G-Bell- Due Friday, May 6th

Throughout the year, as a class, we have read, analyzed and discussed a variety of works in our process of unmasking the hidden wonders of literature. Theme is a common thread or repeated idea that is incorporated throughout a literary work. With the AP exams approaching, it is vitally important to be able to understand the variety of themes that we have discovered during our journey this year and be able to incorporate and apply them in essays and multiple choice questions. As a means of studying for the exam, pick a work that we have read this year in class. Analyze the major theme in the work and discuss how it crafts the characters and influences their actions overall. Each response should include three examples of the theme impacting individual characters or the importance of it on the work as a whole.

By: Kelsey Smith and Taylor Neuburg

F Bell- Due Friday May the 6th

Among the books we have read this year there have been overlapping themes. For this blog identify shared themes from two (or more!) works we have read in class this year and discuss why your chosen theme is significant in the literary world.

Techniques Needed for Success on the AP Exam

In preparation for the AP Exam, utilize your knowledge of Hamlet to identify and analyze two specific examples of imagery used in the play.

-posted by Tyler, Kelsie, and McLeod

AP Literature Review - F Bell Due April 29

Success is in the preparation.

With the AP exam a little under two weeks away, it is time to pack in the review. Pick one of the works we have studied this year and write an AP style essay prompt. After writing the prompt, write the organic thesis and outline how you would attack this essay. Remember to keep the thesis organic and not three pronged or any variation. The works we have read are as follow:

Their Eyes Were Watching God

The Metamorphosis

A Glass Menagerie

Heart of Darkness

A Prayer for Owen Meany

Hamlet

Ethan Frome

A Doll House

E Bell AP Review- Due April 29th

With the AP exam quickly approaching, it is time to begin reviewing and refresh our minds of our studies from this year to help us make a 5 on the exam. This blog post will help in remembering the novels we have read throughout the course of the year and also how to pick and analyze themes from literature. Choosing from the list of books below that we have read, pick and analyze a theme in the work and explain its significance within the novel. “How to Read Literature Like a Professor” may be helpful in analyzing the themes. As usual, be sure to use textual evidence.

Their Eyes Were Watching God
The Metamorphosis
A Glass Menagerie
Heart of Darkness
A Prayer for Owen Meany
Hamlet
Ethan Frome
A Doll House

E Bell Heart of Darkness - Due Friday 22

Themes are fundamental ideas found throughout a novel. In "Heart of Darkness" the themes include: criticism of imperialism, madness, and the absurdity of evil. Imperialism is supposed to be a wonderful way of life, but Marlow finds that it is quite the opposite. Madness and imperialism go hand-in-hand in the novel. Marlow and Kurtz are confused as to how they should judge evil; who are they to judge someone's way of life and determine it to be evil?
Expand of each of these themes using textual evidence.

(Maura, Kelsey, Kevin)

F Bell-"Heart of Darkness" Due April 22

"Heart of Darkness" is a novella written by literary genius Joseph Conrad, whose first language was Polish. Conrad faced many trials and tribulations throughout his life including political prosecution and the loss of family. In this novella we see parallels between the lives of Conrad and his main character Marlow. Joseph Conrad incorporated many specific themes and symbols which further enhanced the overall meaning of human nature. Please select a theme or symbol from Conrade's "Heart of Darkness" and use textual evidence to show its importance in the overall message in the novella. Also, please refrain from being repetitive.

G BELL- Heart of Darkness Due April 22

Joesph Conrad’s novella, Heart of Darkness, is set in the wild of Africa on the Congo River. Throughout Marlow’s journey, he encounters several eye-opening experiences. Pick a theme or symbol seen throughout the novella and explain its significance both in the story and its development of the universal human condition. Use textual evidence to support your explanation.

Posted by Tasha and Prutha

Heart Of Darkness-G Bell- Due Friday, April 15th

Based off Joseph Conrad’s personal experiences in Europe, specifically on the Thames River, Heart Of Darkness is centered around the travels of Marlow throughout Africa and the great Congo River. Using textual evidence compare how Conrad’s novel is parallel to his realistic journeys. Use the three websites below to help with your assessment.

http://loki.stockton.edu/~kinsellt/projects/hod/bio.html

http://www.notablebiographies.com/Co-Da/Conrad-Joseph.html

http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~bump/E316K/11/11/CONRAD.HTML

Posted by Caroline, Ryan, and Sydney

E Bell Heart of Darkness Due April 17

Heart of Darkness was written when British imperialism still existed and tradition and “civilization” carried a lot of importance. Delve into how the political and social situation of that time was reflected in Heart of Darkness and how it effected the action. Use textual evidence when possible.

