Shakespeare:

Today:  We finished The Tempest.

We discussed the ending of the play and discussed how this might have been Shakespeare's way of saying goodbye.

Neil Young once sang, "It is better to burn out than fade away."  Did Shakespeare burn out? Or fade away?

HW:  Please find and bring in a unique Shakespeare reference from pop culture.  I will be teaching a class on Shakespeare in video games.  I look forward to seeing and hearing what you find.  It should be a good class.

Brit Lt:

Today:

I collected your HW from last night.

We went over the requirments for the short story assignment.

We went down to the computer lab and wrote the 1st draft.  We will return on Monday to rework it into a final draft.

As we head into the last week of the term, please make a point of making up any missing assignments.  I will be after-school next Tuesday and Wed. Any grade is better than a zero.

Shakespeare

Today:

We took a quiz on Act 3.

We broke into 3 groups to make a facebook page on a different character.  I allowed you to choose. 

We then returned to groups and together generated a txt version of any part of the play, using txt abbreviations.  Each group needed a txt of 25 lines.

HW:  Please finish act 4.

Brit Lit

We started with a journal prompt:

What is power?  Why are we drawn to it?  If you had it, what would you do with it?  How can too much power be a bad thing?  1 Page

We read a story about power: Shooting an Elephant. 

We also looked at a poem by D.H.Lawrence, Snake.

HW:  Please read the Rocking Horse Winner on pg 996.  Please answer questions 1-8 on pg 1005

Shakespeare:

Thanks for a fun class.

Today, we reviewed the hw reading and discussed act 3.  We talked about the magical elements in the play.  We also discussed how this play may have been Shakespeare's way of saying goodbye and resolving conflicts that were created in his plays.  What do you think?

I broke you into 3 groups and asked each group to present their act to the class.

We listened to examples of the scenes that you scored musically.  You came up with some interesting musical scores. 

HW:  Read 1/2 of act 4.  Please expect a quiz on 3-what we read of act 4.

Brit Lit

Today:

We each started a mini short story, and passed it around the room 5 times.  With each swap, you were given another element to work into your story.

I collected HW from last night.

We read The Lagoon on Pg. 961.  Please answer questions 1-7 on pg 971.

We discussed the use of light and nature in writing.  What could the opening of the Lagoon represent to the reader?

WOS

Today:

We started with reading the WSJ.  I asked you to reflect on 3 articles in your journal 1 page min.

I passed out two sections of lines by Caliban.  I broke you into small groups and asked you convert one of the speeches into a modern piece, focusing on: Slang, colloquialisms, and regional jargon.

We discussed musical scores.  Specifically, how music can improve a scene.  I gave you 5 parts of the play and asked you to score them. 

HW:

Please read act III.

I also gave you the review sheet for the final next week:

The World of Shakespeare: Final Exam Review Sheet 2012-3
We read the following: Othello, Hamlet, The Tempest, The Taming of the Shrew, The Twelfth Night, sonnets.
The following prompts are possible questions to consider (hint, hint):



#1 Examine the relationship in terms of a timeline between Desdemona and Othello. Please make sure to examine the end of their relationship, and how specifically Othello believes she has not been faithful. Examine how 4 characters other than Othello are directly, or indirectly responsible for the tragic ending.



#2 Please explain the ending of the 12th Night. Did true love prevail? Were you satisfied with the ending? Why or Why not? Please use specific details in your response.



#3 Talk about what makes a Shakespearean tragedy. Please examine one tragedy in your study group and discuss how it fits the definition.



#4 Please define the following literary devices that Shakespeare uses:

Alliteration, simile, metaphor, reversed word, reversed sentence construction, classical allusion, personification, suspension of disbelief, aside, using language to show class and status in the play. You should have three examples of each term and be ready to explain how they are used.



#5 Character can be defined by how one handles power. Look at 3 characters and discuss how well they handled power.



#6 Discuss the use of comedy in his plays. What ideas and specific plays hold up well and still make us laugh. Please use 3 specific scenes in your discussions.



#7. Love, and the quest for love are important themes in many of Shakespeare’s plays. Please examine three relationships and explain in detail how they played out in specific detail using the 3 of the following plays: The 12th Night, The Tempest, Othello.



