Cash and Steinbeck Optional Activity (if a period is ahead)

* Optional Activity

• We have read and considered Steinbeck. One interesting aspect is that Steinbeck claims that age and laziness were his real reasons for sparing the coyotes (beyond the fact that they posed no immediate threat to anyone); however, his rich description of the creatures shows that he saw their beauty, but was, perhaps, not comfortable claiming that as his reason...imagine him telling that to his buddies over a drink.
• "I Hung my Head" by Johnny Cash provides us with a second powerful narrative of a man, and rifle, and a possibility. Listen.
• In your notes (not a full journal), list points of comparison and contrast:

1. What did Steinbeck see in the cross-hairs that Cash's speaker did not?
2. Each speaker has deep internal concerns, but one speaker takes on those concerns before he decides what to do with his rifle, one after he decides. Explain. What might we learn from this?
3. Steinbeck and Cash's pieces both make strong religious references in their conclusions. What hope does each put forth? How sure is each speaker?