HOME ASSIGNMENT. 1. Watch the movie Freedom Writers

1. Watch the movie Freedom Writers. Prepare to talk about it in class a while later.

1.Read the excerpt from the novel Bleachers by John Grisham. Formulate your impression of the character – Coach Rake – whose funeral is described in the story. What kind of man – and teacher, if coaches are teachers – was he?

Text _____

From BLEACHERS by John Grisham

Ellen Rake Young, the eldest daughter, walked to the podium when the choir was finished and unfolded a sheet of paper. Like her sisters, she had wisely fled Messina after high school, and returned only when family matters required. Her father's shadow was too mammoth for his children to survive in such a small place. She was in her mid-forties, a psychiatrist in Boston, and had the air of someone who was out of place.

"On behalf of our family, I thank you for your prayers and support during these last weeks. My father died with a great deal of courage and dignity. Though his last years here were not some of his best, he loved this town and its people, and he especially loved his players."

Love was not a word any of the players had ever heard their Coach use. If he'd loved them, he'd had a strange way of showing it.

"My father has written a short note that he asked me to read."

She adjusted her reading glasses, cleared her throat, and focused on the sheet of paper.

"This is Eddie Rake, speaking from the grave. If you are crying, please stop."

This brought scattered laughter from the crowd, which was anxious for a light moment.

"I've never had any use for tears. My life is now complete, so don't cry for me. And don't cry for the memories. Never look back, there's too much left to do. I'm a lucky man who lived a wonderful life. I had the good sense to marry Lila as soon as I could talk her into it, and God blessed us with three beautiful daughters, and, at last count, eight perfect grandchildren. This alone is enough for any man. But God had many blessings in store for me. He led me to football, and to Messina, my home. And there I met you, my friends, and my players. Though I was emotionally unable to convey my feelings, I want my players to know that I cherished every one of them. Why would any sane person coach high school football for thirty-four years? For me it was easy. I loved my players. I wish I had been able to say so, but it was simply not my nature. We accomplished much, but I will not dwell on the victories and the champion­ships. Instead, I choose this moment to offer two regrets." Ellen paused here and cleared her throat again. The crowd appeared to hold its collective breath. "Only two regrets in thirty-four years. As I said, I'm a lucky man. The first is Scotty Reardon. I never dreamed I would be responsible for the death of one of my players, but I accept the blame for his death. Holding him in my arms as he passed away is something I have wept over every day since. I have expressed these feelings to his parents, and, with time, I think they have forgiven me. I cling to their forgiveness and take it to my death. I am with Scotty now, and for eternity, and as we look down together at this moment we have reconciled our past."

Another pause as Ellen took a sip of water.

"The second involves the state tide game in 1987. At halftime, in a fit of rage, I physically assaulted a player, our quarterback. It was a criminal act, one that should have had me banned me from the game forever. I am sorry for my actions. As I watched that team rally against enormous odds, I have never felt such pride, and such pain. That victory was my finest hour. Please forgive me, boys."

Neely glanced around him. All heads were low, most eyes were closed. Silo was wiping his face.

"Enough of the negative. My love to Lila and the girls and the grandkids. We'll all meet very soon across the river, in the promised land. May God be with you."

The choir sang "Just a Closer Walk with Thee," and the tears were flowing.

3. Do some research on John Grisham and his books about sport and athletes’ lives. Why do you think the celebrated author is so keen on writing them?