Blog 14: The MacBeths

Act I, scenes vi & vii; Act II, scenes i & ii - The Macbeths

Pretend that you are a marriage counselor and that the Macbeths have sought your advice.

1. What problems do you think they have in their relationship,and what solutions do you propose?

2. Write out a list of steps they could take to prevent any more marriage problems.

In their relationship, they should firstly removed the pressure they have on one another. Lady Macbeth should not intimidate her husband into doing terrible things so that she can move up in social statuses.

A list would include compassion, consideration, and seeing therapists to realize killing kings is not a healthy lifestyle.

Blog 13: Why Shakespeare and Macbeth?

1. React to the documentary, Why Shakespeare?, from class. What surprised you the most/ least in the actors' discussions? State one lingering question about Shakespeare you have.
I was surprised most by the actors forgetting their lines. I was least surprised by the teenagers leaving gangs for acting.

2. Shakespeare: Life, Times, and Works. Research these three areas of Shakespeare's life. Use shakespeare.palomar.edu to help you. Three paragraph requirement.
Shakespeare was born in 1564. He passed away on his birthday in 1616. He named one of his children Hamnet. Hamnet passed away at age eleven. His other children were Susanna and Judith. Hamnet and Judith were twins. At age eighteen, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway. She was a much older woman.

During this time, women were not allowed to act. Younger men would play the women in the plays. Also, the groundlings were the poorer citizens who would stand on the ground in order to watch the shows in the Globe. The wealthier audience members had seats in the balcony areas. There was no roof over the globe theater, so when it rained the stage got rained on as well.

Shakespeare wrote three types of genres: tragedies,comedies, and dramas. He has done "38 plays,^[c] 154 sonnets, two longnarrative poems, and several other poems" (Wikipedia). Some of his most famous works are "Romeo and Juliet," "Hamlet," "Macbeth," "A Midsummer's Night Dream," "Julius Caesar," and "The Taming of the Shrew." The latter has been maid into a modern-themed movie called "Ten Things I Hate About You."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakespeare

3. Construct a list of the characters in Shakespeare's Macbeth. Be sure to include a short description for each character. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macbeth#Characters

Duncan – King of Scotland Malcolm – Duncan's eldest son Donalbain – Duncan's youngest son Macbeth – A general in the army of King Duncan, originally Thaneof Glamis, then Thane of Cawdor and later King of Scotland Lady Macbeth – Macbeth's wife, and later Queen of Scotland Banquo – Macbeth's friend and a general in the army of King Duncan Fleance – Banquo's son Macduff – The Thane of Fife Lady Macduff – Macduff's wife Macduff's son

Ross, Lennox, Angus, Menteith, Caithness – Scottish Thanes Siward – Earl of Northumberland, General of the English forces Young Siward – Siward's son Seyton – Macbeth's servant and attendant Hecate – Chief witch/Goddess of Witchcraft Three Witches Three Murderers Porter (or Messenger) – Gatekeeper at Macbeth's home Scottish Doctor – Lady Macbeth's doctor The Gentlewoman : Lady Macbeth's caretaker

Blog 12: Magnet Poetry

Use a creative word scramble/ magnet word website [see below] to put together your own poem! Challenge yourself to use three poetic devices, such as metaphor, imagery, etc., in its construction. This poem should be at least ten lines in length, and you should feel free to add additional words, appropriate for school writing, to the mix! Retype your finished product into a blog posting on your own blog.

Have fun creating your magnet poetry!!!! Students will be asked to share their work in Monday's class.

See through glass

Suffer her rhythm

Song of masterpiece

Metal metaphor perform

Mad sculpture shimmer

Dry stroke subject

Would question miasma

Young hear and try to ink

There is nothing to say.

Just watch. Just listen.

Blog 11: Poetry

Do you consider Burns' poem to be "good" poetry? Why/ why not? In your opinion, explain what "good" poetry is, and, if you can, provide an example. [One-two paragraphs, posted by 12.01.09]

Is it "good" poetry? I suppose it is good because it was enjoyable to read. According to our notes today,"good" poetry follows any of the specific patterns. This poem definitely flows nicely. Also,it is figurative. We know this because what he's discussing is symbollic in a way. J.D. Salinger chose this poem as an inspiration for his title because of the symballism between Holden and protecting children in the rye from adulthood.

Blog 10: Call to the Author

From Activity I of the Wrap-Up on Catcher in the Rye, would you like to call J.D. Salinger/ one of J.D. Salinger's relatives? If you would, write a paragraph on what you would want to talk to him about and what you would say to or ask him. If not, write a paragraph about the reasons you would not want to talk to him.

After you post, visit a student's blog and read his/ her thoughts on the novel. Leave a comment if you feel you have something to say about the post.

I would like to talk to J.D. Salinger. I would ask him why he decided to make a book about an adolescent who neither ages nor immatures. "Catcher in the Rye" is certainly not a coming of age story because the protagonist never changes. I would ask him if during his childhood he experienced the death of a sibling, a pressuring parent, a loving little sister, or even a brother who left and moved to Hollywood. It would make a lot of sense for Salinger to write about the things he may or may not have personally known.

