Romanticism Values Synthesis Blog-Due March 25th

In order to hone your skills of identifying themes and creating a central argument via writing, do the following prompt:

1. Choose one of the values of romanticism we discussed: emotion over reason, nature over human-made, impermanence of humanity, the individual over the collective, valuing rural life. writing sparked by individual emotion instead of borrowing from other genres or overthinking writing.

2. Choose three literary works from the Romantic Unit. How does the Romantic value you chose come out in these three literary works.

3. Incorporate at least two direct quotations from these works to support your assertion. Use "/" to indicate breaks in lines

4. Remember to explain the why's and how's surrounding your assertions/claims i.e. how does this or that literary work represent the value you choose or why do you think the Romantics focused on these values in their writing over others? Why were the Romantics drawn to such themes?

5. As always, solid topic sentences and varied sentence structure are always helpful.

Blake/Wordsworth/Coleridge/Romanticism Blog-Due March 19

1. Do you agree with the view of Romanticsm that you should go with your emotions instead reason ultimately when making decisions?

2. What do you think William Blake's "The Tyger" and "The Lamb" represent about human condition/psche?

3. Do you agree with Wordsworth that we're too focused on "getting and spending" in society?

4. Describe one of your most vivid dreams recently similar to Coleridge's poem, "Kubla Khan"?

Blake and Burns ?'s- Due March 17th

British Literature
Robert Burns and William Blake ?•s

1. Robert Burns is known as the national poet of Scotland; how does Burns incorporate/
honor is Scottish heritage in the poems “Auld Lang Syne•” and “John Anderson My
Jo”?
2. What idea concept is being praised/honored in “Auld Lang Syne”?
How is this same
theme extended in “John Anderson, My Jo”? How do these values reflect the values
of Romanticism? How do they contrast with the values of the Age of Reason?
3. What does the metaphor of the hill in the second stanza of John Anderson, My Jo
represent?
4. Explain how William Blake•s upbringing/worldview influenced the type of poetry hewrote.
5. How are “The Lamb” and “The Tyger” similar to each other? (Read “About the
Selection” on p 679) What two sides of the human soul do the animals represent?
Why did Blake it equally important to understand both sides? In a religiousframework, what do the two animals represent?
6. How do William Blake•s three poems celebrate the untameness of nature and rejectthe urbanity/structured society? How does this reflect Romanticism?

Romanticism Questions- Due March 11th

1. When did the Romantic Era begin and end? Overall, how does the book describe the movement? How does it contrast to the Enlightenment/Age of Reason?

2. What were the major political developments/changes that occured during the Romantic Era?

3. The introduction describe three pre-Romantic poets; how did these poets bridge the gap between Neoclassicism and Romanticism? What were the name of the three pre-Romantics discussed in the book?

4. What publication really began the Romantic Era? Why was the publication pivotal in the Romantic movement? What statements were the two authors trying to make with it? Who were considered the second generation of Romantics? What did they celebrate through their literature?

5. What is a Gothic novel? What are some examples of it?

6. What type of novel did Jane Austen right?

Pride and Prejudice Blog- Due March 10th

1. What character has the pride and which character has the predjudice? Explain.

2. What are examples of gender inequity in the movie? How does this gender inequity impact the decisions of some characters?

3. What are examples of social class playing a role in how characters interact?

4. Based of the movie, what were some of the expected norms/behavior women were expect for conform to? How does Elizabeth Bennett break out against these roles?

5. What do you think Jane Austen was trying to comment on about love/courtship for time period/world? Is it satirical in nature at all?

Candide Blog- Due March 4th

Answer the following that reading Candide,

1. Write a summary paragraph of the selection.

2. What philosophical idea is Voltaire satirizing through the work?

3. What are examples of Voltaire satirizing war and government in Candide? What are example of Voltaire satirizing religion in Candide?

4. What is the irony in Pangloss's appearance at the end of the selection?

5. Do you agree with Voltaire's critique of philosophical optimism, or do you think he's too skeptical and bitter toward the idea that everything that happens is for the best? Why or why not?

Gulliver's Travels- Movie Post- Due February 25th

Choose one the world's that Gulliver visits; What social issue(s)/human fault is Swift commenting on through Gulliver's visit to this world? What details from this world bring it out? Is the movie subtle or blatant in how they reveal this? How does the medium of film help to bring out the satire more than just the book could by itself? Did the movie make you think or did you think it was a poor adaptation? Why?

Enlightenment/Restoration ?'s- Due February 12th

Answer the following questions from page 566-5701.
1. What was the Restoration in British History?

2. How did the political system change through the Restoration and 17th Century?

3. Why is this time also called the Age of Reason/Enlightenment? Give examples of people from this time who contributed to this label.
4. Define what Neoclassicism is how it was incorporates into the literature during the time. What was this age also called that relates to this concept?

