We discussed the many merits of Shakespeare's works. A few of the most interesting ideas raised by students were the following:
1) Shakespeare provides us with nearly-authentic human experience to reason about human choices, consequences, and relationships.
2) Shakespeare doesn't provide simple answers, rather he raises significant questions and leads audiences in an exploration of the complexities of possible answers. Thus he requires much of an audience.
3) Shakespeare is not only one of the most challenging authors, but also one of the easiest. Because his representations of characters are so true-to-life, we are the true subject of his writings. This means when we read him, we are reading about something with which we are intimately acquainted--our own natures, choices, relationships, emotions, struggles, etc.
Students were invited to read their poetry and receive feedback.
Next, we continued our study of Hamlet (Act I) As we read, we will be tracking the following themes and motifs (note: a motif is an idea, image, or topic that is repeated throughout a book because it helps develop the central ideas of the work). Students should create a personal "index" inside the covers (front and back) for all of these topics. Include the page number and a very brief phrase that will remind you what the quotation was about. When it comes time to write an essay on the play, you will have no trouble writing about any one of these topics.
- Disease
- Mirrors
- Acting
- Madness
- Adam and Eve
- Protestant Reformation
- Obedience
- Harlotry
- Death
- Corruption
- Love
No comments:
Post a Comment