Words, words, words...

In Hamlet, there are countless quotes which are memorable, perhaps because in these wise words, we see our lives that are not so different from that of Shakespeare. Choose one quote that especially moved you. Be sure to only choose from Act I through IV. Explain the quote and why you chose it. Your response should appear as a POST on YOUR BLOG not as a comment here. Then, check out your peers' responses and comment on at least one other post.

If you have questions about this assignment, you can leave it in the form of a comment below. To help you find some options, here is a link with many of the quotes we discussed. http://classiclit.about.com/od/hamlet/a/aa_hamlet.htm

And this Above All

We have all been given advice at one point in our lives. Most of the time it is given by our families, teachers, siblings, friends. In Act II, Polonius doles out lengthy advice to Laertes. From the list, which do you believe is the most valuable? Why?



What are some precepts or advice you have received? Did you follow it or find it valuable? Why or why not?

Respond by commenting on this post.

Welcome Bloggers New and Old!

Those of you who are just joining the wonderful world of blogging, here is something that will make you blogging life easier. When you are in "Dashboard", click on "Design", then "Add Gadget", then " Blog List".



Here, you will be able to type in the URL of any blog and the link will appear on your page. Add our blog ( no need for www) type in toblogornottoblogbhs.blogspot.com. Add your friends!

Below is the first 10 minutes of a famous 1964 Russian version of Hamlet with sub-titles. This film received some noteworthy international awards, and is especially praised for its cinematography. I know 1964 may seem ancient to you, and yes, it is, gasp, in black and white. Check it out and let me know what you think. What are some effective choices? Less effective?Shakespeare not only transcends time but also cultures!

I tried to upload the video, but blogger was not cooperating. Here is the link to Hamlet's scene with the ghost. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86SlZDfHBwk&feature=related.You can find other parts of the play on YouTube. Just don't peak ahead!

Something is rotten in the state of BHS!

By now you had the chance to view three film versions of Hamlet. Using your notes, decide which one is your favorite, the Ken Branagh, Franco Zefferelli, or Mike Almereyda version. Support your choice by discussing setting, tone, choice of actors, etc.

Then, find a classmate who has chosen a different version and comment on his/her post. The list of blogs will appear on the left. Share your feelings about the version you did not chose. Remember, you are writing the post on your blog, not as a comment to this post.

Your Favorite Skit

This is probably one of my favorite activities! Not only do we get to laugh at the performances, but we also get some unique insight into the major characters. Which skit was your favorite? Why?

Do you think a man like Jay Gatsby could happen today? Why or why not? Is the American Dream depicted in Fitzgerald's novel still the same today? If not, how is it different?

Comment on this post. Be sure to read all previous comments to avoid redundancy.

The Lost Art of Letter Writing

"She wouldn't let go of the letter. She took it into the tub with her and squeezed it up into a wet ball and only let me leave it in the soap dish when she saw it was coming to pieces like snow "(81)

In this incredible age of technology, the art of letter writing has been largely lost, although you can still peruse volumes of love letters such as Napoleon's passionate lines to his lover, Josephine, or Abagail Adam's letters to her husband, John Adams, or even Zelda's letters to her dear husband, F. Scott Fitzgerald.
In the spirit of romance and reunited love, you will write a letter from the point of view of one of the characters. Use the first five chapters as your guide and include a minimum of five text-based details in your letter. Another words, don't write a letter that has Gatsby reveal his identity as an alien who has come to take over the planet. Think carefully about the character as you try to emulate him/her. What are their hopes, dreams, fears? What tone will their letter take?


Be creative! You can set the letter anywhere in the novel's time line.




Here are your options:


A. From Gatsby to Daisy


B. From Daisy to Gatsby


C. From Tom to Myrtle


D From Myrtle to Tom


E. From Nick to Gatsby



Step 2:

Choose anyone from our class. Read your fellow student's letter, and answer as if you are the recipient.

Hi Class!

So it seems that blogger is not cooperating and joining us in our excitement to create an online learning community. Unfortunately, I cannot comment on my own post. Did the rest of you have a similar problem? I tried to switch browsers, refresh, restart, etc.

I read all of your comments and I am happy to see your enthusiasm! Our next assignment will be on Chapter 3. I will post explicit directions for you to follow. Feel free to enhance your posts with images, video, etc. Be sure that all content is germane to the discussions.

Let's hope we don't get discouraged and go with the "not to blog" option ;).