Heart of Darkness F Bell- Due Friday, April 15th

In Joseph Conrad’s novella, Heart of Darkness, much of the action takes place in Africa, and particularly on the Congo River. However, there are also ties to Europe, where the story is being told from the Thames River. Using specific examples and textual evidence from the novella, compare and contrast the cultures of the two different regions as well as the physical settings. Be sure to especially discuss the similarities.

-Brooks, Alex, and Jessie

F Bell Hamlet Part II - Due Friday, April 8

Written at the outset of the seventeenth century and based on accounts of several centuries earlier, Hamlet is often regarded as remarkably modern in its treatment of themes concerning mental health, political health, and spiritual health. Choose one character, and using textual evidence from acts III, IV, and V, show their decline in any area of health listed above. Try to select a different character if one or two are being favored.

-Emily and Erin

E Bell due Friday April 8th

Throughout Hamlet, loyalty appears to be a major theme in order to encounter betrayal to others in whom those characters are less loyal to. This entire theme is brought into the play to make Hamlet's decisions and outcomes of those decisions more difficult to come to a close. Each character in the play may appear to be more loyal to one character or another. Choose a character and write about who you believe they remain most loyal to, and why. Please use supporting evidence in your answer. If you would like to throw in a twist you may also say whom that character betrayed. The prompt is not too difficult, but be sure to support your opinion with concrete evidence.

Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act III (Due Friday April 9th by midnight)

Throughout Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet’s mental stability teeters on the edge of insanity, while remerging as sane during other periods. Some believe this indecisive mindset provides a front to befuddle his enemies and hide his vengeful intentions. On the other hand, some view Hamlet legitimately insane at times, a haunted character who faces his demons in the form of his father’s death, mother’s marriage, and finally call to action by the ghost. Take a solid stance of Hamlet’s mental state and defend your  position with concrete examples from the play. 

The confrontation with Ophelia (III.i), play scene (III.ii), and confrontation with his mother (III.iv) are some instances where insanity or sanity may be interpreted. 


Created by Alexander, managed by Bracey and Anna Cait

Hamlet Acts One and Two G Bell (Due Friday, April 1st)

There are always common themes, symbols, and literary techniques that someone reading a Shakespearian play can pick out and analyze. Using the video above, find one theme, symbol or any other literary technique to briefly analyze in a single paragraph. Compare or contrast how the Reduced Shakespeare Company dealt with the technique.

By: Cassie and Lauren

F Bell Hamlet Acts I & II [due Friday, April 1st]

Ghosts are mysterious beings that leave many unanswered questions in the human world. However, ghosts can also possess provocative natures and appear to humans to meddle in human affairs. This was especially the case in Shakespeare's time, as people believed ghosts to merely be devils in disguise. In Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, Hamlet's father, King Hamlet returns to tell his son what really happened to him and request that he avenge his death. In doing so, King Hamlet reminds Prince Hamlet of the evil corruption of man from the past that will continue to exist, as well as the daunting shadow cast by religion and faith that acts as a constant reminder of what is considered good and evil. Discuss and analyze how the past play an important part in what happens in the present and future, utilizing textual evidence from either Acts I or II and one of the themes above: sin and corruption, religion, or the mysterious spiritual world. Check out the video for a quick recap of Hamlet's encounter with the Ghost if you need a refresher.

E Bell Hamlet Acts I-II, due Friday April 1, 2011

While many perceive Hamlet's primary motive in killing Claudius driven by the Ghost's plea for revenge, there are many other emotional factors that compel him to take the final step in murder. Consider at least one of the following in its role of shaping Hamlet's behavior and the final tragedy within the confines of Acts I and II: personal anger over the death of his father, anger towards Gertrude, monarchial claims, betrayal by Ophelia, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern, and hatred of Claudius or Polonius. This is an open ended prompt: be organic and thoughtful in your response. You do not have to limit yourself to the motives suggested above. Regardless, be sure to include textual evidence to support your argument.
-Brennan and Jeff

F BELL - Poetry Analysis due March 1

Everyone has his or her own personal plan when attacking poetry. Over the past couple of blogs, many of us have experimented with these different methods in hopes to fully understand the poem. While these sites might be useful to most, the universal way is TPCASTT. In hopes the phrase “practice makes perfect”, another reiteration of this method will ensure a 5 on the AP Exam. Below is a link that will direct you to a site where you will find for what TPCASTT stands.

http://hs.houstonisd.org/ReaganHS/Academies/Resources/TPCASTT.htm

Analyze a poem from one of these talented modern poets using the TPCASTT method. These are poets from the poetry project; if your poet is on the list please pick a new poet.

