Response to Material, III (Nov. 24th)

     This month we have done a large variety of things during class. To kick it off we did an in depth class discussion and individual response to the poem, "The Century Quilt." This was a very enlightening experience for me. Even though I was absent the first day with this poem when everybody was to write a practice AP response to this poem, I feel I was still able to get a lot out of the work we did as a class. When I was there the second day this poem was discussed, Ms. Holmes guided us through the poem, line by line, identifying symbols and meanings to the syntax and diction that I would never have been able to notice on my own. This was a good experience because it helped show me what to look for when reading a poem. Also, when the rest of the students did their second practice essay to the poem, while it was only my first, after doing the analysis with Ms. Holmes's help I felt I was able to better construct a essay than if I had attempted it on my own. I think this helped me a lot with my poetry analysis, however I think there is still much room to grow.
      Another exercise we did this month was the fish bowl discussions with Death of a Salesman. This was a somewhat frustrating exercise, however I still really enjoyed it. I liked that instead of just the 'leaders' of the class guiding the discussions, everybody had to take part. It was interesting to for once see everybody's views, for the people who are typically quiet, had very good points to make. This was somewhat frustrating mostly because sometimes while in the circle I would either not be able to speak all my thoughts because someone else was overpowering or having a deep discussion with one other (much more concentrated discussions), or I would have a lack of thoughts and was not able to contribute to the discussions. Also, sometimes while outside of the circle I would have points I would want to bring up but was not able to. I liked these discussions because I think we got through a lot more material, however I like the large group discussions better because they allow people to freely comment and seem to have a more comfortable atmosphere.
       We have also begun to do the mood and atmosphere exercises. I have enjoyed these quite a bit because I personally like to describe things a lot. However, it was somewhat frustrating at times to try to get everybody to agree on how the picture made them feel, as well as to try to construct a sentence or paragraph using more verbs then adjectives like usual. I have felt that I have gotten a lot out of these experience though, for it was interesting to me to see changing the wording and a few words here and there can really change the entire meaning and feel of a sentence. I have really enjoyed these exercises and have grown a sense of admiration for those who can just simply combine a few words into a perfectly elegant and flawless sentence, I hope as we do more of these exercises I can get closer to their level!
       Lastly and most recently, we have read the famous Hamlet. When I first saw on the board to bring my copy of Hamlet to school I was a little nervous. However, once I found out that meant we were going to be reading it aloud in class I was greatly relieved. For understanding Shakespeare has never been one of my strengths. Reading Hamlet in class with the help of Ms. Holmes's great insights was a entertaining and intriguing experience. To be honest, the first time the lines were read aloud by someone I often times had no idea what was going on, however Ms. Holmes's and other students did a great job of filling me and other confused students in on the key details and explanations to what had happened. What I found most interesting about Hamlet was all the subliminal messages and digs Shakespeare wrote in about the time era. Last year I had read The Other Boleyn Girl so it was very exciting when some of the novel intertwined with that drama. It was also very interesting when Ms. Holmes's would explain all of the biblical references and Church conflicts, I doubt I would've been able to pick up on them on my own. I really enjoyed Hamlet and am looking forward to going through again and putting it together during my close reading.