Blog 9: Holden's Internal Conflicts

In a well-constructed paragraph, answer the following questions in your OWN blog:

-What two health issues does Holden pretend he has in Chapter 20? [Check out pages 150 and 156 if you are unsure.]

-Why do you believe that our main character behaves this way? Support your opinion with a quotation from the text.

In chapter 20, Holden pretends he has alcoholism (on page 150). Later in the chapter, Holden considers catching pneumonia. This happened on page 156. Holden has issues as an adolescent. He feels depressed and knows something is wrong with him. However, he does not know what it is exactly. He says, "I started thinking how old Phoebe would feel if I got pneumonia and died." This quote was on page 156.

Blog 8: Ch 19, Wicker Bar

Answer the following in your own blog: With all of the things he perceives as Luce's faults, Holden still hates to see him go. Why?

Holden hates being alone. In life, he's really always alone unless he is with either Jane or a family member. He wants to be around people and have intelligent conversations all the time. However, he just ends up being lonely most of the time.

Blog 7: Ch 12, Catcher: Conversation with Horowitz

In addition to providing a comic interlude, what seems to be the point of the scene with the cab driver, Horowitz? How do Holden and Horowitz differ, both in their conversation and as characters?

The scene with Horowitz represents Holden's curiosity and Horowitz's apathy. Horowitz talks quite rudely as if he is extremely inpatient. Holden comes across as in innocent, curious boy. He acts sort of defensive towards Horowitz, though. "I stopped having a conversation with him, if he was getting so goddamn touchy about it." (Salinger 82).

Blog 6: Catch Her in the Oatmeal

Write a stream-of-consciousness piece similar to the "Catch Her in the Oatmeal" handout. Your writing can be about your day/ week, OR you can turn your favorite fairy tale/ myth/ short story into a stream-of consciousness piece. Stream-of-consciousness is a type of storytelling where the writer reveals inner thoughts, feelings, etc., without censoring his/her work; therefore, you shouldn't take your fingers off the keyboard! Don't worry about typos/ punctuation/ grammar until the end!

Miss Kaser, I chose a bad moment to start writing this blog entry, but I don't think I'm going to erase it when I'm done. It's nothing personally really. And it's going to come across a lot more dramatic than I had wanted- and you know me. I HATE that. Drama, but whatever. There is drama everywhere at every time. I can't stand it. I know I'm not informing you of anything you don't already know. Still, I'm doing exactly what the assignment says, I guess. Right? I hate being in bad moods because I feel that they are a waste of time. We should spend life being happy and experiencing everything possible to enrich your life. Still though, I'm angry. Am I even angry? I don't know. I'm just feeling... annoyed.

I'm annoyed at my brother. I'm annoyed at my sister. At my friends, at my mom, at my headache, and at myself. I'm listening to Brand New right now. Whenever I write something in my diary (because Yes I keep a diary) I write down the exact song/artist I'm listening to at the time so that if I ever look back I can relive it or something? I don't even know. Anyway, Right now it's "Handcuffs." Ok so I'll get back to my whining rant. I'm so annoyed at everything right now. I know I'm only fifteen... but life is nothing like I'd ever imagined it would be. I mean I'm "standing here with no right to complain because it's already more than I'd ever have asked." ("Digest by Ben Taylor. I'm not sure if I got those lyrics right or not.) Still, I have to complain. Usually I would just be saying this to nobody and keep it to myself, but I mean... you did ask. Sorry to put it all on you. Not that you deserve all this unneeded weight either... Again, sorry. ("Soco Amaretto Lime" - Brand New)

As much as I really wanna write more here and complain and moan and such about all my problems, I have to remember a few important things: this is the world wide web... do not want everyone reading my personal issues haha, I feel really badly about stressing you out about my mediocre teenage problems, and I just remembered how stupid I sound. ("The Story" - Brandi Carlile) My life is so blessed and so good and so amazing. Why am I sitting here on my nice newish Mac desktop computer tap tap typing away about all my HUGE problems? Just so you know, I don't mean to come off like I'm bragging. I'm just acknowledging and appreciating how lucky my life is. I mean really. People live on the streets! I mean REALLY. People live outdoors where there aren't even any streets! Oy, I just played out a mmmaaasssssssssssssiiivvveeeee mood swing on you. Sorry haha. Who knows? Maybe you won't even read it?

In seventh grade, I always did that. In our daily journal entries, I would never write he assignment. I would write random things and notes to my teacher saying things like, "...I know you're not going to read this." and then I'd finish up the page with some scary messed up message about like abuse or terrorism which I have never suffered. She never opened my journal once that whole year. ("Devil in the Details" - Bright Eyes) It's ironic though because if you do read this - obviously you're unlike her because you're reading my work. And if you don't read it, then you'll never know how I feel about that and how you are similar to good ol' Mrs. Meyer. Believe me, I'm not accusing you of anything or judging you in anyway. This is mean, but to this day I wonder how that seventh grade teacher of mine could become a Mrs. ("Tourist Trap" - Bright Eyes)

Blog 5: Caulfield's Lasting Voice

After reading the article, "Holden Caulfield's lasting voice," react to the article. Are you looking forward to reading Catcher in the Rye? Why/ why not?