Sherman Alexie

Yehuda Amichai

Margaret Atwood

Jimmy Santiago Baca

Seamus Heany

Li-Young Lee

Czeslaw Milosz

Naoimi Shihab Nye

Octavio Paz

Wistawa Szymborska

As well as analyzing one poem from a chosen poet above, take it a step further and write a poem in the style of the author as well. This will give a better feel for the style and rhetorical devices that particular poet uses and why he uses them.

**Use the poem you have read to mimic the style.**

Posted by Ray, Sarah, and Jessica.

E Bell

Using the TPCASTT and the suggestions listed at

http://www.ehow.com/how_5294377_evaluate-poem.html

Be sure to look at:

Speaker

Tone

Diction

Situation

Imagery

Theme

Format

and how they are put together to express emotions/tell a story/get a point across

Evaluate this poetry written by teens from the link http://www.teenink.com/poetry/

Trisha and Rachel

F Bell Poetry Analysis Due Feb 22, 2011

In light of Spectrum season! We will be evaluating and critiquing poetry :)

Read the tips for evaluating poetry and critique the poems.

Title — Appropriate to subject, tone and genre? Does it generate interest, and hint at what your poem's about?

Subject — What is the basic situation?

Tone — What is the tone? How does the author convey the tone?

Word choice —diction, and syntax

Literary terms- metaphor, smile, imagery

Rhythm and meter — Does it have a rhyme scheme? If it does hat type and how does it contribute to the flow?

Use these guidelines and create your own analysis. Pick a poem from one of these amateur poets, please pick a new poem so we have variety.

http://www.angelfire.com/or2/poetryhaven/artists/artistlists.html

Posted by Sarah, Ray, and Jessica

Due by Tuesday, February 22, 2011...

or else ------------->

Final Poetry Assignment- G Bell due 22nd Feb

Octavio Paz said, “What distinguishes modern art from the art of other ages is criticism.” Use this concept to evaluate and provide constructive criticism on poetry by high school students. Don’t forget to use the TPCASTT and answer the following poetry evaluation questions.

Poetry Evaluation questions
1)Does the speaker of the poem feel life has changed? How do you know?
2)What message is the author trying to convey or help you understand?
3)Does it relate to anything in your own life?
4)Does it give you a new way of looking at something?
5)Identify figurative language in the poem (simile, metaphor, personification, etc.)
from: www2.scholastic.com/content/.../m/.../Poetryevaluationquestions.pdf

Links to poems by high school students:

http://www.collier.k12.fl.us/nhs/lmc/poetry/20012002.html

http://dc.gov/DCPS/In+the+Classroom/Student+Gallery/Student+Writing/Poems+by+High+School+Students+in+the+DC+Creative+Writing+Workshop

E Bell - Shakespear Due Friday 18

Shakespeare was famous for his sonnets, poems, and plays. He was most famous for his portrayal of love within his literature. Using the following websites choose two poems and compare how they use Shakespearean concepts within them. Choose one love poem and one focusing on another aspect and start comparing and contrasting from there.

http://www.poemhunter.com/william-shakespeare/
http://www.fathom.com/course/28701905/session1.html

F Bell- Due February 15th by Midnight

William Shakespeare is very well known for his plays, however he also has written a group of 154 sonnets. The first seventeen sonnets from this collection are known as the “procreation sonnets.” In sonnets 1-17, Shakespeare addresses a young man about seventeen years old, and encourages him to find a wife, and, more importantly, “procreate” children.

Select two of the “procreation” sonnets from the collection on the site listed below, and compare and contrast them. Focus on theme, word choice, and structure. Be sure to use textual evidence. Also, be sure to be clear which sonnets you are talking about.

http://poetry.eserver.org/sonnets/

By Brooks, Christiana, Alex

Introduction to Shakespeare- G Bell Due February 15 at midnight

“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, his acts being seven ages.”-William Shakespeare

Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, and Twelfth Night are just a few of Shakespeare’s famous works that have become classics to literature. While many have heard of these plays, his poetry is still not as well known. Explore the world of Shakespeare’s poetry by finding a sonnet. Analyze the sonnet by explaining the rhetorical devices used and the profound effects the devices have on the overall, universal message.

G-Bell Realism and Nautralism in Poetry. Due Feb. 8th

“A reaction against romanticism, an interest in scientific method, the systematizing of the study of documentary history, and the influence of rational philosophy all affected the rise of realism” (Realism in American Literature). It was more than just a movement; realism exemplified life and all of its components for what it truly was. Naturalism was the use of detailed realism to suggest that social conditions, heredity, and environment had inescapable force in shaping human character. Both techniques played a major role in the movement from romanticism in the late 1800’s through the early 1900’s.