#8 Define a Shakespearean Sonnet. What did his sonnets reveal about him that his plays may not have? Pick a sonnet and be familiar enough with it that you could reference it in an answer. Be prepared to write an original sonnet about this class that follows the rules and rhyme pattern of a sonnet. You might wish to write this before the exam and have it on your page of notes.

Brit Lit:

This morning we:

Began with the journal prompt.  I had you look for 3 articles that you found interested in this mornings Wall Street Journal.  I asked you to write YOUR opinion for each.  1 page

I passed out the short story assignment:
Short Story Assignment




Description: As a culminating activity for our short story unit, you will be responsible for creating your own original work of fiction. After reading and analyzing several short stories you will use the known short story conventions and literary elements covered within the unit to create your own short story. You will be responsible for choosing a theme, creating events and conflicts, determining your story’s point of view, and presenting unique characters in your short story.



Your short story must include the following:

• A creative title in quotes.

• A main character who takes part in the action (character)

• Details that describe a particular time and place (setting)

• A conflict or problem, to be introduced, developed, and resolved.

• A central theme or generalization that applies to life outside of the story.

• Inclusion of: Three “objects” from the class list: Dialogue within your story, stream of conscious writing, a specific and identifiable tone, an epiphany, characterization, and symbolism, theme.

• Stories must be a minimum of three pages typed.





The final draft of your story is due (revised, proofread, and typed) January 14th. On this date you must bring the following:

• Two Copies of your typed Final Draft (one to be written on/graded, one to be compiled in a short story collection)

• All brainstorming, rough drafts, and revisions (as completed in class).




We read: A Dill Pickle pg 951.  Please answer questions 1-4 on pg 957.
Please complete for HW if you needed more time.  I will be collecting these.

Shakespeare:

I passed out a packet of possible assignments, and loads of information on the play.  Please look this over tonight.  I will be looking for feedback on assignments that you would find meaningful and fun.

We started off with a journal prompt.  This is on pg 13 of the packet that I passed out on the Tempest.

We completed an in-class assignment matching lines from the play with modern lines.

We ended with a look at act 1.2 lines 46-206.  Each group needed to do a different type of broadcast on the news.  Specifically,  how did Prospero end up on the island?  I will try and post one of the groups on the blog.

HW:  Please read act 2.  Expect a quiz.

Brit Lit:

Today:

We reviewed a Victorian novel.
We finished Jane Eyre, and moved into Wuthering Heights.

I collected your HW from last night.  For those that did not do your HW, I will accept these late Friday.

Shakespeare:

Today:

We started with the prompt listed for Brit Lit. 

We cast for the Tempest

We watched the 2010 version.

HW:  Please read act 1.  Expect a quiz (on the play, not the movie).

As we close the term, please end in greatness.

Brit Lit

Welcome back!

We completed journal prompt #29:

Please describe your vacation to a 40 year version of yourself, in the future.  Please include:  How your time was spent?  What was your favorite memory?  What did you wish had not happened?  What specific detail would an adult you find interesting about the last 10 days?  1-2 pages

We read the 1st chapter of the Victorian novel, Wuthering Heights(pgs 912-921). 

HW:  Please answer questions 1-6 on pg 921 in your anthology.  As we inch closer to the end of the term, as always, try to end in greatness.

Warm Wishes

Wishing you all peace and happiness. 

Please use this time to reflect on the importance of those in your life.  We all have much to be thankful for.  See you in the new year.

Shakespeare

Today:

We went to the computer lab to take a school wide survey.

We decorated the holiday shrub with your sonnets.

Brit Lit:

I apologize that I have been unable to update the blog this week.  Please see me if you have missed work.

Today:

Last night I asked you to read the 1st chapter of the Victorian novel, Jane Eyre on pg 922 and answer questions 1-6 at the end.

Today, we began class with the journal prompt:

At the end of Ch 1 in Jane Eyre, Jane is sent to the Red room for punishment.  Here our imagination, as always, is often greater the reality.  Use your imagination to describe the room that we never see.  Please write a 1st person "I" account of what is in the room and what happens when Jane is placed there.  1 page min.

We then looked at the entire story via an excellent film version.

Reminder:  Secret Santa/Bobo gifts for your classmates are due by this Friday.  Please see me with any questions.