Museum of Living Literature- Shakespeare

Act V (Part 2) If one of the plot features of comedy is that love triumphs and happiness reigns in the end; explain how the ending of A Midsummer Night’s Dream fits into this comic pattern. Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period.

Act V Why does Theseus select the workmen to perform, knowing beforehand that they are likely to be incompetent? ·         List at least five major acting mistakes (cited) made by the working men while performing the play Pyramus and Thisbe . ·         What is the effect of these mistakes for both the audience within the play (Theseus and company) and for us the ‘real’ audience? Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period.

Act IV Choose a person from the play.  (Do not choose Bottom.)  Analyze the person’s words and actions; what do these words and actions reveal about this person’s character?   Explain if and how the person changed in any way because of the experience in the woods.  Describe the person and include evidence for your ideas.  Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period.

Act III:  Bottom- Please respond to the questions using evidence from the play. ·         Why does Bottom insist on adding a prologue to “Pyramus and Thisbe?” ·         How does Bottom come to be “translated?”  What is the reason for this transformation? ·         How does Bottom react to his fairy servants? ·         What is your opinion of Bottom?  Is he a fool, or is he wiser than he appears?  Use evidence from the text to support your claims. Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period.

Act II:  Oberon and Titania OR Puck-  Choose one set of bulleted questions and respond.  Use cited evidence to build a stronger response. Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period. Option 1- Oberon and Titania ·         Why are Oberon and Titania fighting? ·         How is their fighting influencing the human world? ·         How does Oberon plan to get what he wants from Titania?  Use evidence from the text to support your explanation.  Option 2- Puck ·         Describe the character of Puck (Robin Goodfellow).  Use evidence from the text to support your description. ·         What are three tricks that Puck has played on humans? 

Act I:  Choose one of the following questions to answer.  Be sure that your answer is clear and includes cited evidence. ·         Lysander says, “The course of true love never did run smooth.”  What did he mean by this?  How has this been shown so far? ·         Why do you suppose Shakespeare has the lovers speaking in verse but the mechanicals speaking in prose?  ·         How would you describe the character of Bottom? How would Bottom describe himself? ·         What kind of leader does Theseus seem to be?  How can you tell? Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period.

After Reading:  Choose one of the following concepts and explain what Shakespeare is saying about this idea through the play. Use cited evidence to strengthen your response. ·         Deception ·         Guilt and/or Innocence ·         Loyalty and/or Betrayal ·         Gender Roles:  Men and/or Women Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period.

Act V, scene iv:  What event ends the play and what event is expected shortly after the play ends? Do you anticipate the marriage between Claudio and Hero will be successful? Explain. Do you anticipate the marriage between Benedick and Beatrice will be successful. Explain. Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period .

Act V, scene i or scene ii:  Choose one of the following options for your blog comment.  When you post, title your comment with the option you chose.  Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period. scene i 1.      What happens between Leonato/Antonio and Claudio and Don Pedro? 2.      What happens between Benedick and Claudio? 3.      What happens between Bendick and Don Pedro? scene ii 1.      Provide details that show Beatrice and Benedick care for each other. 2.      Provide details that show they remain witty but are more playful and less mean to each other.

Act IV:  Choose one of the following options for your blog comment.  When you post, title your comment with the option you chose.  Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period. Option 1 Explain the allusions to Dian and Venus. Explain the allusion to Hercules. Why does Shakespeare use the allusions?  What makes then effective?  Option2 Give specific details that illustrate the tone of the wedding scene is far from the joy conventionally associated with the comic world.  Use cited evidence.

Act III:  Choose one of the following options for your blog comment.  When you post, title your comment with the option you chose.  Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period. Option 1:  Paraphrase Beatrice’s soliloquy into modern English. Use a dictionary as necessary. Option 2:  Give three examples of malapropism , which is the comical misuse of words. Give three examples of details the audience is meant to find humorous (other than malapropism).   Explain.

Act II- Choose one of the following options for your blog comment.  When you post, title your comment with the option you chose.  Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period. Option 1-  Beatrice and Benedick:  How does Beatrice describe the ideal man? While in disguise, how does Benedick insult Beatrice?  Then how does she insult him? Do you think they know each other when they speak behind the masks? Why? How does Benedick react to Beatrice’s insults?  What kind of woman appeals to Benedick? Give an example of Beatrice’s cleverness or wordplay in this scene. Option 2- Paraphrase one of Benedick’s soliloquies into modern English. Use a dictionary as necessary. 

