Beowulf 1-2

The students are to read chapters 1-2 of Beowulf and respond to the following:

20pts
Chapters 1-2 summarize the basic conflict of the story. We are given a very detailed description of the villain (Grendel). Using these events, write a journal entry from Grendel's perspective. Consider whether or not there is justification for his actions. You must discuss, in at least 2 well-organized paragraphs, your feelings about the men and why you are so angry. Write what you would say and think if you were Grendel.

Beowulf Trailer

The students received their A Doll House essays today. They were not graded. The students spent some time reading and revising their work. This is a 50pt assignment that will be graded shortly.

We are now beginning a new unit. The next work we will be studying is Beowulf. The students will be taking notes on the background of the work and the origins of the english language.

Here is a link to an interesting site that shows the evolution of the english language.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/interactive/timelines/language_timeline/index.shtml

I have also included the trailer for the upcoming animated feature.

HW

Due to an illness I was out of school Monday and Tuesday. The students watched The Burning Bed while I was out, and are to write a paragraph comparing it to A Doll House for HW. I will collect the paragraphs tomorrow, and return their essays for revisions.

Essay

We have finished our review activity for A Doll House. The students will be given an essay test on Friday 10/19.

We will begin a new unit on Beowulf Monday 10/22.

Review

We are currently working on a review sheet for A Doll House. It asks the students to interpret symbols and provide textual support. We will cover the responses in class tomorrow. There will be an essay in class on Friday 10/19.

Sick Day HW

Due to the fact that I am out sick today, all students are to hand in the HW from the weekend tomorrow (10/16). I also want to see the assignment you received today. (your reactions to the film)

Weekend HW

The students are to finish reading A Doll House and complete the following assignment:

A Doll House
Act III
20pts
As we read through the final act in the play, respond to each of the following prompts in complete sentences.

Pgs 105-108
Examine the character of Torvald. Has he shown any growth throughout the play? Explain using examples from these pages.

Can what was said be undone? Explain. What would your reaction to Torvald be?

Pgs 109-111
Take a position on Nora’s decision. What do you feel are her “most sacred duties”? Explain.

Pgs 112-114
Write an argument explaining how the miracle Nora was waiting for did not happen.
Write an argument explaining how a miracle did happen.
Is there any hope that the “greatest miracle” will ever happen? Explain.

HW

Students are to continue reading A Doll House through page 104 and complete the following assignment:

A Doll House
Act III
20pts
As we read through the final act in the play, respond to each of the following prompts in complete sentences.

Pgs 94-95
Explain the past of Mrs. Linde and Krogstad. Is Krogstad right when he says “you hadn’t the right to abandon me for somebody else’s sake”? Explain.

What is the tone of Krogstad on these pages? Explain why you think he is acting this way.

Pgs 96-97
Explain what Mrs. Linde means when she says Krogstad could have been “another person”.

Take a position on Mrs. Linde’s decision. Offer specific reasons supporting your argument.

Pgs 98-101
Examine Torvald’s treatment of Nora at the party. How do his descriptions of her reflect this? What is the significance of Torvald preferring embroidery to knitting?

Pgs 102-104
Explain Dr. Rank’s behavior as well as the symbolism behind his costume suggestions.
Why does Nora tell Torvald to read his mail after she has been trying distract him from doing so?

Today's HW

Today we continued reading Act II of A Doll House. The students are to finish the act by tomorrow and respond to the questions I gave them. It is a good idea to support your answers with textual evidence and page numbers. This will help when you have to write an essay.

A Doll’s House
Act II
20pts

Respond to the following in complete sentences.

1. What final arguments does Helmer make to Nora as reasons for firing Krogstad?

2. Nora was going to ask a favor of Dr. Rank, but she changed her mind. What was the favor, and why did she change her mind?

3. What was in Krogstad’s letter to Helmer?

4. How does Mrs. Linde plan to help Nora?

5. By the end of Act II, Nora has come to a decision. What is it?

There is no homework over the weekend. In class we finished covering the strengths and weaknesses of their Oedipus essays. Next week we will continue reading A Doll House. The students will finish the play by the end of the week and have another essay assignment. I expect to see the skills we covered in class used for the upcoming essay. We will begin with Act II on Tuesday.

Enjoy your weekend.

Oedipus Essays

To parents,

TodayI went over the HW with the students. They kept the worksheets which contain important quotations from the text. We also took a reading quiz, and covered the rest of Act I of A Doll House.

Tomorrow we will revisit the essays they turned in dealing with Oedipus the King. I will spend the period covering strengths/weaknesses in their writing.

Homework

The students are to finish reading Act 1 of A Doll House and complete a worksheet asking for analysis of 5 quotes from the play.