LOTF

Lord of the Flies is complete.

Enjoy your vacation.

LOTF ch 11

Today we completed chapter 11. R.I.P Piggy.

We should finish the novel tomorrow.

Lotf ch 10

Today we completed chapter 10 in class.

LOTF-9

Today we read all of chapter 9. R.I.P Simon.

LOTF ch 8 Open-ended

Students completed the following open-ended question in class on Thursday:

Lord of the Flies
Chapter 8
Open-Ended Question

In chapter 8 the group splits up.
• What leadership qualities does Jack display?
• Which group has the best chance for survival?
Provide specific support from the text.

LOTF

Today we finished reading chapter 8 in class. The handout for 7 & 8 is due tomorrow. One of our islanders will perish during chapter 9. Who will it be?

LOTF-8

Today we began reading chapter 8. The tribe has split. We will continue reading chapter 8 in class tomorrow.

LOTF HW

Today we discussed the hw from chapters 5 & 6 and began reading chapter 7. Students are to finish chapter 7 and complete the questions for chapter 7 only.

Lord of the Flies
Chapters 7 & 8
20pts

Chapter 7
1. Describe the physical changes Ralph notices about himself. What is the significance?
2. What does Ralph daydream about his home?
3. What is the game the boys play after spearing the pig? What is their mood?
4. Why do you think Jack hates Ralph so much? Why won’t he talk it over with him?
5. What evidence do they find of the beast?

Chapter 8
1. How is Piggy treated?
2. Why does Jack call an assembly? How does he persuade the boys to elect him chief?
3. Why do they have to move the fire?
4. Describe the killing of the sow. What do they do with the blood? The head?
5. What threat does the lord of flies make to Simon? Does he really speak? Is Simon crazy?

HW-LOTF

Students are to finish reading chapter 6 and complete the questions for Monday.

Students are to finish reading chapter 5 and complete the questions for the chapter.

LOTF

Today pds 1 and 4 began reading chapter 5 and working on the following assignment:

Lord of the Flies
Chapters 5-6
20pts

Respond to the following in complete sentences:
Beast from Water
1. (76)What does Ralph decide about the meeting that he is about to have? What does this say about how Ralph is changing?

2. (77) What did Ralph, Jack, and Piggy not have the “wit” to do? What does Ralph realize a chief needs to be able to do?

3. (78) Where does Piggy stand at the beginning of the assembly?

4. (79-82) What is the first thing Ralph lists as something that the boys have failed to do? What is Ralph’s second complaint? What is Ralph’s third complaint? What do all the littluns laugh about while Ralph is talking? What is Ralph’s fourth command?

5. (82) What is the last thing Ralph tries to talk about before he loses control?

6. (82-83) What does Jack have to say about the littluns’ fear? (textual support)

7. (84-85) What did the boy named Phil think he saw? What did the boy really see?

8. (86-89) What does Simon suggest about the beast?

9. (90-92) What do the boys vote on?

10. (92) Why does Ralph not blow the conch?

11. (93-94) Why is Piggy afraid of Ralph giving up control?

Beast From Air
1. (95-96) What is happening in the air while the boys sleep?

2. (96) What sign is sent to the boys that they don’t get to read?

3. (97-98) What do Sam and Eric think they see? What do they really see?

4. (99-100) How do Sam and Eric exaggerate what they saw?

5. (101-106) When Jack follows Ralph up the rocks, what does he think the castle rock would be good for?

6. (107—108) About what do Ralph and Jack argue?


Pd 7 must complete the chapter 4 assignment for hw.

Survival

On Monday, students competed in a survival contest. Click here to see the games. We played the lost at sea, jungle survival, and snow survival games.

Today, we began chapter 4. Students are to finish reading the chapter and complete the following assignment for HW:

Lord of the FliesChapter 4
20pts


1. (58-59) Who are the littluns? What did they do with their time?

2. (60-63) Why do the boys paint their faces with dazzle-paint? Does this give them a new attitude?

3. (64-67) Why doesn’t the passing ship spot the boys?

4. (68) Why is the fire allowed to go out?

5. (69-71) What are the hunters preoccupied with? Why do they repeat the chant “Kill the pig, cut her throat.”

6. (72-73) How does Ralph reclaim his position as chief?

7. (73) What other crisis develops regarding the fire?

HW

Pds 4 & 7 must complete the following assignment for HW:

Lord of the Flies
Chapter 3 “Huts on the Beach”
Use complete sentences. 20pts

1. (48) Describe Jack. What is he wearing? What looks different now from when he first arrived on the island?

2. (48-49) What is Jack doing?

3. (50) What is the first thing Jack asks for when he comes out of the forest? Why is this important?

4. (50) What are Ralph and Simon doing?

5. (51) What is Ralph upset by?

6. (51) What are Ralph’s feelings on meetings?

7. (51) Describe the conflict between Jack and Ralph after Ralph says, “When the meeting is over they’d work for five minutes, then wander off or go hunting.”

8. (51) Jack says he could have killed a pig if they could make what?

9. (52) There are two reasons why Ralph thinks it is really important to have shelter. What are they?

1. _________________________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________________________

10. (52) Of what are the children still afraid?

11. (53) What are Jack’s thoughts on rescue?

12. (54) Where must the pigs be hiding during the hot day?

13. (55) Where do Jack and Ralph assume Simon is?

14. (55-57) Where is Simon really?

HW

Pd 1 must finish the chapter 3 worksheet for HW.

Pds 4 & 7 must finish the chapter 2 open-ended question.



Lord of the Flies
Chapter 3 “Huts on the Beach”
Use complete sentences. 20pts

1. (48) Describe Jack. What is he wearing? What looks different now from when he first arrived on the island?

2. (48-49) What is Jack doing?

3. (50) What is the first thing Jack asks for when he comes out of the forest? Why is this important?

4. (50) What are Ralph and Simon doing?

5. (51) What is Ralph upset by?

6. (51) What are Ralph’s feelings on meetings?

7. (51) Describe the conflict between Jack and Ralph after Ralph says, “When the meeting is over they’d work for five minutes, then wander off or go hunting.”

8. (51) Jack says he could have killed a pig if they could make what?

9. (52) There are two reasons why Ralph thinks it is really important to have shelter. What are they?

1. _________________________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________________________

10. (52) Of what are the children still afraid?

11. (53) What are Jack’s thoughts on rescue?

12. (54) Where must the pigs be hiding during the hot day?

13. (55) Where do Jack and Ralph assume Simon is?

14. (55-57) Where is Simon really?


Open-Ended Question
In this chapter the boys have a meeting.
• How is Piggy treated by the others?
• Should the boys listen to Piggy?
Support your answers with evidence from the text.

LOTF HW

Students are to finish reading chapter 2 and complete the worksheet for homework. It will be collected at the beginning of class tomorrow.

Lord of the Flies
Chapter 2-20pts


1. (32-33) What is the purpose of the army? Why does Jack slam his knife into a trunk?




2. (35-36) What does Ralph predict their time on the island will be like? What is the beastie? How does it make them feel? (textual support)




3. (37) Explain why the boys believe they will be rescued. Is this rational?




4. (38) What does Piggy’s statement “like kids” say about how he views himself on the island?




5. (40) What is significant about the treatment of Piggy’s glasses on this page?




6. (42) How does Jack treat Piggy? What is Piggy’s role in starting the fire? What is the significance of the repetition of “I got the conch”?




