The Play's The Thing

So, as you begin studying Hamlet for your performances on October 28th, at home this week, read and watch Samuel Beckett's Krapp's Last Tape. You must write two focused blog entries on whatever topic you like. I would highly recommend that you watch or read it all in one sitting, as that is how it was meant to be experienced. We'll discuss it next week.

Lighten Up

Okay, I get it. I've asked for a lot this week - so, I'm going to ask for very little reading outside of class.

Remember that you're essay revisions are due Wednesday or Thursday. If you do not have them, you'll have to make up the workshop next Monday. Also, read your classmates' modern Canterbury Tales and choose your favorite. Print it out for class on Wednesday or Thursday.

Anyone see The Road? If you do, I'd love to read a blog about it.

This weekend you're to watch -yes, watch- this introduction to Hamlet by Kenneth Branagh. What do you expect? What aspects of this work intrigue you? Answer these questions, or others, on your blog. We'll begin rehearsing -yes, rehearsing- our versions of Hamlet. Of course, we have to read it first, before we can put it on.

The Roads

This week, finish The Road. Take informal notes on the book, perhaps some quotations, links, etc. Upon completing it, write on blog entry.

Respond to this blog post in your own blog before Wednesday.

By Tuesday for even days, or Monday for odd days, post a complete modern version of one Canterbury Tale. Imagine a modern re-telling of Chaucer's representation of society. Just like the Middle Ages had their nuns and pardonerers, we might have website designers or homeless people in a modern version. The only catch is that it must be written in heroic couplets.

Other project options:

Write an interview between Oprah and Chaucer, only that Chaucer speaks in heroic couplets.

or

Choose a character from The Road to narrate the novel in heroic couplets. For example, the Son's Tale might just be about what happened to them. Or the Cannibal's Tale is another viable option.

Do not forget that your new analytic essay drafts are due on Wednesday for even days, Thursday for odd.

Analytic Essay Revisions

Don't forget to bring in your analytic essays revised for either Wednesday or Thursday. We'll be workshopping them.

The Road: Walk, Walk, Walk

This week you must begin reading The Road and write three blog entries about any aspect of the book you like. You should plan on reading the first 150 or so pages by Monday. You should blog after one reading session, while your reactions to the text are still fresh in your mind.

Evaluative Language

This page might be helpful for revising your analytic papers.

http://home.ku.edu.tr/~doregan/Writing/evallangpanova.htm

Symbolism in "The Raven"

If you haven't already be sure to listen/read "The Raven" and write one brief blog post about it.

When you're finished have some comic relief. It's on me.