Act V (part 2):  Choose one of the following options for your blog comment.  When you post, title your comment with the option you chose.  Remember to sign your comment with your first initial, last name, and class period. OPTION 1- The Rise of Emilia: As the characters gather in the bedchamber and attempt to make sense of Desdemona’s death, Emilia slowly begins to realize the horrible truth.  Review Emilia’s dialogue and pinpoint evidence of her growing awareness about the truth behind Desdemona’s death.  Does Emilia vindicate herself and deserve to be forgiven since she confesses her role in Iago’s plan or is her involvement too great to be forgiven? How has Emilia’s personality changed since the beginning of the play?  Based on her comments and behavior, how would you summarize her transformation?  Despite her heroic defiance in the face of Othello and Iago, do you feel Emilia bears some of the blame for Desdemona’s death?  Consider th...

Act V:  Choose one of the following options for your blog comment.  When you post, title your comment with the option you chose. Remember to sign your comment with your first initial, last name, and class period. OPTION 1- As Othello enters the bedchamber and begins to ready himself to murder Desdemona, there are clear signs of an internal conflict in his soliloquy.  Rewrite two direct comments made by Othello illustrating his internal conflict and then summarize how he reconciles his intentions. Why do you feel Othello’s murderous intentions win out over his clear and apparent love for Desdemona?  Ensure that your response reflects the complexity of issue. OPTION 2- Upon awakening, Desdemona soon realizes the seriousness of her situation and desperately tries to change Othello’s mind. What are three verbal attacks and accusations made by Othello and how does Desdemona respond in her own defense?  Locate direct quotes as textual evidence for each e...

Act IV: Choose one of the following options for your blog comment.  When you post, title your comment with the option you chose.  Remember to sign your comment with your first initial, last name, and class period. OPTION 1- Provide two direct quotes from others about Othello’s character and reputation. Cite and identify the speaker.  Offer a summary of how Othello is treated and seen by those around him. Analyze the extent of Iago’s involvement and responsibility in Othello’s very public transformation. There is a stark contrast in Othello when his demeanor and behavior are compared from his arrival on the stage in act I until his departure in act IV.  Using textual evidence, including quotes and stage directions, construct a comparison of Othello’s transformation. Create a 2-3 sentence summary of Othello’s character.  For each contrast still include descriptive, specific wording that you feel pertains to his personality. Prepare a single, complex sentenc...

Act III:  Choose one of the following options for your blog comment.  When you post, title your comment with the option you chose.  Remember to sign your comment with your first initial, last name, and class period. OPTION 1- With the stage now set for Iago, he needs only to convince Othello of Desdemona’s infidelity.  Indeed, by the end of Act III, scene iii Othello is convinced of her treachery.  Yet, how did Iago do it?  Identify Iago’s shrewd comments made about Desdemona and Cassio. Then describe Othello’s reaction to each.  If identified correctly, you should find a series of subtle suggestions made by Iago which leads Othello to bloody intentions.  What might it be about Othello’s nature that made him susceptible to Iago’s influence? OPTION 2- Explain the importance of the handkerchief; what did it once symbolize and what does it symbolize by the end of Act III?  Consider that Emilia is present during Othello and Desdemon...

Act II:  Choose one of the following options for your blog comment.  When you post, title your comment with the option you chose. Remember to sign your comment with your first initial, last name, and class period. OPTION 1- As the main body of characters wait for Othello’s arrival, the audience witnesses Iago’s treatment of his wife and his view of women in general.  Locate and list three cited comments made by Iago, and explain what each reveals about his views and beliefs.  Offer a single, complex sentence summarizing what the audience learns about Iago’s personality. OPTION 2- First: Reflect on who has been wronged the most by the end of act II.  Is it Roderigo, Othello, Cassio or Desdemona?  Write several sentences expressing your opinion.  Use cited evidence as needed.  Next: Make a prediction indicating What you think will happen to the character you discuss.

Act I (part 2):  Choose one of the following options for your blog comment.  When you post, title your comment with the option you chose.  Remember to sign your comment with your first initial, last name, and class period. OPTION 1- In the opening scenes of the play, the audience soon realizes Iago’s ability to manipulate those around him. Document how Iago is able to use others to harass Othello while appearing to be innocent. At this point in the play do you feel Iago is justified in taking his revenge on Othello?  Be sure to validate your opinion by citing specific supporting evidence. OPTION 2- By the end of the first act, Iago has begun to formulate the initial phase of his master plan.  For the characters involved in his scheme, conclude how he intends to use and manipulate each one.  Be sure to include details from Iago’s own admissions. 