7. (45) What was Piggy’s plan for survival on the island? Is he acting like a good leader? Why?




8. (46) What does Piggy point out that they are responsible for? Why doesn’t Jack like Piggy?

Happy Thanksgiving

Only period 1 met today. We finished chapter 2.

Have a great holiday.

Lotf and Lost at Sea

Students competed to see who has the best survival instincts. After seeing the results, only a few students have a right to criticize the children in Lord of the Flies. Click here to try the game out.

We then began reading chapter 2 and responding to the following questions:

Lord of the Flies
Chapter 2-20pts


1. (32-33) What is the purpose of the army? Why does Jack slam his knife into a trunk?




2. (35-36) What does Ralph predict their time on the island will be like? What is the beastie? How does it make them feel? (textual support)




3. (37) Explain why the boys believe they will be rescued. Is this rational?




4. (38) What does Piggy’s statement “like kids” say about how he views himself on the island?




5. (40) What is significant about the treatment of Piggy’s glasses on this page?




6. (42) How does Jack treat Piggy? What is Piggy’s role in starting the fire? What is the significance of the repetition of “I got the conch”?




7. (45) What was Piggy’s plan for survival on the island? Is he acting like a good leader? Why?




8. (46) What does Piggy point out that they are responsible for? Why doesn’t Jack like Piggy?

Today we covered through #11 on the handout. We will finish the chapter tomorrow in class.

We covered through number 7 on the worksheet today.

LOTF

Students began working on the following assignment in class:

Lord of the Flies
Chapter 1-20pts

1. (8) What might the boys be thinking considering the prospect of “No Grownups!” -note the exclamation point. Explain

2. (9) What are Piggy’s (fat boy) weaknesses? Strengths?

3. (11) What is most important to Piggy? Why?

4. (13) What was Ralph’s father? Why is this significant?

5. (13/14) Comment on the fact that they swim. What is their attitude or demeanor? Should it be this way? Should this be what they are doing? Explain.

6. (16) What is the conch for? What does it symbolize?

7. (17) What does it say about the characters that they derive enjoyment from the fart noises made with the shell?

8. (19) What does the laughter signify?

9. (21) Why does Ralph betray Piggy? Is it a betrayal?

10. (22) Why does Jack think he should be chief?

11. (24/25) What is the significance of each reference to Piggy’s glasses on these pages?

12. (31) What does Jack fail to do? Why? What is so important about “next time”?


We covered the first 3 questions, and will continue tomorrow.

Also-Permission slips are due tomorrow

LOTF

Today we began presenting the civilizations that the students designed. There were many disagreements. (foreshadowing for the novel)

Intro project

Students are currently working on an introductory assignment for Lord of the Flies. Presentations are to begin on Friday.


Lord of the Flies
Introductory group assignment

Due to circumstances beyond your control, the civilized world as we know it has come to an end. You are a few of the survivors, which equal 0.1% of the current population of Earth. You must figure out how to survive. Food stores are running out and you have no electrical power. How will you rebuild?

Your group must come up with rules for running the show. You are in charge. You must decide all of the following:
• Laws
• Ethics
• Punishments
• Hierarchy
• Define acceptable behavior
• Proper social norms
• Rituals
• Names for everything
• Acquisition of basic survival needs
• Defense

You must then develop a presentation clearly depicting your society. Your goal is not necessarily to create the ideal society for everyone, but the society you would like.

You will also give a printout of your rules to another group. When you receive another group’s rules you must examine it for weaknesses. When each group has completed their presentation, you will have an opportunity to expose the weaknesses through questions and hypothetical scenarios. The more weaknesses you expose, the more points you will earn.

Lord of the Flies

Today students began taking notes on our next novel-Lord of the Flies.

Also, field trip permission slips were passed out for Medieval Times.

Dramatic Reading

Students are currently working on the following project:

Macbeth
Audacity Project
30pts

Using Audacity, you and your group must complete a dramatic reading of one of the speeches/scenes from Macbeth. Your grade will be based on how well your reading conveys the tone of the scene. This includes tone of voice and background effects. You must also include appropriate background music. Each member of the group must speak. You have total creative control.

Macbeth essays were collected today. Students who did not turn in a paper will lose 10% for turning it in tomorrow.

Today we read Act V, scenes 1-3.

Act IV

Today we read Act IV, scene 3 in class.

rough draft

Rough drafts need to be completed by the end of the period tomorrow.

Today we covered the conclusion.


Explain why your argument is relevant outside of the work.

Essay

Students continued working on their essays. We will begin the conclusion on Monday.

Essay

Today we continued working on the outline for our essay. Tomorrow I will cover how to write an intro and body paragraph. Students will begin drafting their essay.

Macbeth-Essay

Students began writing an outline for the following essay:

Macbeth
Essay-50pts
1. Some believe that Lady Macbeth acted as a man (according to what she thought a man was). Support or refute this statement with examples.



We will complete the entire paper in class.

Macbeth

Today we read Act IV, scene 1 and began responding to the following:

Macbeth
Act IV
Scenes 1-2

After viewing the film, use the book and respond to each of the following in complete sentences.



Pgs 125-127
Provide a line for each of the 3 prophecies. Macbeth doesn’t appear too worried after he hears the prophecies. Provide a line that shows this.

Pg 131
Provide a line that explains what Macbeth wants done to Macduff and his family. Why does he want this done?

Why is scene 2 included in the play?

Macbeth Act III

Today we finished reading Act III, scenes 1-3. Students completed the handout and turned it in. We then read the same scenes in the graphic novel.

Macbeth

Today we finished reading Act III, scene 1 in class. We are still working on the handout covering scenes 1-3.

Macbeth

Today we viewed Act II scenes 3 & 4 of the Macbeth film. We then began reading act III and working on the following handout which we will complete in class next week:

Macbeth
Act III
Scenes 1-3

Use the book and respond to each of the following in complete sentences.

Scene 1
Pg 81
Provide a line that shows Banquo’s suspicion of Macbeth.

Pg 91
Provide a line that explains that Macbeth wants Fleance dead.

Scene 2
Pg 95
Explain the line “Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, till thou applauded the deed”

Scene 3
Pg 97
Explain the line “we have lost best half of our affair”

Macbeth Act II

Today we finished reading Act II of Macbeth which included scenes 3 & 4. Students completed the handout they received earlier in the week and then listened the audio version of the graphic novel.

Study Island/Expository Essay

On Tuesday, students completed a reading Pretest on Study Island. On Wednesday, students completed an expository essay asking them to write about something that they regret and how they would change it if they could.

Macbeth

Students began working on the following worksheet in class yesterday:

Macbeth
Act II
Scenes 3 & 4

Use the book to answer the following questions:

Pg 65
Lines 61-69
Explain what Lennox is telling Macbeth. What is the significance?

pg 67
Provide an example of irony.

Pgs 69-71
Lines 127-137
What is Macbeth’s excuse for killing the servants? What is his real reason?

Pg 75
Provide a line explaining why Malcolm and Donalbain are suspects in their father’s murder.



Today students are working on a Study Island pre-test for Reading.

Tomorrow students will complete an expository essay.

Macbeth

Today we finished reading Act II, scene 2. We then read through the graphic novel and viewed the film version. Students completed the following assignment in class:

Macbeth
Act II
scenes 1-2
20pts

Use the book to answer the following questions in complete sentences.

Pgs 51-53
Why does Macbeth have the vision of the dagger? What does it represent? Provide a line supporting your response.



