Ophelia's mad scene

Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KafCj0iiQM0&feature=related

Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMwkCrZ9BiY&feature=related

Act 3, Sc. 4: Hamlet and Gertrude

Hi all!  I hope you're having an excellent Wednesday so far.

We have time to watch and discuss one version of this scene today (we will not watch the Mel Gibson version which I mentioned yesterday).  Watch the version linked below (both parts).  This scene presents a relatively "typical" interpretation of the scene: Hamlet stabs Polonius, he throws his mother around on the bed, he accuses her of being a "strumpet," he interacts with the ghost, and then finishes his conversation with his mother in a gentler manner.  It doesn't emphasize an incestual relationship with Gertrude as other interpretations have, but still illustrates the anger and violence Hamlet displays towards his mother.  Observe:

Kenneth Branagh version, part 1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSoUf8hFxP0

Part 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtHk2WEuWaA&feature=related

After you're done watching the scene, get into your book groups and discuss the following questions:

1.) After seeing this scene acted out, do you think this scene lends itself to an "Oedipal" interpretation?  In other words, do Shakespeare's words seem to indicate sexual tension between Hamlet and Gertrude?  Why or why not do you think so?

2.) Do you think this scene shows that Hamlet HAS, in fact, gone crazy?  Why or why not do you think so?

3.) In this scene, Hamlet sees his father's ghost, but his mother doesn't-- even though, earlier in the play, other people besides Hamlet WERE able to see the ghost.  Shakespeare gives us no clues as to why Gertrude can't see the ghost.  Why do you think Hamlet can see his father, while his mother can't?

4.) Discuss your understanding of Hamlet's relationship with his mother after this scene.  Do you think she's convinced he's crazy, or will she still have some faith in the mental stability of her son? Do you think Hamlet still feels any affection and kindness towards Gertrude after this?  Will Gertrude distance herself from Claudius after Hamlet's accusations, or will Hamlet's accusations drive the two of them closer together?  Hypothesize, and explain your reasoning.
 

Get thee to a Nunnery!

Hey folks; for those of you that weren't in class on Thursday, watch this scene for an idea of how it might be played out.  Although Shakespeare is delicious to read (in my opinion :), it was written to be performed-- so enjoy watching these words come to life!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uJBOAkMsSc

Thanksgiving Break Homework

1.) Read Act 2 of Hamlet

• Write at least 3 paraphrasing post-its (or notes) per scene
• Write at least 3 annotative/analytical notes per scene

2.) Do your assigned book group reading

Whoops.

Hey folks--

Some of you (especially diligent) students might be wondering where the prompts are for your Positivity Project reflection...

In fact, because I forgot to write on the board that you had your reflection due this weekend, and because I forgot to remind you all to do it-- you do not have to post a reflection.

So, instead, go do something else that spreads goodness and cheer and love with the time you WOULD have spent doing your reflection.  Okay?

Have a great weekend y'all.  Resumes due Monday.

Accessing the Online Textbook

You will need your login name and password.  Do you have those?  DO YOU REMEMBER ME TELLING YOU TO PUT THEM IN A PLACE WHERE YOU COULD FIND THEM LATER?  You do?  Ah!  So proud.  You are so studious and brilliant.  Bravo!!

Now:

1. Go to Thinkcentral. (Click the link.)
2. Click "Reading and Language Arts"
3. Click "Elements of Literature"
4. Enter your login name and password.
5. Click "Go to the online textbook"
6. There is a little box where you can enter page numbers. 

Your homework this weekend is to read Beowulf pages 34-39,   through line 569.  Continue to fill out the white hand-out packet I gave you, noting cultural aspects of the text, and traits of the hero and the villians.

On Monday, we will act out the Battle with Grendel. Bring "found" objects that you can use for costuming!  (paper, tape, foil, plastic wrap, cardboard, etc.)

Formatting help

http://www.easybib.com/
(For putting your sources into correct formatting for your works cited page.)

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
(For checking your paper's MLA formatting as a whole.)