5. The Enlightenment/Restoration is divided up into three areas based on people's names. What are they? What characteristics/authors/literary genres is associated with each age?

Modest Proposal ?'s-Due February 13th

Read "A Modest Proposal" in it's entirety. Then, I want you post your reaction using
these questions as a guide.

1.
What tone does the speaker of this this pamphlet use? In other words, if this guy
were alive, what would he be like to be around? Is this tone effective/appropriate for
the subject manner?
2.
What structure does he use to shape is argument? What the main arguments/point
that he brings up?
3.
What are examples of 'logic' that he uses? From an objective stand point(not gut
reaction, do they have logical merit?
4.
Go to www.logicalfallacies.info. What's a fallacy? What's an
example of a fallacy found in "A Modest Prosal"? What type of fallacy is it?
5.
What is your gut reaction to this piece of writing? Did your reaction/perception
change after you 'digested' the material and thought deeper?
6. Is this to be taken literally? If not, what is Swift's true purpose in writing this?
7.
Can you think of real life examples when people literally used twisted logic not in a
satirical fashion, but in a complete serious fashion to justify their actions?
8.
Should all decisions be based on logic/reason(as the Enlightenment suggests) or do
gut instincts come into play?

Puritan/Cavalier Comparison/Contrast- February 10

We read literature from two opposing forces, the Puritans and the Cavaliers represented by Milton/Bunyan and Lovelace/Marvel respectively.

1. Describe the worldviews of these groups.

2. How do these worldviews contrast with each other?

3. Give specific examples from selections we read that represent these worldviews?

4. Which worldview do you align yourself with more?

Pastoral Blog/Rural Living

Marlowe and Raleigh both write in the genre of pastoral poems dealing with the beauty of the agrarian lifestyle. Marlowe takes a positive idealistic view while Raleigh's response is more cynical. You live in a rural community area. What do you think about living here? What are the benefits? What are the drawbacks? Do you plan to live in a rural area once you've established a career? Why or why not? Feel free to respond to each other in constructive manner.

Hamlet/Macbeth Comparison/Contrast Essay-Pre-Writing Blog

Think about Hamlet and Macbeth in a broad sense looking for themes, motifs, plot devices, and archetypes. List three of them a give examples from each play of how you could compare and contrast them in an essay. Be thorough with your explanations since these could serve as springboards to your own and others' essays

Example

1. Stolen Kingship

Hamlet- Claudius kills his brother in order to gain power to the throne. It seems like he has no legitimate claim to the thrown and is shown to be inept through Hamlet's description and the mob's dissatisfaction. Claudius realized that there is a ton of pressure put on him with his power. He seems to abuse it with all of his partying. He wants to repent of his sins; however, he's willing to give up power. Eventually, Claudius is punished for his crime through Hamlet's revenge

Macbeth- Macbeth kills his cousin in order to gain power. It seems as though Macbeth has more natural potential to be king compared to Hamlet as he is praised highly. Initially, he doesn't even want the role, but Lady Macbeth pressures him onward. Macbeth's guilt is immediately shown in the play as opposed to Claudius's delayed repentence. Just like Claudius, Macbeth soon is overcome with the pressures of being king psychologically as he seems not to be able to sleep. Macbeth's desire for blood increases via a reign of terror. Macduff steps in to right the wrongs and restore Malcolm to the throne

1.

Hamlet-


Macbeth-


2.

Hamlet-


Macbeth-


3.


Hamlet-


Macbeth-

Macbeth Prediscussion Questions

Crossfire


Circle either agree or disagree for each statement. There are no right or wrong answers, and you will not be graded on which one you choose.

Agree/Disagree 1. Our fate is predetermined.

Agree/Disagree 2. It is natural for humans to strive for power.

Agree/Disagree 3. When in power, humans will do anything to maintain it.

Agree/Disagree 4. An accomplice is just as guilty as the person who commits a crime.

Agree/Disagree 5. If you kill, you should be killed in return (“an eye for an eye”).


Choose two of the above questions to discuss in writing. Explain why you chose the answer you did in 3-4 sentences. Please include examples to support your viewpoint. You will be using your explanations in small group and class discussions, so be specific!

Hamlet Act IV and V Journal- Due December 23rd

1. What common event takes place in the lives of Hamelt, Fortinbras, and Laertes? How are the reactions of three similar? How does each cope differently in the the event?

2. How do Hamlet's views of death develop from the "To Be or Not To Be" soliloquy in Act III to his answers about the whereabouts of Polonius's body in Act IV to the graveyard in Act V sc i to his finals words in the last scene? What questions about the nature of life and death did the play make you think about?

3. Is Hamlet right to admire Fortinbras's actions in Act IV sc iv? Why or why?

4. What role do literal poisons have throughout the play? In a more abstract and metaphorical way, what and who else is 'poisoned' throughout the play?