Pg 59
Compare Macbeth’s response to the murder to Lady Macbeth’s. Do they react differently? Explain.

What does Macbeth mean when he says “Will all great Neptune’s oceans wash this blood clean from my hand…”?

What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says “a little water clears us of this deed”?

Macbeth Act II

Today we began reading Act II of Macbeth. Students began working on the following assignment, which will be completed in class tomorrow:

Macbeth hallucinates and sees a gory dagger leading him to Duncan’s bedchamber.
• Why does Macbeth believe he is seeing the dagger?
• Will this be Macbeth’s final hallucination? Why or why not?
Use the text to provide support.

Is this a dagger which I see before me,
The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee.
I have thee not, and yet I see thee still.
Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible
To feeling as to sight? or art thou but
A dagger of the mind, a false creation,
Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain?
I see thee yet, in form as palpable
As this which now I draw.
Thou marshall'st me the way that I was going;
And such an instrument I was to use.
Mine eyes are made the fools o' the other senses,
Or else worth all the rest; I see thee still,
And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood,
Which was not so before. There's no such thing:
It is the bloody business which informs
Thus to mine eyes. Now o'er the one halfworld
Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse
The curtain'd sleep; witchcraft celebrates
Pale Hecate's offerings, and wither'd murder,
Alarum'd by his sentinel, the wolf,
Whose howl's his watch, thus with his stealthy pace.
With Tarquin's ravishing strides, towards his design
Moves like a ghost. Thou sure and firm-set earth,
Hear not my steps, which way they walk, for fear
Thy very stones prate of my whereabout,
And take the present horror from the time,
Which now suits with it. Whiles I threat, he lives:
Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives.
[A bell rings]
I go, and it is done; the bell invites me.
Hear it not, Duncan; for it is a knell
That summons thee to heaven or to hell.

Macbeth

Today we began viewing the film version of Macbeth. We watched the first 6 scenes.

Congratulations

Great job period 4. I will get started on your reward.

Open ended response

After finishing Act I, scene 3 of Macbeth, the students wrote a response to the following:


Macbeth thinks about what the witches have told him.

• How is he responding emotionally to what he has learned?
• Do you think he will leave it to “chance”? Why or why not?

Use the passage to provide support for your responses



This supernatural soliciting
Cannot be ill, cannot be good: if ill,
Why hath it given me earnest of success,
Commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor:
If good, why do I yield to that suggestion
Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair
And make my seated heart knock at my ribs,
Against the use of nature? Present fears
Are less than horrible imaginings:
My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical,
Shakes so my single state of man that function
Is smother'd in surmise, and nothing is
But what is not.

If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me,
Without my stir.

Macbeth Readings

Macbeth-Audacity

We are currently creating a dramatic reading of Act I, scene 1 of Macbeth using the audio mixing software Audacity. The final projects will be posted here and voted on.

Welcome

Please check here regularly for homework and other announcements.

Have a great summer

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Trailer

The Film

We will begin the film on Monday. Please have permission slips for this R-rated film signed and returned by 6/7.

Frankenstein

Students are to complete the following assignment for Monday:

Read the passage from Frankenstein and respond to the following in several well-organized paragraphs:

• Explain how the setting adds to the tone of the scene. Support your response with specific examples from the text.
• How is each character feeling towards the other? Provide specific support.
• Explain the significance of the line “I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed.”
• The monster says “Shall I not then hate them who abhor me?” Do you sympathize with him? Why?
• Does Victor owe the monster happiness? Why?

It was nearly noon when I arrived at the top of the ascent. For some time I sat upon the rock that overlooks the sea of ice. A mist covered both that and the surrounding mountains. Presently a breeze dissipated the cloud, and I descended upon the glacier. The surface is very uneven, rising like the waves of a troubled sea, descending low, and interspersed by rifts that sink deep. The field of ice is almost a league in width, but I spent nearly two hours in crossing it. The opposite mountain is a bare perpendicular rock. From the side where I now stood Montanvert was exactly opposite, at the distance of a league; and above it rose Mont Blanc, in awful majesty. I remained in a recess of the rock, gazing on this wonderful and stupendous scene. The sea, or rather the vast river of ice, wound among its dependent mountains, whose aerial summits hung over its recesses. Their icy and glittering peaks shone in the sunlight over the clouds. My heart, which was before sorrowful, now swelled with something like joy; I exclaimed,
Wandering spirits, if indeed ye wander, and do not rest in your narrow beds, allow me this faint happiness, or take me, as your companion, away from the joys of life.
As I said this I suddenly beheld the figure of a man, at some distance, advancing towards me with superhuman speed. He bounded over the crevices in the ice, among which I had walked with caution; his stature, also, as he approached, seemed to exceed that of man. I was troubled; a mist came over my eyes, and I felt a faintness seize me; but I was quickly restored by the cold gale of the mountains. I perceived, as the shape came nearer (sight tremendous and abhorred!) that it was the wretch whom I had created. I trembled with rage and horror, resolving to wait his approach and then close with him in mortal combat. He approached; his countenance bespoke bitter anguish, combined with disdain and malignity, while its unearthly ugliness rendered it almost too horrible for human eyes. But I scarcely observed this; rage and hatred had at first deprived me of utterance, and I recovered only to overwhelm him with words expressive of furious detestation and contempt.
Devil, I exclaimed, do you dare approach me? And do not you fear the fierce vengeance of my arm wreaked on your miserable head? Begone, vile insect! Or rather, stay, that I may trample you to dust! And, oh! That I could, with the extinction of your miserable existence, restore those victims whom you have so diabolically murdered!
I expected this reception, said the demon. All men hate the wretched; how, then, must I be hated, who am miserable beyond all living things! Yet you, my creator, detest and spurn me, thy creature, to whom thou art bound by ties only dissoluble by the annihilation of one of us. You purpose to kill me. How dare you sport thus with life? Do your duty towards me, and I will do mine towards you and the rest of mankind. If you will comply with my conditions, I will leave them and you at peace; but if you refuse, I will glut the maw of death, until it be satiated with the blood of your remaining friends.