The final line of the newspaper clipping shares the impression of a sixteen-year-old girl. Do you agree/ disagree with her opinion on individuals and certain pieces of literature? Can you think of another book from last year's reading selection where students were as divided?

The article is talking about Catcher in the Rye and people's reaction to it when it was first published. It was banned for explicit language, sexual comments, and a generally bad attitude. I am looking forward to reading this book. I have been excited for a long time to read it, anyway. This article neither enhanced nor diminished my enthusiasm towards Catcher. It is an American classic and I'm sure it will be a great experience reading it.

I agree with what she's saying. Every life has troubles and issues in it. Some are greater than others. Some are life changing while others just change your plan for the day. Jenny Craig was right in saying it is a coming of age story and he will eventually find his way. Last year, this simsilarily happened with the book To Kill a Mockingbird. Many people thought the book was unfair. However, life is unfair. The book was not depressing, just realistic.

Blog 4: National Day on Writing PVRHS Gallery

Read three selections of student work from the PVRHS Gallery:http://galleryofwriting.org/galleries/223497 . Choose your favorite written work by either a Pascack Hills or Pascack Valley student, and comment on your favorite part about the piece [include the title and author].

What are your thoughts about the writer's tone/ voice? Is he/ she aware of an intended audience? If you could conference with the writer, what advice would you give to improve the selection?

My favorite of the three written pieces I read was "Hell Baby" by Joe Cario. He wrote a horror/suspense story about a person who helped a homeless woman give birth, only to watch her die right after. The baby that was born had rough skin, weird makings, and the ability to walk. A single day after being born, the baby has already committed four murders. One was his own mother's. Two were nurses in his hospital. The last? That's what cliffhangers are for.

The author's tone was extremely eerie. He knew the baby would only bring harm, but he still did what he had been raised to do. The writer wrote this piece intended for peers, so I think he did a good job. It was easy to relate to the theme of having a gut feeling but going against it. If I could talk to Joe Cario, I would suggest he re-read his work before he posts it anywhere. The ending seemed like he was in a rush to finish, so there were a few typos.

Blog 3: Family vs. Law

David's father shares his insight on page 156: "...I believe that in this world people must pay for their crimes. It doesn't matter who you are or who your relations are; if you do wrong, you pay. I believe that. I have to."

What do you think about these convictions? What other story does Wes share with David about himself? How does this story complicate his belief system?

Wes Hayden is correct with the beliefs that all actions have consequences; all consequences must be handled accordingly. Not only is it common morality, but it is also his job. He really does not have the choice to let a guilty man go punishment free. Wes tells David a story about when he was a boy. A group of mean Native American boys were bullying Wes and a friend. While running away, David's father ran into Frank and his friends. They helped Wes escape a scary situation. Frank acted the way a big brother should. He took care of of Wes at any costs. It complicates Wes's beliefs because his first instinct is to protect his brother, but he knows he as to follow the law.

Blog 2: Character Analysis

Pick one character from your reading/ class activity, and describe what the character wants in Larry Watson's Montana 1948. What prevents that character from achieving what he/she wants? How does this compare to what you want?

Len McAuley wants to be with Gail Hayden. There is no official proof of this fact, but David simply says, "Why not add another heartbreak to the situation?" (Watson ##). Len cannot be with Gail, though. He may or may not lover her. Regardless, he is married to Daisy. Gail is married to Wesley. Laws of marriage do not permit one to leave their spouse for somebody else's spouse.

In order to compare this dilemma to what I want, I first need to decide what it is I truly want. What do I want? The one thing I really want more than anything else in the world relates in some ways to Len's issue. However, it is not a matter of having to hide my feelings for an impossible love. What I want, though is not easily going to just happen magically. I have to take it into my own hands and make it happen if I feel that strongly about it. Doing so may cause heartbreak (like Len's love for Gail), but it will not be breaking written laws like marriage.

Blog 1: Montana 1948, Part 1 pages 33-38

What are Wes Hayden's feelings toward Native Americans? How does this view compare to the perspective held by other family members? Include a quotation for support when providing your answer.

Wes Hayden does not like nor dislike the Native Americans. He looks down at them, but he will still show them respect and consideration just like he would to everyone else. His brother, Frank takes advantage of Native American girls. "Frank said, 'maybe he'd do a little dance around the bed. And if that doesn't work, he'll try beating some drums," (Watson 35). joked Wes. The reader can tell that the Hayden brothers enjoy mocking the NAtive Americans. This is how we know Frank has zero respect for the people. Wes's wife and son both love Marie and treat her as family. Her skin color does not matter to them.