with whom he is speaking. He never lets people feel as if they are not part of the importance of any conversation. Morrie’s ability to make people feel this way will be visited later in the book. The quotation also illustrates Morrie’s innate joy for life.11. Why does Mitchgive Morrie a gift at Mitch’s graduation?Mitch gives Morrie a gift because he wants Morrie to remember him. Mitch feels very close to Morrie and hopes that the gift will reflect these feelings.The SyllabusVocabularyblissful –filled with happinesslindy –a danceprominent –leadingcommandeered –took overinexplicably –unexplainablyneurological –dealing with the nervous systemnormalcy –lack of unusual or different circumstancesprofound –important and well-thought outdemise –deathmeditation –the act of quiet thought and prayerrousing –exciting1. Describe the effect of beginning the chapter with, “His death sentence came in the summer of 1994.” (Pg. 5)The statement sets the tone for the entire chapter, and after the brief introduction about Mitch beginning his final course with Morrie, the statement also serves as a catalyst to the rest of the story about Morrie.2. What does Morrie love to do? What does this tell you about his personality?Morrie loves to dance. Morrie’s love of dancing should imply to the reader that Morrie is a very energetic and fun person.3. How might people have missed the early signs of his illness?In Morrie’s younger years, he spends hours dancing at the Harvard Square. One day when he is walking, he loses his breath and has to be rushed to the hospital. A few years later, he loses his balance. People attribute these missteps to old age.4. How do we know that Morrie understands what is happening to him?Morrie is very in touch with his body. In the beginning, he knows that what is happening with his body is not simply old age.5. Describe the tone of the book when the narration is describing the types of tests that Morrie undergoes when he is first being diagnosed.The tone in this section is very blunt. The narrator does not try to make the tests less real by hiding them behind polite language. This mimics Morrie’s attitude toward death and aging. Morrie does not believe that we should hide from either.6. What does Morrie learn is his affliction? Describe it.Morrie learns that he is afflicted with Lou Gehrig’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a disease that eatsaway at a person’s neurological system. The book describes the disease with the following: “ALS is like a lit candle: it melts your nerves and leaves your body a pile of wax.” (Pg. 9)7. After Morrie learns that he is ill, what surprises him the most?Morrie is surprised that people continue with life as if nothing is happening. The world does not stop.8. How quickly does it take the disease to have an impact on Morrie’s life? According to the doctors, how long does Morrie have left? What are the first signs of Morrie’s illness?Morrie is quickly overcome by the disease. The doctors believe that he has approximately two years until the disease kills him. The first signs of Morrie’s illness are his asthma, his trouble walking, his fatigue, and his insomnia.9. On pages 8 and 9, the narration uses an effective rhetorical technique called repetition. “That was the end...” is used in different ways. Cite some examples of repetition and then explain the meaning for each.