Abhorred monster! Fiend that thou art! The tortures of hell are too mild a vengeance for thy crimes. Wretched devil! You reproach me with your creation; come on, then, that I may extinguish the spark which I so negligently bestowed.
My rage was without bounds; I sprang on him, impelled by all the feelings which can arm one being against the existence of another.
He easily eluded me and said, Be calm! I entreat you to hear me before you give vent to your hatred on my devoted head. Have I not suffered enough, that you seek to increase my misery? Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it. Remember, thou hast made me more powerful than thyself; my height is superior to thine, my joints more supple. But I will not be tempted to set myself in opposition to thee. I am thy creature, and I will be even mild and docile to my natural lord and king if thou wilt also perform thy part, the which thou owest me. Oh, Frankenstein, be not equitable to every other and trample upon me alone, to whom thy justice, and even thy clemency and affection, is most due. Remember that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed. Everywhere I see bliss, from which I alone am irrevocably excluded. I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous.
Begone! I will not hear you. There can be no community between you and me; we are enemies. Begone, or let us try our strength in a fight, in which one must fall.
How can I move thee? Will no entreaties cause thee to turn a favourable eye upon thy creature, who implores thy goodness and compassion? Believe me, Frankenstein, I was benevolent; my soul glowed with love and humanity; but am I not alone, miserably alone? You, my creator, abhor me; what hope can I gather from your fellow creatures, who owe me nothing? They spurn and hate me. The desert mountains and dreary glaciers are my refuge. I have wandered here many days; the caves of ice, which I only do not fear, are a dwelling to me, and the only one which man does not grudge. These bleak skies I hail, for they are kinder to me than your fellow beings. If the multitude of mankind knew of my existence, they would do as you do, and arm themselves for my destruction. Shall I not then hate them who abhor me? I will keep no terms with my enemies. I am miserable, and they shall share my wretchedness. Yet it is in your power to recompense me, and deliver them from an evil which it only remains for you to make so great, that not only you and your family, but thousands of others, shall be swallowed up in the whirlwinds of its rage. Let your compassion be moved, and do not disdain me. Listen to my tale; when you have heard that, abandon or commiserate me, as you shall judge that I deserve. But hear me. The guilty are allowed, by human laws, bloody as they are, to speak in their own defence before they are condemned. Listen to me, Frankenstein. You accuse me of murder, and yet you would, with a satisfied conscience, destroy your own creature. Oh, praise the eternal justice of man! Yet I ask you not to spare me; listen to me, and then, if you can, and if you will, destroy the work of your hands.
Why do you call to my remembrance, I rejoined, circumstances of which I shudder to reflect, that I have been the miserable origin and author? Cursed be the day, abhorred devil, in which you first saw light! Cursed (although I curse myself) be the hands that formed you! You have made me wretched beyond expression. You have left me no power to consider whether I am just to you or not. Begone! Relieve me from the sight of your detested form.
Thus I relieve thee, my creator,he said, and placed his hated hands before my eyes, which I flung from me with violence; thus I take from thee a sight which you abhor. Still thou canst listen to me and grant me thy compassion. By the virtues that I once possessed, I demand this from you. Hear my tale; it is long and strange, and the temperature of this place is not fitting to your fine sensations; come to the hut upon the mountain. The sun is yet high in the heavens; before it descends to hide itself behind your snowy precipices and illuminate another world, you will have heard my story and can decide. On you it rests whether I quit forever the neighbourhood of man and lead a harmless life, or become the scourge of your fellow creatures and the author of your own speedy ruin.
As he said this he led the way across the ice; I followed. My heart was full, and I did not answer him, but as I proceeded, I weighed the various arguments that he had used and determined at least to listen to his tale. I was partly urged by curiosity, and compassion confirmed my resolution. I had hitherto supposed him to be the murderer of my brother, and I eagerly sought a confirmation or denial of this opinion. For the first time, also, I felt what the duties of a creator towards his creature were, and that I ought to render him happy before I complained of his wickedness. These motives urged me to comply with his demand. We crossed the ice, therefore, and ascended the opposite rock. The air was cold, and the rain again began to descend; we entered the hut, the fiend with an air of exultation, I with a heavy heart and depressed spirits. But I consented to listen, and seating myself by the fire which my odious companion had lighted, he thus began his tale.

Research Paper

The final draft is due tomorrow. Just a friendly reminder.

LOTF

This week we are finishing Lord of the Flies. Students are completing the following assignments in class:

Lord of the Flies
Chapter 10
20pts
Respond to the following in complete sentences:

1. How does Piggy justify Simon’s murder? Why does he need to justify it if he didn’t kill Simon?

2. Who is left in Ralph’s group?

3. Did Ralph and Piggy take part in the murder? Do they feel responsible? Why?

4. In what ways do Jack and his group act like savages?

5. Why was the double function of the fire? What does the fire symbolize?

6. Why didn’t the hunters steal the conch? What does the conch symbolize?

7. Why did the hunters steal the glasses?

8. What will happen to Piggy without his glasses?


Lord of the Flies
Chapter 11
20pts
Respond to the following in complete sentences:

1. What do Ralph and his group plan to do to get Piggy’s glasses back? Why are they so concerned about how they will look when they go to meet Jack’s group?

2. Explain what this passage meant, “They understood only too well the liberation into savagery that concealing paint brought.”

3. Is the rivalry between the groups a game? Do the boys think it is serious?

4. Why doesn’t Jack’s group worry about a signal fire?

5. What is Jack’s response to Ralph’s question, “Which is better—law and rescue, or hunting and breaking things up?”

6. What is the symbolic meaning of the shattered conch?

7. How is Piggy killed?

8. Why does Jack force Samneric to join his tribe?


Lord of the Flies
Chapter 12
20pts
Respond to the following in complete sentences:


1. Why does Ralph know he’s an outcast?

2. How does Jack plan to kill Ralph? How does Ralph find out about the plan?

3. What do you think Ralph could do to protect himself?

4. What was the purpose of the stick sharpened at both ends?

5. Explain what Jack does to force Ralph out of the thicket?

6. Why and how are the boys rescued?

7. What do you think would have happened to Ralph if the officer hadn’t intervened? What would have happened to the rest of the boys?

8. Does the officer believe Ralph about the boys who are killed? What did he expect from British boys?

9. Why does Ralph break down? What does he realize about mankind in general?


Tomorrow we will discuss some of the major themes, symbols, and ideas presented in the novel.

Also, students should be working on the final draft of their research paper. I spoke with each student individually about their rough draft. The final is due next Friday.

Rough Draft/LOTF

Students are currently writing their rough drafts in class. We are working in the library on this assignment, which is due Friday. Also due Friday is the following assignment:

Lord of the Flies
Chapter 9
20pts

1. What are the reasons the other boys go to Jack’s party?

2. Why did Ralph and Piggy join the party?

3. What was Simon trying to warn the boys about when he stumbled into the horseshoe?

4. Why did the boys kill him?

5. Did the boys deliberately kill Simon? Did they know what they were doing?

6. What happened to Simon’s body? What happened to the parachute figure?

Lord of the Flies

The following assignment is due Friday:

Lord of the Flies
Chapters 7 & 8
20pts

Chapter 7
1. Describe the physical changes Ralph notices about himself. What is the significance?
2. What does Ralph daydream about his home?
3. What is the game the boys play after spearing the pig? What is their mood?
4. Why do you think Jack hates Ralph so much? Why won’t he talk it over with him?
5. What evidence do they find of the beast?

Chapter 8
1. How is Piggy treated?
2. Why does Jack call an assembly? How does he persuade the boys to elect him chief?
3. Why do they have to move the fire?
4. Describe the killing of the sow. What do they do with the blood? The head?
5. What threat does the lord of flies make to Simon? Does he really speak? Is Simon crazy?

research/LOTF

Students should be working on their thesis statements and the following assignment for Lord of the Flies:

Lord of the Flies
Chapters 5-6
20pts

Respond to the following in complete sentences:
Beast from Water
1. (76)What does Ralph decide about the meeting that he is about to have? What does this say about how Ralph is changing?

2. (77) What did Ralph, Jack, and Piggy not have the “wit” to do? What does Ralph realize a chief needs to be able to do?

3. (78) Where does Piggy stand at the beginning of the assembly?

4. (79-82) What is the first thing Ralph lists as something that the boys have failed to do? What is Ralph’s second complaint? What is Ralph’s third complaint? What do all the littluns laugh about while Ralph is talking? What is Ralph’s fourth command?

5. (82) What is the last thing Ralph tries to talk about before he loses control?

6. (82-83) What does Jack have to say about the littluns’ fear? (textual support)

7. (84-85) What did the boy named Phil think he saw? What did the boy really see?