After Reading: You will examine the question of whether Richard is a hero or a villain. Richmond does not die at the end of the play, so he does not fit the Elizabethan tragedy meaning of a hero, since the hero has to die at the end of the play. That leaves one other main character that dies at the end - Richard. The question that needs to be answered is whether Richard is a hero or a villain.  Do the following: ·         Make a list of characteristics Richard possesses. List actions he takes, things he does, adjectives and adverbs that describe his actions. ·         Make a list of characteristics and actions that a hero would take. ·         Make a list of characteristics and actions that a villain would take. ·         Make a list of the characteristics that Richard possesses and categorize each of them as belonging to a hero or a...

Act V:  Choose one of the following options for your blog comment.  When you post, title your comment with the option you chose.  Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period. Option 1- ·         Richmond is giving a speech to his troops. Based on Richmond's speech, explain what is motivating him to go to battle. ·         Richard gave a list of his motivations back at the beginning of Act I, scene i.  Re-read this soliloquy and decide if you think that was his real motivation for all his actions thus far. Why or why not?  Use cited evidence to support your decision. ·         Discussion: How do motivations matter? Why do the motivations of the characters in the play matter? Do the motivations of any characters besides Richard and Richmond matter? Is everyone simply reacting to Richard? Do they have their own moti...

Act IV:  Choose one of the following options for your blog comment.  When you post, title your comment with the option you chose.  Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period. Option 1- Female characters ·         Make a list of female characters mentioned in the play.  Label if each character is a major character or a minor character and why. Explain your answers with cited evidence as needed. ·         Define the word "mother." Go through the characters who are mothers, and see if they fit your definition. Who best fits the definition of mother? Provide an explanation with evidence as needed. ·         Why does Shakespeare mention the women in this play? Are they simply minor chorus characters - meaning they function to give advice, or comment, on the action? Are they part of the action? Are they treated as avengers, ...

Act III:  Choose one of the following options for your blog comment.  When you post, title your comment with the option you chose.  Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period. Option 1- Review definitions of tone and mood. Use the definitions posted below to help Tone is the author's attitude, which can be stated or implied, toward a subject. Some possible attitudes are pessimism, optimism, earnestness, seriousness, bitterness, humorous, and joyful. An author's tone can be revealed through choice of words and details. The subject can be a character in the book, an entity, a government, or a situation. The list of subjects can be as broad as your imagination. Mood is the feeling in a literary work. The choice of setting, objects, details, images, and words all contribute towards creating a specific mood. Moods can change throughout the book, and can vary depending on the situation. Mood is independent of the devices used to set t...

Act II:  Choose one of the following options for your blog comment.  When you post, title your comment with the option you chose.  Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period. Option 1-  Consider what a protagonist and an antagonist are. What are some of their different characteristics? What role do they each play in a story? Why would an author want to use both? * Make a list of the various protagonist-antagonist pairings in the play. This can include the Lancaster-York or Richard-Edward pairings as well as pairings among characters. In each pair, identify the protagonist and antagonist, and explain why you believe each character to be that label. Option 2-  Richard the III depicts the workings of Richard's mind and the methods he uses to control, manipulate, and injure others for his own gain. Central to this idea is that the other characters are allured by his evil, and by participating, are as much to blame for thei...

Act I, scene i:  Richard opens the play with a soliloquy filled with imagery and alliteration. Analyze the speech for these literary devices.  ·         Explain two images and what they tell the reader through interpretation.  (Why are they important?) ·         Share two examples of alliteration and explain the effect the alliteration has on the speech. Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period.

Act V:  Research tragic hero .  Define tragic hero; include an explanation of the four characteristics of a tragic hero in your definition.  Then consider the characters Caesar, Brutus, and Antony; Who do you feel is the tragic hero?  Explain how he fits the definition and how you came to your conclusion.  Use cited evidence to support your response. Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period.

Act IV (part 2):  How does Caesar get his revenge? Explain and use cited evidence to support your response. Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period.

Act IV (part 1):  Shakespeare is a master of figurative language.  He communicates ideas beyond their literal meanings to create an image in the reader’s mind.  There are several examples of his use of figurative language (metaphor, simile, personification, imagery) throughout Act V.  Find an example of two different uses of figurative language, copy and cite the direct text.  Then, for each excerpt, explain what two items are being compared and what makes it significant to or effective within the text.  Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period.