Research the movement. Using the links bellow, along with other found sources, find a poet that was part of this movement. Briefly discuss their past and several reasons that could have caused them to be drawn towards the techniques of naturalism and realism. Analyze one of their works and explain specific examples of how it was influenced by realism, naturalism or both.

http://www.wsu.edu/~campbelld/amlit/realism.htm

http://www.wsu.edu/~campbelld/amlit/natural.htm

By: Kelsey Smith and Taylor Neuburg

E Bell- Elizabethan Poetry; Due Feb. 8

The Elizabethan era of poetry took place around the late 16th to early 17th centuries. One of the main poets this era of poetry was William Shakespeare (1564-1616). Shakespeare’s sonnets are some of the most noted poems of the era for their unique style and themes, one of his most common themes being the disillusionment of love. Examine two of Shakespeare’s sonnets, one from his earlier works and one from his later works, and trace the evolution of his writing style and use of themes. Also, explain how these themes fit into the Elizabethan era of poetry.

The following link will be useful in exploring the styles and themes of Elizabethan poetry.
http://www.novelguide.com/a/discover/rens_03/rens_03_00370.html

Posted by Shane, Natalie, and Kelly

Elizabethan Poetry Due Feb. 8 2011

The Elizabethan Era is characterized by many things. The list below gives you the most prominent characteristics of poetry from this time period.

1. The period has the great variety of almost unlimited creative force; it includes works of many kinds in both verse and prose, and ranges in spirit from the loftiest Platonic idealism or the most delightful romance to the level of very repulsive realism.

2. It was mainly dominated, however, by the spirit of romance.

3. It was full also of the spirit of dramatic action, as befitted an age whose restless enterprise was eagerly extending itself to every quarter of the globe.

4. In style it often exhibits romantic luxuriance, which sometimes takes the form of elaborate affectations of which the favorite 'conceit' is only the most apparent.

5. It was in part a period of experimentation, when the proper material and limits of literary forms were being determined, oftentimes by means of false starts and grandiose failures. In particular, many efforts were made to give prolonged poetical treatment to many subjects essentially prosaic, for example to systems of theological or scientific thought, or to the geography of all England.

6. It continued to be largely influenced by the literature of Italy, and to a less degree by those of France and Spain.

7. The literary spirit was all-pervasive, and the authors were men (not yet women) of almost every class, from distinguished courtiers, like Ralegh and Sidney, to the company of hack writers, who starved in garrets and hung about the outskirts of the bustling taverns.

( courtesey of classiclit.com)

After reviewing this criteria use one of the two poems, " The Power of Music" or "The Merry Beggars" and describe how they fit into the Elizabethan Era. Use the links below to read either poem. Be sure to note the stylized structure of the poems in regard to the recent blog on postmodernism.

"The Power of Music"

http://www.poetry-archive.com/f/the_power_of_music.html

"The Merry Beggars"

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-merry-beggars/

posted by Jessie, Margaret, and Christiana

F Bell Modern/Post Modern Poetry

Read either 'It is the living who cannot' or 'rise up, rise up' by Hilda Morley and analyze how the poem fits into the postmodernist era.

the poems and information about the author:

'it is the living who cannot'
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/archive/poem.html?id=182043

'rise up, rise up'
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/archive/poem.html?id=182043

G Bell- Postmodern Poetry (Due February 3 by midnight)

One of the many beauties of poetry is its ability take everyday experiences and views and condense them into a vivaciously condensed medium. This distillation process manifests Da Vinci's belief that, "simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" because it allows the audience to empathize with the author while filling the simpler picture with his/her own experiences and feelings. As a result of the reader's sometimes softening interpretation, the poet can criticize or target a certain person, idea, or event from the shelter of paper. Write a poem of any structural style in which you analyze or criticize an event in todays world, a person from your past or present, societal idea, etc. Following your poem describe which poetic devices you utilized.

Poetry Styles: 

http://members.cox.net/berniehpoetry/styles.html

Poetic Terms: 

http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072405228/student_view0/poetic_glossary.html

By Alexander, Anna Cait, and Bracey

E Bell- Modern/Postmodern Poetry; Due Tues. Feb. 1

The Modernist era for poetry took place around the early twentieth century. The focus of modernist poetry usually dealt with the themes of experimentation, imaginism, intellectualism, etc. T.S. Elliot and Ezra Pound are examples of some Modernist poets. Postmodernist poetry, on the other hand, deals more with the poets’ subconsciousness and therefore is usually more fragmented than Modernist poetry and began around the sixties. Choose either a Modern or Postmodern poem and explain, with textual evidence, how that poem fits into that time period of poetry.