8. (86-89) What does Simon suggest about the beast?

9. (90-92) What do the boys vote on?

10. (92) Why does Ralph not blow the conch?

11. (93-94) Why is Piggy afraid of Ralph giving up control?

Beast From Air
1. (95-96) What is happening in the air while the boys sleep?

2. (96) What sign is sent to the boys that they don’t get to read?

3. (97-98) What do Sam and Eric think they see? What do they really see?

4. (99-100) How do Sam and Eric exaggerate what they saw?

5. (101-106) When Jack follows Ralph up the rocks, what does he think the castle rock would be good for?

6. (107—108) About what do Ralph and Jack argue?

Research Paper

Literary Research Paper


Throughout the year we have read a variety of interesting works. Each work contains many different themes, ideas, and questions that can be analyzed further outside of the work. Over the next 6 weeks you will put together a research paper based on one of the works we have studied this year. We will spend several days each week devoting our time to the research and writing process. The days we spend in class will be used for the current work we are analyzing.

You are to use the time given you to research a concept from the work of your choice, formulate a thesis, gather sources to support it, and craft a thoughtful argument proving your thesis.

The paper will be broken up into several parts. The requirements are as follows:

Thesis statement 10pts Due 4/23
List of sources
(at least 4) 10pts Due 4/29
Outline 10pts Due 5/7
Rough Draft
(4-6 pages) 20pts Due 5/14

Final Draft:
Typed
Times New Roman
Font 12
Double Spaced
4-6 pages
MLA citations for all sources
All sources quoted at least once
No 1st person
100pts Due 5/27

Works Cited Page
Typed
Correct MLA format
Attached to final copy
At least 4 sources
50pts Due 5/27


Total 200pts




This grade will account for approximately ½ of your 4th marking period grade. You must follow the requirements EXACTLY. A late paper will be accepted for ½ credit, NO EXCEPTIONS! If you are absent the day the paper is due you will receive ½ credit.
Emailing your paper is NOT ACCEPTABLE.

All sources must be acceptable. NO SPARKNOTES! Scholarly articles, criticisms, and journals only.
Use your time in the library wisely. It is not social hour. If you are not working, you will be sent out. It is up to you to make the most of it. I will be available for help and/or questions. Do not come to me the week the paper is due and tell me you don’t understand what we are supposed to be doing.

Students who do not return this paper with a signature will not receive credit for any of the assignments. You will only earn credit after you have turned in this paper with a signature.

*As it is stated in the 11B course outline, found at http://hpregional.org, “Students will be required to write a scholarly, literature-based research paper.” This means you will NOT be cleared for 12th grade without completing this assignment.


If you understand these expectations, please sign where indicated.


Student____________________________________



Parent/Guardian________________________________________





Works to choose from:
• Beowulf
• Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
• The Canterbury Tales
• Macbeth
• Everyman
• Lord of the Flies

Research Paper

Today the students were given their research paper assignment. It is worth 1/2 of the 4th marking period grade. Students are brining a paper home that requires parental signature. More details will be posted on Monday.

Lord of the Flies

Students are to finish the following assignment for HW:

Lord of the Flies
Chapter 3 “Huts on the Beach”
Use complete sentences. 20pts

1. (48) Describe Jack. What is he wearing? What looks different now from when he first arrived on the island?

2. (48-49) What is Jack doing?

3. (50) What is the first thing Jack asks for when he comes out of the forest? Why is this important?

4. (50) What are Ralph and Simon doing?

5. (51) What is Ralph upset by?

6. (51) What are Ralph’s feelings on meetings?

7. (51) Describe the conflict between Jack and Ralph after Ralph says, “When the meeting is over they’d work for five minutes, then wander off or go hunting.”

8. (51) Jack says he could have killed a pig if they could make what?

9. (52) There are two reasons why Ralph thinks it is really important to have shelter. What are they?

1. _________________________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________________________

10. (52) Of what are the children still afraid?

11. (53) What are Jack’s thoughts on rescue?

12. (54) Where must the pigs be hiding during the hot day?

13. (55) Where do Jack and Ralph assume Simon is?

14. (55-57) Where is Simon really?

Lord of the Flies

Students completed chapter 2 of the novel and completed the following assignment:

Lord of the Flies
Chapter 2-20pts


1. (32-33) What is the purpose of the army? Why does Jack slam his knife into a trunk?

2. (35-36) What does Ralph predict their time on the island will be like? What is the beastie? How does it make them feel? (textual support)

3. (37) Explain why the boys believe they will be rescued. Is this rational?

4. (38) What does Piggy’s statement “like kids” say about how he views himself on the island?

5. (40) What is significant about the treatment of Piggy’s glasses on this page?

6. (42) How does Jack treat Piggy? What is Piggy’s role in starting the fire? What is the significance of the repetition of “I got the conch”?

7. (45) What was Piggy’s plan for survival on the island? Is he acting like a good leader? Why?

8. (46) What does Piggy point out that they are responsible for? Why doesn’t Jack like Piggy?

Lord of the Flies

Students are to finish reading chapter 1 and complete all of the questions for tomorrow.

Lord of the Flies

This week we began reading Lord of the Flies. We are currently working on the following assignment in class:

Lord of the Flies
Chapter 1-20pts

1. (8) What might the boys be thinking considering the prospect of “No Grownups!” -note the exclamation point. Explain

2. (9) What are Piggy’s (fat boy) weaknesses? Strengths?

3. (11) What is most important to Piggy? Why?

4. (13) What was Ralph’s father? Why is this significant?

5. (13/14) Comment on the fact that they swim. What is their attitude or demeanor? Should it be this way? Should this be what they are doing? Explain.

6. (16) What is the conch for? What does it symbolize?

7. (17) What does it say about the characters that they derive enjoyment from the fart noises made with the shell?

8. (19) What does the laughter signify?

9. (21) Why does Ralph betray Piggy? Is it a betrayal?

10. (22) Why does Jack think he should be chief?

11. (24/25) What is the significance of each reference to Piggy’s glasses on these pages?

12. (31) What does Jack fail to do? Why? What is so important about “next time”?

Everyman/Lord of the Flies

Students have to complete the following assignment by Tuesday 3/23:

Everystudent
A Morality Play
50pts

You will be responsible for writing your own morality play called Everystudent. Although you will be writing in your own vernacular, you must mirror the structure of Everyman and show your understanding of the genre. The story will be about the things that will speak for you when you graduate high school.

Characters-You must have 7 total. You can create your own that are not on the list.
*-required characters
• Everystudent*
• College or Employer (the God character)*
• Friends
• Family
• Knowledge
• Popularity*
• Grades
• Respect (given and received)
• Extra-curricular
• Community Service
• Narrator

Due Date: Tuesday 3/23/10


Our time in class will be spent on the following assignment which will provide our transition to Lord of the Flies:

Lord of the Flies
Introductory group assignment


You must select ONE of the following that you would like to be in charge of:
• High Point
• This class
• The US
• The World

Your group must come up with rules for running the show. You are in charge. You must decide all of the following:
• Laws
• Ethics
• Punishments
• Hierarchy
• Define acceptable behavior
• Proper social norms
• Rituals
• Names for everything

You must then develop a presentation clearly depicting your society. Your goal is not necessarily to create the ideal society for everyone, but the society you would like.