Act III:  In order to understand how Antony appeals to the people and convinces them to turn against Brutus and the conspirators, it is important to know how he used ethos, logos, and pathos to appeal to his audience.  Read Antony’s entire speech (omitting the lines of other characters) and identify one example of each form of appeal.  Explain and cite. Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period.

Act I or II:  Choose one of the following characters.  You will provide indirect characterization of the character from Act I or Act II of the play by providing  1- a cited quote where another character describes the person,  2- a cited quote where the person describes him or herself, and  3- what you think this character’s motivation is this far into the play (explain what the character wants/does and why). ·         Brutus ·         Caesar ·         Antony ·         Casca ·         Cassius Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period.

Act II:  Choose one of the following and explain what makes it important to the play.  Feel free to use cited evidence to strengthen your response. ·         Sleep ·         A letter ·         Omens Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period.

Act V (part 2):  All students are required to respond to the following question: What is the main idea in Katherine’s closing speech? What are some possible interpretations for her words?  Use cited evidence to build a stronger answer. Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period.

Act V (part 1):  Choose one of the first three bullets and provide a detailed response. Include in your explanation the character dynamics involved.  (What are the relationships between the characters involved?  What was Shakespeare trying to the tell the reader?)  Use cited evidence to build a stronger answer. ·         Explain the case of mistaken identity. ·         Explain the three relationships. ·         Explain the bet and what happens. Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period.

Act IV, scenes ii-iv:  Explain what you found most surprising in these scenes and why.  Use cited evidence to build a clear answer. Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period.

Act IV, scene i:  Choose one of the following questions.  Answer the questions or follow the directions, and explain why Shakespeare wrote it the way he did.  What makes the event(s) important?  Use cited evidence to build a stronger answer. ·         Grumio tells Curtis, another servant, the story of Petruchio and Kate’s journey home.  In your own words, briefly describe what happened. ·         How does Petruchio greet his servants upon arrival?  What is his tone/attitude? ·         What happens during Kate and Petruchio’s first meal together?  Why is Petruchio             unhappy with the meal?  What is his solution to the problem? Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period.

Act III:  Characterization Choose one of the following questions and provide a detailed response.  Use cited evidence to build a stronger answer. ·         How does Petruchio “tame” Kate? Consider how he seems to define their roles.  What message does this carry? ·         Within the first page of Act III you notice something very interesting about Bianca’s interaction with her lesson. What does she do, and what does this say about her character? ·         After Baptista and the others express their disapproval of Petruchio, Petruchio says, “To me she’s married, not unto my clothes.” What does he mean? Explain with DETAIL. ·         Describe Petruchio’s behavior during the wedding.  What is significant about his behavior?  WHY does he do what he does? ·         What conflict aris...

Act II:  Discuss the dynamics of one of the following pairs of characters.  Explain how they meet or how they are connected to one another, and what their interactions say about them.  Use cited evidence to build a stronger response. ·         Kate and Bianca ·         Kate and Petruchio ·         Kate and Hortensio Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period.

Act I:  Summarize Act I in two to three sentences.  After your summary, choose one of the two topics listed below and describe the character dynamics as they relate to this topic.  Be sure to include multiple characters, what they do, and their motivation behind their actions.  ·         Romantic Interest/Love ·         Complaint and Dislike Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name , and class period

Act I:  In Act I, the characters are motivated by their opinions of members of the other sex (gender) or their opinions of other characters in general.  Choose a set of characters from the list below and explain how they feel about one another and how they treat one another.  Incorporate evidence as needed.  Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period. ·         Beatrice and Benedick ·         Claudio and Hero ·         Don John, Don Pedro, and Claudio

Act I:  At the beginning of the play, Othello is quickly confronted with several conflicts.  Moreover, there are additional conflicts brewing behind the scenes of which he is unaware.  Identify who is upset with Othello, why each character is upset with Othello, and then describe how each character plans to hurt him. Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period.

Act I:  At the opening of the play, what do Richard’s remarks mean?  Include what he wishes for and why he wants what he wants. Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period.

Act I:  Using cited evidence, describe the setting.  What tone and mood does the setting establish?  How?  Why do you believe Shakespeare created this atmosphere for the reader?   Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period.

Act I:  Choose one of the following topics to discuss.  Explain how it was presented in Act I, and discuss how it addresses a larger issue(s).  Explain what Shakespeare might be trying to tell the reader. ·         Role-playing/Disguise ·         Women and society Remember to sign your post with your first initial, last name, and class period.