The following sites will be helpful in analyzing the themes of the time periods.

Modernism- http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art30081.asp Postmodernism- http://www.textetc.com/modernist/postmodernism.html

Posted by Shane W., Natalie U., and Kelly M.

E Bell - A Prayer for Owen Meany

In John Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany, Owen and John undoubtedly serve as foils to each other. However, It is difficult to determine who is more of a "big brother" to the other. Using textual evidence from the book, discuss whether or not John needs Owen more in the story or vice versa; or are they equal foils to each other? Try to feed off of other students comments, make this sort of like our in-class debate by anticipating and refuting opposing arguments.

-Grant D, Patricia F, & Rachel C

G Bell - Owen Meany - Due Jan. 26th

As the story draws to a conclusion, Owen Meany makes the ultimate sacrifice in killing himself to defend a group of orphans and nuns. He is able to protect them by performing The Shot, a move him and John had been practicing for years where John hoisted him on his shoulders to dunk a basketball. This is significant because, once again, Owen's small stature and awkward presence benefitted him. With that being said, do you believe Owen proved himself as "God's instrument"? Do you believe he fulfilled his purpose in life? Why or why not?

-McLeod, Kelsie, Tyler

F Bell- Owen Meany- Due Jan. 25th

Owen possesses a strong religious faith. He believes his dreams are profecies of what is to come and what the purpose of his life is. Why does Owen think of himself as God's instrument? How does this affect John?

-Virginia, Lindsay, and Margaret

G Bell - Owen Meany - Due Jan. 19th

Owen Meany is the quintessential example of big things come in small packages. Despite his diminuitive, almost helpless demeanor, Owen does not let this faze him from voicing his ideas on topics, religion being the most important to him. In your answer, analyze how Owen conveys his opinions and perspective on religion to the world. Do you believe people take him seriously? Why or why not?

-McLeod, Kelsie, Tyler

F Bell- Owen Meany- Due Jan. 18

John Irving's novel A Prayer For Owen Meany tells the story of John and Owen, best friends who grow up together in Gravesend, New Hampshire. Owen is not your average boy; he is very small and pale with wide bulging eyes, but despite his size and appearance, he has a strong personality and is often bossy and assertive. Why did John Irving make Owen so peculiar? What is the significance of Owen's size, voice, etc.? Be sure to include textual evidence!

-Lindsay, Virginia, and Emily

E Bell Owen Meany

Religious faith is a major theme in John Irving's, A Prayer For Owen Meany. Owen Meany is an unlikely Christ figure, he is a dwarf with a small high-pitched voice. However, his best friend, John says that "he is the reason I believe in God; I am a Christian because of Owen Meany" (1). Using textual evidence, show how Owen Meany is or is not a Christ figure.

F Bell Romantic Poetry- Due January 11

It is hard to give a specific definition to Romanticism because it was such a broad time period with many different characteristics. According to A Handbook to Literature by Hugh Holman and William Harmon it is perhaps more helpful to understand the characteristics of Romanticism rather than to know an exact definition. Find and discuss, using textual evidence, at least two characteristics of Romanticism in the following Romantic poem or one of your chosing. We thought "Ode to the West Wind" would be a good place to start the conversation, but feel free to explore other poems if this one becomes overused, especially later in the week. We have included a website that will help with finding characteristics of Romanticism.



Ode To The West Wind:

http://www.bartleby.com/101/610.html

Romanticism:
http://www.vcu.edu/engweb/eng372/intro-h4.htm





-Brooks, Alex, and Jessie

Romantic Poetry -G Bell Due January 11th

The Romantic Era brought about a change in writing, poetry included. Expand your knowledge of this time period, for poetry, by learning more about an author and reading their poems. Introduce your author and then provide a poem by your author, or the title of the poem and a brief summary. Annotate this poem, but keep in mind the time period it was written in. Below are the links to three helpful websites.

Romanticism

The Romantic Era

Romantic Era Poets and Their Poems

Posted by Lauren Plaine, Kelsey Smith, and Cassie Meakin

January 4, 2011 9:20 P.M.

E Bell due Tuesday January 11

The Romantic era was a time during the late 18th century and early 19th century and was a time of great change and emancipation. The era allowed artistic creativity and freedom. Romanticism included gothic romance, medievalism, exoticism, individualism, and many more. Many poets during this time used romanticism style writing. Pick a romantic poet during this time period and discuss how the poets writing style is appropriate for the Romantic time period. Support your answer with examples of their writing style.

Use this website for extra information on Romanticism.
http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/hum_303/romanticism.html