Reminder:
You are REQUIRED to have:
 - CD's from the Bible
 - CD's from Mere Christianity
 - CD's from TWO OTHER SCHOLARLY SOURCES (this could be a scholarly article, published by a university, or a book)

You may also include quotes from the following sources:

Sources

You need 10 notecards, minimum: due Wed. 9/29.

You must have quotes from:
1.) Mere Christianity
2.) The Bible
3.) At least two other scholarly sources (published books, articles published in scholarly journals, etc.)

You may also pull quotes from:
4.) Personal interviews (like with pastors, teachers, etc.)
5.) Informal websites (like http://www.gotquestions.org/, or from your peers' blog comments.)

Resource Tools

Fuller Seminary has a great online library database that would be an excellent source for research materials.  The articles on this database are generally written by college professors and are well researched:

http://library.fuller.edu/library/index.asp

I recommend you click on the "advanced search" link and specify your search accordingly.  If you select "internet resources" under the format drop-down tab, your search will be limited to resources that you can access online.

This "got questions" site is also good for straight-forward, more simple answers:

http://www.gotquestions.org/

This is an informal site, so you shouldn't gather the majority of your quotes from here (your main collection of quotes should be from books, published articles, and/or scholarly resources), but it would be a great place for brainstorming as you develop your arguments and understanding of your topic.  You could include one quote from this site in your paper.

Myers-Briggs Test and weekend homework

Hi folks.  The Myers-Briggs is considered the most objective personality test currently in circulation, and is used by countless organizations to assess the various strengths of their members.  I think you'll be surprised by how accurate it is!  Click on this link to take it:

http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp

The Myers-Briggs assess you in four categories:
Introvert (I) vs. Extrovert (E)
Intuitive (N) vs. Sensing (S)
Feeling (F) vs. Thinking (T)
Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P)

Click here for an explanation of these different categories.

Your results will come with percentages which indicate where you're at on the spectrum between each category's poles.  For example, my type is an ENFJ.  I am around "60%" E, which means I fall strongly into the Extrovert category.  However, I am only "1%" J, which means I'm just baaaaarely more "J" than I am "P."

Once you've taken the test and have identified your type, click on the various links to learn more about the common strengths and behavior patterns of people with your same type description.  You might be especially interested in the "ideal professions for your type" link.

The goal of this test is to help you learn more about yourself and your natural strengths; I also help this test is able to give you some guidance for the future as you consider potential colleges, majors, and careers.

HOMEWORK:
- Post your type results on your blog (include the percentages) and then write a paragraph describing what you found out, whether you agree or disagree with the results, and any realizations that may have occurred.
I would also like you to print out your results and bring them to class on MONDAY.

- Get at least three "Affirmation Solicitations" filled out by friends/family.  Give them to people who know you best and love you.  These are due MONDAY.

- Finally, post your first two research paper paragraphs on your blog.  Your second paragraph should end with your research question.  Comment on three other blogs, responding to your classmates' research questions with your own opinions.  Then, comment on THIS blog, noting the names of the classmates' blogs you commented on, so that I can give you credit.

- Also, you have 10 research notecards due Wednesday.

Welcome to Senior Blogging

Hey folks!  Welcome to our little bloggity land. :)

Instructions:

1.) Create a blog (follow the instructions on the blue class handout I gave you.)
2.) Post a test blog.  This can be anything you want-- quotes, poems, lyrics, and/or pictures are encouraged.
3.) Comment on THIS blog with your newly created blog address, and NOTE YOUR CLASS PERIOD. (You can do this by clicking on the word "comments" below.)

These steps need to be completed BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS ON MONDAY.

Starting next week, I'll have you post a blog responding to one of the many controversial points we've been discussing in class.  You'll also be required to comment on three classmates' blogs, responding to the thoughts they blogged about.  These blogs will function as an opportunity to begin brainstorming an essay topic, and will also enable us to continue our class discussions. 

For this weekend though, just create a blog, post a "Test blog" and comment on this one with your blog address. Mmm kay?

See you Monday-- have a great weekend!