The title of our unit is Loyalty and Betrayal. In this unit we're reading Taming of the Shrew. Explain how loyalty plays a part in this play. Do you think Kate is loyal? To whom is she loyal? Is Petruchio loyal to Kate? Why or why not? Who is being betrayed?
I want to see some real thought with this one!
(10 points)
One of the Essential Questions for our unit is, "What relevance does Shakespeare's works have on our lives today?" So far, in Taming of the Shrew, we have read about greed, fairness, parental favor, a single parent family, lying, and gender roles. Does this have relevance to your life? If so, please explain how. If you feel that it doesn't, please explain why not.
(5 points)
After Shakespeare's death, several of his friends got together and collected all of his plays. They put them together and had them bound and published as the First Folio. The word folio should sound familiar to you – like portfolio? The First Folio is the title of the collection of Shakespeare's plays.
Go to the following website, http://shea.mit.edu/ramparts/newstuff3.htm. There is an online version of the First Folio and, it gives explanation of the different elements of the folio. List five elements of the folio and tell how they are similar or different from today's books.
(10 points)
Do you believe in love at first sight? Why or why not? Do you think that Shakespeare belives in love at first sight? What evidence from the play (or movie) helps to prove your point?
(5 points)
"I come to wive it wealthily in Padua; If wealthily, then happily in Padua." (1.1.74-75) What does this tell you about Petruchio's character? Do you feel this quote is indicative of Petruchio's true character? Why or why not?
(10 points)
In Act I, Scene 1, line 39 – 40 (written 1.1.39-40), Tranio says to Lucentio "No profit grows where is no pleasure ta'en. In brief, sir, study what you most affect." Tell, in your own words, what Tranio is saying? Do you agree with his message? Why or why not? Remember, this is after Lucentio has seen Bianca but, before he actually meets her. Also, what does this tell you about Tranio? Is he really as dim as he appears?
(10 points)
On Friday, May 5th, I will be taking down the articles titled "Enduring Understandings and Essential Questions" and "The Passing of Arthur". Don't worry – these will be replaced with articles more relevant to Shakespeare or Shrew.
Also, don't forget to proofread your comments! Remember anyone in the world can read what you write and you want to look like you know what you're talking about. Besides that, this is an ENGLISH class!
________________________________________________
I've decided to leave these up, as some of you have started to respond to them.
Go to the link titled "Whale Grammar." You can find this by looking at the menu on the right side of the screen called "Blogroll". Read the article then answer the following questions. You must answer ALL of the questions. No partial credit will be awarded. You do not have to re-type the questions when you post your answers.
1. What is it about the manner in which a whale "sings" that constitutes language?
2. How did scientists determine that whales use grammatical rules?
3. How does the section titled, "The Sound of Love" relate to Taming of the Shrew?
4. How does this section article show that English, math and science are inter-related?
5. What is your opinion on this article? Do you think it's a bunch of hooey or really interesting?
(10 points)
(10 points)
Some of you noticed connections in the poem, "The Passing of Arthur" to other legends or stories. The similarites between the legend of King Arthur and some events in the life of Jesus were pointed out. Also noted were the similarities between King Arthur's "death" and the "death" of Hercules. Also, as we saw with Dr.Martin Luther King's, "I Have a Dream", pieces of literature sometimes make allusions to other pieces of literature. What connections did you find in "The Death of Arthur" either to other pieces of literature, legends or your own life? How did these connections assist in your understanding of the poem? Did they make the poem more meainginful or relevant for you?
(10 points)
