Thursday, January 2, 2014

Do Now: In "The Legend", who are the people involved? What is the setting? What is the event?
Classwork: "The Legend" by Garrett Hongo

We have focused on the who, what , where, and when in this poem. Today we focus on the why.
Why is the author ashamed of himself.
Why does he include the allusion to a Hawaiian legend?
Why is this poem a perspective on our inner-city culture?
Poetry Project - You will use a newspaper article and create  a poem in Hongo's style.
Homework: Bring the article/summary of newscast as well as the preliminary steps you filled out on the handout to create your poem.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Do Now: Read "Same Song". Identify the speaker and briefly describe the subject.
Classwork: Poetry
"Same Song" by Pat Mora

Focus on allusion, imagery, and theme.
How does this poem relate to Powell's argument or theme in Manhood, Football, and  Suicide?
"The Legend" by Garret Hongo
1. In the essay that precedes the poem, Hongo writes that he hoped despite the problems of city life, "it would still lay its soft wings of blessing upon you if you cried out in need."
2. The Legend of the Weaver Maid and the Herd Boy
Homework: Answer all reading questions for Same Song and read "The Legend".

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Do Now: The author argues in "Manhood, Football, and Suicide" that...
"Too many of us have been taught manhood in a way that is not healthy." 
Do you agree? Why?
 Classwork:
1. Analyze the author's purpose and the argument in this article.
2. How is this situation similar to the situation in Othello?
3.  Is the inability to express yourself a tragic flaw?
4. "Same Song" concerns a similar theme. 

What are the gender roles presented? How do they damage our society?
Homework: Finish annotating both texts. Answer reading questions!

Monday, December 16, 2013

Do Now: Is a tragic flaw limited to a Shakespearean tragic hero? What might be a tragic flaw in a contemporary hero? ( Hint - Who are our heroes today?)
Classwork:
"Manhood, Football, and Suicide" CNN article 

1. Annotate the text for who, what, where, and when.
2. Define key terms fro the text.
3. Is he a tragic hero? Why?
4. Analyze the author's perspective on manhood and our cultural values.
5. The 'why' of this article.
Homework: Finish reading the article and answer the CRQ:
What values go with the "supersized macho world of football". Summarize them in the margin.
Why does the author feel they are unhealthy? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Do Now: Why do you think Iago is a heinous villain? Cite evidence from the play that proves your point.
Classwork:  Review for test and focus on Othello as a Tragic Hero.

1. Identify the characteristics of a tragic hero.
2 Does Othello meet the criteria of a tragic hero? Cite evidence.
3 What is Othello's tragic flaw?
4. Competing theories that explain  Othello's downfall.
Homework: Test tomorrow!
All Othello handouts will be graded tomorrow.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Do Now: How do you define 'VILLAIN'? List at least three characteristics a villain might have.

Classwork: We are focusing on Iago and the characteristics he displays throughout the play that support the definition of a classic villain.

Antagonist/Protagonist handout:

1. Annotate the text for definitions of villain, foil, adversary, and motivation.

2. Why is Iago the most terrifying villain in Shakespeare's tragedies?

3. Use specific evidence from the play that illuminates the character traits that prove Iago is heinous!

Homework : The Antagonist section of your handout must be fully annotated by tomorrow. ( 100 points)  
Othello test is Thursday! Review your handouts and your annotated text!

Monday, December 9, 2013

Do now: Explain this quote:
When you shall these unlucky deeds relate,
Speak of me as I am; nothing extenuate,
Nor set down aught in malice: then must you speak
Of one that loved not wisely but too well; 
Classwork: We finish Act V of Othello today. There's a whole lot of murder going on:
1. Iago stabs Cassio and kills Roderigo
2. Othello murders  Desdemona
3. Emilia accuses Iago
4. Iago murders Emilia
4. Othello kills himself.
Homework: Make sure your handouts are annotated and reading questions are complete. Review handouts and text to study for test on Wednesday.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Do Now: How does Emilia finally realize Iago's part in this tragedy? Explain her reaction.
Classwork: Othello Act V
Review final scenes and key dialogue
Is Iago's punishment justified and/or satisfying?
Is Othello's suffering justified? Does he take the easy way out?
Final Test - Tuesday 12/10
Homework: Handouts will be graded on Monday!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Do Now: How do Emilia's views on adultery differ from Desdemona's? Re-read P. 76-81.
Classwork: Othello
Review Act 4 - Movie
Act 5 - Scene 1 - Sustained Silent Reading
P. 78 - How does Iago feel about the possible outcomes of the fight? Why?
Who stabs Cassio?
Who does Cassio think stbbed him?
What happens to Roderigo?
What is Othello's response to all this?
Homework: Finish the play and your handout.

Wednesday, November 4, 2013

Do Now: Explain Iago's plan that he presents to Roderigo. What part of the plan are you sure will not happen? Why? P. 73-74
Classwork:
Analyze Desdemona and Emilia's conversation about adultery. Why is Emilia Desdemona's foil?
Compare the play to the movie version. Which genre is easier to understand? Why?
Homework: Finish reading the play by Friday.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Do Now: Summarize the plot after Othello hears Cassio talking about "Desdemona". Use your handouts to help you.
Classwork: Othello  Act IV

1.  Desdemona asks Emilia and Iago for help.
2. Roderigo threatens Iago.
3. Emilia and Desdemona express their views on adultery.

Homework: Re-read 74-77 and answer the reading questions on your handout.