Everyman

We are currently reading the morality play Everyman and completing the following assignmnent in class:

Everyman
Questions-40pts

As we read through the play, respond to each of the following in complete sentences:

Pg 2
According to God, what has Everyman lost sight of? Does this hold true today? Explain.

Pg 4
What is Everyman’s journey? What does he try to do when he learns of this? Is this a believable response? Why or why not? Is this truly a journey that every man must take?

Pg 6
Why does Everyman want to speak to Fellowship? Would this be the first person you would want to speak to? Why or why not?

Pg 8
What is the significance of Fellowship’s broken promise? Is he a bad friend?

Pg 11
Why do Kindred and Cousin refuse? Is this a betrayal of Everyman? What is the symbolic significance of this? In other words, what does this refusal mean?

Pg 12
What does Everyman’s interaction with Goods say about the nature of human beings? Is this true today? Why is Goods “brittle”? How should Everyman have treated Goods (use textual support)?

Pg 13
What is the “snare”?

Pg 14
Why is Good-Deeds too weak? What is the moral message? Would your Good-Deeds have this response? Explain.

Pg 18
What is the garment symbolic of? How will he get forgiveness?

Pg 21
What is the important reminder Five-Wits says about priests?

Pg 22
Why won’t Beauty accompany Everyman? Explain the truth at the center of this action.

Pg 23
Why won’t Strength accompany Everyman? Explain the truth at the center of this action.

Pg 24
Why won’t Five-Wits accompany Everyman? Explain the truth at the center of this action. Is there truth to Good-Deeds’ statement at the bottom of the page? “All earthly things…” Explain.

Pgs 25-26
What do you think Doctor represents? Why do we end the play with him?

Everyman

Students are to have their introductory Everyman questions done for tomorrow.

Beowulf/The 13th Warrior

Periods 4 & 7 are currently viewing the film The 13th Warrior and comparing it to the story of Beowulf.

The 13th Warrior Movie Trailer HD

Beowulf

Students finished writing their own graphic novels for the battle between Beowulf and Grendel's mother, and completed the following assignment:

Beowulf battles Grendel’s mother.
• What challenges does he face besides fighting Grendel’s mother?
• How might this add to or detract from his heroic image?
Use specific examples from the text as support.

. . . He leaped into the lake, would not wait for anyone’s
Answer; the heaving water covered him
Over. For hours he sank through the waves;
At last he saw the mud of the bottom.
And all at once the greedy she-wolf
575 Who’d ruled those waters for half a hundred
Years discovered him, saw that a creature
From above had come to explore the bottom
Of her wet world. She welcomed him in her claws,
Clutched at him savagely but could not harm him,
580 Tried to work her fingers through the tight
Ring-woven mail on his breast, but tore
And scratched in vain. Then she carried him, armor
And sword and all, to her home; he struggled
To free his weapon, and failed. The fight
585 Brought other monsters swimming to see
Her catch, a host of sea beasts who beat at
His mail shirt, stabbing with tusks and teeth
As they followed along. Then he realized, suddenly,
That she’d brought him into someone’s battle-hall,
590 And there the water’s heat could not hurt him,
Nor anything in the lake attack him through
The building’s high-arching roof. A brilliant
Light burned all around him, the lake
Itself like a fiery flame.
Then he saw
595 The mighty water witch, and swung his sword,
His ring-marked blade, straight at her head;
The iron sang its fierce song,
Sang Beowulf’s strength. But her guest
Discovered that no sword could slice her evil
600 Skin, that Hrunting could not hurt her, was useless
Now when he needed it. They wrestled, she ripped
And tore and clawed at him, bit holes in his helmet,
And that too failed him; for the first time in years
Of being worn to war it would earn no glory;
605 It was the last time anyone would wear it. But Beowulf
Longed only for fame, leaped back
Into battle. He tossed his sword aside,
Angry; the steel-edged blade lay where
He’d dropped it. If weapons were useless he’d use
610 His hands, the strength in his fingers. So fame
Comes to the men who mean to win it
And care about nothing else! He raised
His arms and seized her by the shoulder; anger
Doubled his strength, he threw her to the floor.
615 She fell, Grendel’s fierce mother, and the Geats’
Proud prince was ready to leap on her. But she rose
At once and repaid him with her clutching claws,
Wildly tearing at him. He was weary, that best
And strongest of soldiers; his feet stumbled
620 And in an instant she had him down, held helpless.
Squatting with her weight on his stomach, she drew
A dagger, brown with dried blood and prepared
To avenge her only son. But he was stretched
On his back, and her stabbing blade was blunted
625 By the woven mail shirt he wore on his chest.
The hammered links held; the point
Could not touch him. He’d have traveled to the bottom of the earth,
Edgetho’s son, and died there, if that shining
Woven metal had not helped—and Holy
630 God, who sent him victory, gave judgment
For truth and right, Ruler of the Heavens,
Once Beowulf was back on his feet and fighting.
13
Then he saw, hanging on the wall, a heavy
Sword, hammered by giants, strong
635 And blessed with their magic, the best of all weapons
But so massive that no ordinary man could lift
Its carved and decorated length. He drew it
From its scabbard, broke the chain on its hilt,
And then, savage, now, angry
640 And desperate, lifted it high over his head
And struck with all the strength he had left,
Caught her in the neck and cut it through,
Broke bones and all. Her body fell
To the floor, lifeless, the sword was wet
645 With her blood, and Beowulf rejoiced at the sight.
The brilliant light shone, suddenly,
As though burning in that hall, and as bright as Heaven’s
Own candle, lit in the sky. He looked
At her home, then following along the wall
650 Went walking, his hands tight on the sword,
His heart still angry. He was hunting another
Dead monster, and took his weapon with him
For final revenge against Grendel’s vicious
Attacks, his nighttime raids, over
655 And over, coming to Herot when Hrothgar’s
Men slept, killing them in their beds,
Eating some on the spot, fifteen
Or more, and running to his loathsome moor
With another such sickening meal waiting
660 In his pouch. But Beowulf repaid him for those visits,
Found him lying dead in his corner,
Armless, exactly as that fierce fighter
Had sent him out from Herot, then struck off
His head with a single swift blow. The body
665 Jerked for the last time, then lay still. . . .

Beowulf

The boasts today were great. Students have the following assignment for HW:

20pts
Beowulf defeats the monster, Grendel.
• How has Grendel’s role changed with this attack?
• What might Grendel be thinking when leaving the hall without his arm?
Support your responses with examples from the text.