5. Does Hamlet redeem himself at the end of the play? Does he deserve a soldier's funeral that Fortinbras gives him?

6. A lot of characters die in the play. Which characters bring their deaths upon themselves and which ones are mere victims of fate? Explain your answers.

7. Overall, did you like this play? Why or why not?

Hamlet Act III Blog- Due December 16

Answer the following questions:

1. Hamlet gives advice about acting to the Players before "The Mousetrap" in Act III sc i. Do you agree with the acting advice he gives? Who is your favorite actress/actor? Why?

2. Do you think Hamlet crosses the line in how he acts toward Ophelia, R & G, and Queen i.e. rudely? Even though he's the hero of the story, do you like him as a character overall? Do his flaws make him a more compelling character? Why or why?

3. Claudius evidently feels guilt during Act III sc iii; however, he finds difficult to ask for forgiveness. Why is this so? Is there any any way Claudius can be redeemed?

4. Hamlet's fatal flaw in the inability to act, and his tendency to overanalyze situations. Think of other films/books you've viewed. What's one of the characters flaws? Do you think Hamlet can overcome his flaw by the end of the play?

5. Was the Ghost actually in the room with the Queen or was he just imagining it? Why or why not?

Hamlet Act II Blog- Due December 10th

1. Based on what he does during Act II, how would you characterize Polonius?


2. During his conversations with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in Act II Sc ii, Hamlet describes his perceptions of reality? In your own words, describe Hamlet's worldview? Are you an optimist, pessimist, or a realist? Why?

3. Is Polonius justified in how he plans to use Ophelia to find more about Hamlet?


4. At this point in the play, do you think Hamlet is really crazy or his he pretending to be insane? How does Hamlet act differently when he's around people and when he's giving soliloquies by himself i.e. end of Act II?


5. Why do you think Hamlet's so attracted to the theater/acting? Why do you think he uses the play as a way to test his theory? Is Hamlet right be angry at himself for not acting on the ghost's words? Why?


6. Are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern wrong for spying on Hamlet? Why or why not? How do you think Hamlet feels after they admit they were sent for by the Queen and King?

Hamlet Act I Journal- Due December 4th

1. Pick a passage from Act I of Hamlet. Write it down. Practice citing it (Ham.Act.Scene.Line Numbers). Why did you pick this passage? What do you think it's trying to say?


2. The ghost is Hamlet plays a crucial role in setting events in motion? Are you a Horatio(skeptic of ghosts) or a Marcellus(believer in ghosts)? Why or why not?


3. We get to know characters via a variety of channels: what they do, what they say, what they think, how they're described, and what others say/think about them. Do a character analysis of one of the following characters: Hamlet, Claudius, Horatio, Gertrude Find a specific passage for each of the following.

What They Say/Think:

Passage:

What They Do:

Passage:

How They're Described:

Passage:

What Other Characters Say/Think About Them:

Passsage:


Based on all of the textual evidence, what is your overall opinion about this character?


4. Put yourself in Hamlet's position, what would would do with the news from the ghost? Do you trust the ghost's word or do you need better evidence? Would you tell anyone else what the ghost said to you or would you keep it a secret?

Hamlet Prediscussion ?'s- Due November 25

1. Is revenge sometimes the right approach in dealing with someone that has wronged you? Why or why not?


2. Is it better to think before you act or act before you think? Why?


3. Is there one singular reality, or do each of create our own realities through our perceptions and attitudes?


4. What are the qualities of a good friendship? Is it ever okay to spy on a friend if you are concerned about them?


5. Should parents let their children make their own mistakes and let them learn from it, or should they keep a close eye on them?


6. Should children always be supportive of parents if they decide to remarry after their spouse’s death or divorce?


7. Is there ever a time when grieving process goes too far?

Links to Essays about the Matrix

Read one of the following essays on the links:

http://onwardoverland.com/matrix/philosophy.html

http://www.friesian.com/matrix.htm

http://www.arrod.co.uk/essays/matrix.php

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F00E3D71731F937A15756C0A9659C8B63

http://consc.net/papers/matrix.html

Be prepared to summarize orally the ideas of one of these essays in class.

Matrix Blog # 2

1. The character of Cypher makes a decision that returning to the Matrix and living in its alternative reality instead of being fully conscious of the reality. This goes against the decision made by the released prisoner from the Cave. Why do you think Cypher decided to go back to the Matrix instead of living fully aware? Is his reasoning valid? Is ignorance bliss? Why?

2. Neo is prophecized to be the one by Morpheus. Does Neo seem to accept this high profile role? What other character from literature you've read seems to be placed in this hero/savior role by others?

3. Humans are described by humans as a disease, imperfect, for a perfected technological program, yet the machine is viewed as the enemy/evil even though its reason and logic is supposed unflawed. What would the world be like if everyone was perfect and logical? What are other examples in movies and books where technology becomes the enemy/evil?