The Book-Of-The-Semester Project 2007 - 2008

1. Working with Quotations

“The same cancer that declined to take me called [Charley Blackwell] back to Nature.  I don’t know why he died any more than I know why I went from being a stargazer on the beaches of Cat Island to an actor in Hollywood.  But I do know that I’m responsible not for what happens but for what I make of it.  It’s up to me to take my own measure, to claim what’s real, to answer for myself” (242).

This is one of Sidney Poitier’s final statements in The Measure of a Man.  What is he saying here?  Does it make sense to you?  Does he give you a “credo” to follow in the living of your own life? 

2. Writing a Film Review

Watch one of Sidney Poitier’s films, and write a review of the film.  To do so, take notes on the story, the film’s message, the actors’ performances, the scenery, the costumes, and so forth.  For background information, study the social and historical context of the film and  refer to Poitier’s discussion of the film in his book.  In the end, you will determine why you like the film or you don’t like it, why the film should be given or should not be given “favorite” status in the annals of film history, and why your readers should or should not make it their business to see the film.

3. Summing Up: Assessing Poitier in Full Measure

Now that you have completed Sidney Poitier’s memoir, The Measure of a Man.  A Spiritual Autobiography, write a critique of the book.  There are many questions that you can consider, but here are a few:  Do you like the author for what he wrote?  Did you find him to be truthful and sincere?  Did you find this exploration of his life’s journey to be captivating and significant?  Why or why not?

Finally, tell your readers why they should or should not read the book.