Out from the marsh, from the foot of misty
Hills and bogs, bearing God’s hatred,
Grendel came, hoping to kill
395 Anyone he could trap on this trip to high Herot.
He moved quickly through the cloudy night,
Up from his swampland, sliding silently
Toward that gold-shining hall. He had visited Hrothgar’s
Home before, knew the way—
400 But never, before nor after that night,
Found Herot defended so firmly, his reception
So harsh. He journeyed, forever joyless,
Straight to the door, then snapped it open,
Tore its iron fasteners with a touch,
405 And rushed angrily over the threshold.
He strode quickly across the inlaid
Floor, snarling and fierce: His eyes
Gleamed in the darkness, burned with a gruesome
Light. Then he stopped, seeing the hall
410 Crowded with sleeping warriors, stuffed
With rows of young soldiers resting together.
And his heart laughed, he relished the sight,
Intended to tear the life from those bodies
By morning; the monster’s mind was hot
415 With the thought of food and the feasting his belly
Would soon know. But fate, that night, intended
Grendel to gnaw the broken bones
Of his last human supper. Human
Eyes were watching his evil steps,
420 Waiting to see his swift hard claws.
Grendel snatched at the first Geat
He came to, ripped him apart, cut
His body to bits with powerful jaws,
Drank the blood from his veins, and bolted
425 Him down, hands and feet; death
And Grendel’s great teeth came together,
Snapping life shut. Then he stepped to another
Still body, clutched at Beowulf with his claws,
Grasped at a strong-hearted wakeful sleeper
430 —And was instantly seized himself, claws
Bent back as Beowulf leaned up on one arm.
That shepherd of evil, guardian of crime,
Knew at once that nowhere on earth
Had he met a man whose hands were harder;
435 His mind was flooded with fear—but nothing
Could take his talons and himself from that tight
Hard grip. Grendel’s one thought was to run
From Beowulf, flee back to his marsh and hide there:
This was a different Herot than the hall he had emptied.
440 But Higlac’s follower remembered his final
Boast and, standing erect, stopped
The monster’s flight, fastened those claws
In his fists till they cracked, clutched Grendel
Closer. The infamous killer fought
445 For his freedom, wanting no flesh but retreat,
Desiring nothing but escape; his claws
Had been caught, he was trapped. That trip to Herot
Was a miserable journey for the writhing monster!
The high hall rang, its roof boards swayed,
450 And Danes shook with terror. Down
The aisles the battle swept, angry
And wild. Herot trembled, wonderfully
Built to withstand the blows, the struggling
Great bodies beating at its beautiful walls;
455 Shaped and fastened with iron, inside
And out, artfully worked, the building
Stood firm. Its benches rattled, fell
To the floor, gold-covered boards grating
As Grendel and Beowulf battled across them.
460 Hrothgar’s wise men had fashioned Herot
To stand forever; only fire,
They had planned, could shatter what such skill had put
Together, swallow in hot flames such splendor
Of ivory and iron and wood. Suddenly
465 The sounds changed, the Danes started
In new terror, cowering in their beds as the terrible
Screams of the Almighty’s enemy sang
In the darkness, the horrible shrieks of pain
And defeat, the tears torn out of Grendel’s
470 Taut throat, hell’s captive caught in the arms
Of him who of all the men on earth
Was the strongest.
9
That mighty protector of men
Meant to hold the monster till its life
Leaped out, knowing the fiend was no use
475 To anyone in Denmark. All of Beowulf’s
Band had jumped from their beds, ancestral
Swords raised and ready, determined
To protect their prince if they could. Their courage
Was great but all wasted: They could hack at Grendel
480 From every side, trying to open
A path for his evil soul, but their points
Could not hurt him, the sharpest and hardest iron
Could not scratch at his skin, for that sin-stained demon
Had bewitched all men’s weapons, laid spells
485 That blunted every mortal man’s blade.
And yet his time had come, his days
Were over, his death near; down
To hell he would go, swept groaning and helpless
To the waiting hands of still worse fiends.
490 Now he discovered—once the afflictor
Of men, tormentor of their days—what it meant
To feud with Almighty God: Grendel
Saw that his strength was deserting him, his claws
Bound fast, Higlac’s brave follower tearing at
495 His hands. The monster’s hatred rose higher,
But his power had gone. He twisted in pain,
And the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder
Snapped, muscle and bone split
And broke. The battle was over, Beowulf
500 Had been granted new glory: Grendel escaped,
But wounded as he was could flee to his den,
His miserable hole at the bottom of the marsh,
Only to die, to wait for the end
Of all his days. And after that bloody
505 Combat the Danes laughed with delight.
He who had come to them from across the sea,
Bold and strong-minded, had driven affliction
Off, purged Herot clean. He was happy,
Now, with that night’s fierce work; the Danes
510 Had been served as he’d boasted he’d serve them; Beowulf,
A prince of the Geats, had killed Grendel,
Ended the grief, the sorrow, the suffering
Forced on Hrothgar’s helpless people
By a bloodthirsty fiend. No Dane doubted
515 The victory, for the proof, hanging high
From the rafters where Beowulf had hung it, was the monster’s
Arm, claw and shoulder and all.

Boast

Boasts are due tomorrow.

Beowulf vs Grendel

Students finished writing scenes for the graphic novel depiction of the battle between Beowulf and Grendel.

Boast

Students were given the following assignment:

Beowulf
The Boast

Over the course of this school year you will have to get used to the idea of bragging about yourself. You have to sell yourselves to colleges and/or employers, based on your past accomplishments. You also know that I, your teacher/leader/mentor/idol, really enjoy listening to my students speak of their confidence. A little arrogance can be a good thing. Just look at me.

Read over Beowulf’s boasting words, as he answers the watchman, and then to King Hrothgar…chapters 4-6.

My father/Was a famous soldier, known far and wide/As a leader of men. His name was Edgetho./His life lasted many winters;/Wise men all over the earth surely/Remember him still…Hail, Hrothgar!/Higlac is my cousin and my king; the days/Of my youth have been filled with glory…My people have said, the wisest, most knowing/And best of them, that my duty was to go to the Danes’/Great king. They have seen my strength for themselves,/Have watched me rise from the darkness of war,/Dripping with my enemies’ blood. I drove/Five great giants into chains, chased/All of that race from the earth. I swam…A single request! I have come so far,/Oh shelterer of warriors and your people’s loved friend,/That this one favor you must not refuse me-

Now you will write up your own boast and will present it to the class. You can be yourself, or take on any occupation, or pretend to be a famous actress, actor, writer, politician, etc…go for it!!! Pretend you are boasting about yourself to be “awarded” this “job”-be it getting into a certain college, or getting a waitressing job at Applebee’s…sell yourself!! Your boast must adhere to the following guidelines:

• 20-25 lines, poetic structure (rhyming not necessary)
• Heritage must be discussed-father and/or mother at least
• Prior accomplishments must be discussed
• Must include 2-4 kennings
• Must include 2 similes
• Must include 2 metaphors
• Must include alliteration
• Must include personification
• Bonus points will be awarded for getting into character and dressing up appropriately, using props, and/or memorizing your boast
• Be creative and have fun

You will be graded on the written boast, and the oral delivery. You must use inflection in your voice! Give it your all!! The stage is yours!!! Do it!!!!!

Due date: Typed (any font—whatever is easiest to read from)—Friday,
February 12th!

Written boast: 20 points; Oral delivery: 20 points

Beowulf HW

Students that did not fulfill the requirements of the open-ended question assigned yesterday, have until Monday to turn it in.

The following assignment is also due Monday.

Respond to the following after reading the dialogue between Unferth and Beowulf.
• Does Beowulf win this argument? Explain.
• List at least 4 examples of exaggeration found in this interaction. Explain their significance and how they add to the image of Beowulf as a hero.
• How could you modernize this argument? Have you ever had a conversation like this with someone?

