Acts III - V Reading Quiz

How do the plot and themes of Peter Quince's "Pyramus and Thisbe" compare with the plot and themes of William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream?

Arrested While Grieving

Wow! Last night Mr. Aron sent me an article from the New York Times. You can access it by clicking below:

http://select.nytimes.com/2007/05/26/opinion/26herbert.html?ex=1180497600&en=cb0157896405f41c&ei=5121&emc=eta1

For today's blog entry, I simply want you to respond to this article. What does it make you feel? What does it make you think of? Do you agree with Rob Herbet's point of view? What can you do about it?

Please seriously consider before you write and remember to proofread and use perfect mechanics.

Thanks,
Rolapp

All the World's a Stage

Hey students! Look at the following quote by William Shakespeare:

"All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts."

This quote comes from one of Shakespeare's comedies called As You Like It. It's one of my favorites. For today's journal entry, I'd like you to do the following:

1. Say what you think this quote means. What might Shakespeare mean by "exits?" "Entrances?" Playing "many parts?"
2. State whether you agree or disagree with Shakespeare's quote as you have interpreted it. In essence, is all the world a stage?
3. State some of the "parts" you have played thus far in your life.

Happy blogging!

GENERAL - "Tragedy"

Identify one work of storytelling art (movie, play, book, fairytale, etc.) that you think is a tragedy. Why do you believe it fits the definition?

GENERAL - Waking Up from the American Dream

Dear Students,

We've looked at the Average American. We've looked at the American Dream. Why is the Average American so far from achieving the American Dream? What's the real problem here? Is the American Dream a lie? Is it totally unattainable? Now look at your American Dream. Does it match the American Dream of others? Is your American Dream attainable?

Let me know,
Rolapp

GENERAL - AP English Composition

What is the AP English Composition Exam? Do a little web research to find out, and write your finding here. Then, think about it: should our class begin prepping for the AP English Composition Exam? Is it worth our time? Is it worth our money? What are the pros and cons?

Happy hunting!

GENERAL - Opening Survey

Dear Students,

Welcome new and returning members to 11th Grade Honors American Literature. Please answer all the following as a starter exercise:

• What does the term "American Drama" mean to you?
• Are Americans inherently dramatic?
• What does the word "dramatic" mean in the first place?
• Should we consider changing our class name to 11th Grade Honors American Dramatic Literature? How would this change the focus of the class?
• What kinds of plays would you like to see/read in this coming term?
• If our class was going to put on a play, would you be the director, an actor, or a designer? Why?

Don't forget to sign your postings!

GENERAL - Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Both Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are well-known Civil Rights activists. But that's not all they have in common. Do some quicjk web research to find at least five things they have in common (really, at least FIVE, count 'em!). Then find five other things that they do not have in common. Once you've listed your ten items, then I want you to make an evaluation: which of the two, Malcolm X or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., had a more lasting effect on the world? Why?

Round Characters - "El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz"

For instructions, please see the agenda for January 11 or 12.

Round Characters - "Malcolm X"

For instructions, please see the agenda for January 11 or 12.

Round Characters - "Detroit Red"

For instructions, please see the agenda for January 11 or 12.

Round Characters - "Malcolm Little"

For instructions, please see the agenda for January 11 or 12.

GENERAL - Elijah Muhammad - Job or Icarus?

Now that you've read chapter 16, you are aware of how Elijah Muhammad has also had a "fall." (If you haven't read chapter 16, now might be a good time to do so.) We've studied how Alex Haley has made allusions to both the Bible and Greek Mythology, comparing Malcolm to Job and Icarus. Now, I'd like you to draw some parallels of your own. How does Elijah Muhammad's story relate to the stories of Job and Icarus? Think hard and draw some deep parallels. Answer in at least two fully formed paragraphs.

Enjoy!

GENERAL - Allusion: Icarus

Now that we're more comfortable identifying and analyzing allusions, let's look together at the title of chapter fifteen of Malcolm X. This chapter is called "Icarus." Who was Icarus in classical mythology? To whom does this allusion apply in the book? (More than one answer may be corret here.) How well does the allusion fit? Is Alex Haley justified in giving the chapter this title?

As before, you'll need to do a little web research in order to make an informed decision and to support your opinion. Wikipedia may be a good start, but there are many other sources that will provide the required information. Be sure to craft your answer into a well-constructed paragraph of at least six sentences.

GENERAL - Malcolm and Job

In Chicago Elijah Muhammad publicly likens Malcolm to the biblical figure Job. Do you agree or disagree with this comparison? Why?

In order to make an informed decision and to support your opinion, you'll need to do a little web research on Job. You may use either primary or secondary sources. Craft your answer into a well-constructed paragraph of at least six sentences.