Unferth spoke, Ecglaf’s son,
Who sat at Hrothgar’s feet, spoke harshly
235 And sharp (vexed by Beowulf’s adventure,
By their visitor’s courage, and angry that anyone
In Denmark or anywhere on earth had ever
Acquired glory and fame greater
Than his own):
“You’re Beowulf, are you—the same
240 Boastful fool who fought a swimming
Match with Brecca, both of you daring
And young and proud, exploring the deepest
Seas, risking your lives for no reason
But the danger? All older and wiser heads warned you
245 Not to, but no one could check such pride.
With Brecca at your side you swam along
The sea-paths, your swift-moving hands pulling you
Over the ocean’s face. Then winter
Churned through the water, the waves ran you
250 As they willed, and you struggled seven long nights
To survive. And at the end victory was his,
Not yours. The sea carried him close
To his home, to southern Norway, near
The land of the Brondings, where he ruled and was loved,
255 Where his treasure was piled and his strength protected
His towns and his people. He’d promised to outswim you:
Bonstan’s son made that boast ring true.
You’ve been lucky in your battles, Beowulf, but I think
Your luck may change if you challenge Grendel,
260 Staying a whole night through in this hall,
Waiting where that fiercest of demons can find you.”

Beowulf answered, Edgetho’s great son:
“Ah! Unferth, my friend, your face
Is hot with ale, and your tongue has tried
265 To tell us about Brecca’s doings. But the truth
Is simple: No man swims in the sea
As I can, no strength is a match for mine.
As boys, Brecca and I had boasted—
We were both too young to know better—that we’d risk
270 Our lives far out at sea, and so
We did. Each of us carried a naked
Sword, prepared for whales or the swift
Sharp teeth and beaks of needlefish.
He could never leave me behind, swim faster
275 Across the waves than I could, and I
Had chosen to remain close to his side.
I remained near him for five long nights,
Until a flood swept us apart;
The frozen sea surged around me,
280 It grew dark, the wind turned bitter, blowing
From the north, and the waves were savage. Creatures
Who sleep deep in the sea were stirred
Into life—and the iron hammered links
Of my mail shirt, these shining bits of metal
285 Woven across my breast, saved me
From death. A monster seized me, drew me
Swiftly toward the bottom, swimming with its claws
Tight in my flesh. But fate let me
Find its heart with my sword, hack myself
290 Free; I fought that beast’s last battle,
Left it floating lifeless in the sea.

7
“Other monsters crowded around me,
Continually attacking. I treated them politely,
Offering the edge of my razor-sharp sword.
295 But the feast, I think, did not please them, filled
Their evil bellies with no banquet-rich food,
Thrashing there at the bottom of the sea;
By morning they’d decided to sleep on the shore,
Lying on their backs, their blood spilled out
300 On the sand. Afterwards, sailors could cross
That sea-road and feel no fear; nothing
Would stop their passing. Then God’s bright beacon
Appeared in the east, the water lay still,
And at last I could see the land, wind-swept
305 Cliff-walls at the edge of the coast. Fate saves
The living when they drive away death by themselves!
Lucky or not, nine was the number
Of sea-huge monsters I killed. What man,
Anywhere under Heaven’s high arch, has fought
310 In such darkness, endured more misery, or been harder
Pressed? Yet I survived the sea, smashed
The monsters’ hot jaws, swam home from my journey.
The swift-flowing waters swept me along
And I landed on Finnish soil. I’ve heard
315 No tales of you, Unferth, telling
Of such clashing terror, such contests in the night!
Brecca’s battles were never so bold;
Neither he nor you can match me—and I mean
No boast, have announced no more than I know
320 To be true. And there’s more: You murdered your brothers,
Your own close kin. Words and bright wit
Won’t help your soul; you’ll suffer hell’s fires,
Unferth, forever tormented. Ecglaf’s
Proud son, if your hands were as hard, your heart
325 As fierce as you think it, no fool would dare
To raid your hall, ruin Herot
And oppress its prince, as Grendel has done.
But he’s learned that terror is his alone,
Discovered he can come for your people with no fear
330 Of reprisal; he’s found no fighting, here,
But only food, only delight.
He murders as he likes, with no mercy, gorges
And feasts on your flesh, and expects no trouble,
No quarrel from the quiet Danes. Now
335 The Geats will show him courage, soon
He can test his strength in battle. And when the sun
Comes up again, opening another
Bright day from the south, anyone in Denmark
May enter this hall: That evil will be gone!”

Beowulf HW

Students are to read Beowulf's boast and respond to the open-ended question provided.

(Boast)
Hail, Hrothgar!
Higlac is my cousin and my king; the days
Of my youth have been filled with glory. Now Grendel’s
Name has echoed in our land: Sailors
145 Have brought us stories of Herot, the best
Of all mead-halls, deserted and useless when the moon
Hangs in skies the sun had lit,
Light and life fleeing together.
My people have said, the wisest, most knowing
150 And best of them, that my duty was to go to the Danes’
Great king. They have seen my strength for themselves,
Have watched me rise from the darkness of war,
Dripping with my enemies’ blood. I drove
Five great giants into chains, chased
155 All of that race from the earth. I swam
In the blackness of night, hunting monsters
Out of the ocean, and killing them one
By one; death was my errand and the fate
They had earned. Now Grendel and I are called
160 Together, and I’ve come. Grant me, then,
Lord and protector of this noble place,
A single request! I have come so far,
Oh shelterer of warriors and your people’s loved friend,
That this one favor you should not refuse me—
165 That I, alone and with the help of my men,
May purge all evil from this hall. I have heard,
Too, that the monster’s scorn of men
Is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none.
Nor will I. My lord Higlac
170 Might think less of me if I let my sword
Go where my feet were afraid to, if I hid
Behind some broad linden shield: My hands
Alone shall fight for me, struggle for life
Against the monster. God must decide
175 Who will be given to death’s cold grip.
Grendel’s plan, I think, will be
What it has been before, to invade this hall
And gorge his belly with our bodies. If he can,
he can. And I think, if my time will have come,
180 There’ll be nothing to mourn over, no corpse to prepare
For its grave: Grendel will carry our bloody
Flesh to the moors, crunch on our bones,
And smear torn scraps of our skin on the walls
Of his den. No, I expect no Danes
185 Will fret about sewing our shrouds, if he wins.
And if death does take me, send the hammered
Mail of my armor to Higlac, return
The inheritance I had from Hrethel,° and he
From Wayland. Fate will unwind as it must!”


(Question)
Beowulf
Open-ended questions
20pts


Beowulf boasts that he will fight Grendel and that he will use no weapons.
• What has Beowulf done that makes him worthy of fighting Grendel?
• Will Beowulf be successful and live up to his promise to fight Grendel without using weapons?
Support your responses with examples from the text

Reading Comp

Today we continued covering some strategies for success on the Reading Comprehension section of the HSPA. Students also receieved their Midterms.

Tomorrow we will complete a practice reading comp. section in class for a grade.

review

Today the students were given a review table including Macbeth, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and The Canterbury Tales.
Students should examine how the material covered on the review sheet applies to their lives.

hspa-persuasive

Students completed a persuasive essay worth 30pts today. Each class received a different prompt, so any student that was absent needs to see me for the assignment.

HSPA-Midterms

we are currently preparing for the midterm exam which has a layout similar to the HSPA. Tuesday and Wednesday are devoted to practicing for the persuasive essay task. On Thursday, students will complete a sample persuasive essay task worth 30pts.

Projects/Mid Term

PhotoStory projects are done. We will begin preparing for HSPA and the mid-term exam tomorrow.

project

Due to the shortened periods and speeches about electives, students will have until the end of the period Monday to complete their projects.

photo story

The Photo Story projects are due at the end of the period Friday. Students have until then to work on it in class.

The Canterbury Tales

Welcome back.

We continued working on our tales after a brief review of the assignment. The questions for each tale are due at the end of the period tomorrow.