Breaks...breaks...and more breaks! We've had so many breaks and this year is just flying by it's crazy! The last month of so we finally began and finished Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and let me just say...wow. This play is rather humorous but it is also very confusing to peg what the actual meaning is as well as to understand what is just going on in general. I am relieved we finished reading the play before I left for 7th grade camp, because otherwise I am not quite sure I would've been able to unravel and clarify what was actually going on. however, I did find it difficult when returning to 7th grade camp, to understand and be able to contribute to discussion due to being absent as well as missing the film so I was still unclear on many points. Although, luckily as the discussions went on and after we discussed in detail about the article, "The Lecture on Stoppard" I was able to put more things together. It also became evident to me during discussion that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern is a much lighter piece than Hamlet and doesn't have as complex of a plot. Also, as some people mentioned, the purpose of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern may have even been to poke fun at Hamlet and prove a point rather than provide to context of the plot. Overall I have enjoyed Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and I am somewhat looking forward to doing my close reading on it because I will then be able to further put all the pieces together.
Recently we have also been working on open prompts as well as w have also done two open prompts 2 now, in which we write the actual essay. And...well..I must say these have been quite a struggle for me. When I do the open prompts as home it seems like a much more causal atmosphere and therefore seems much easier to write the essay. However, I know this is not a realistic scenario for the actual AP and should not get used to it. So far writing the essays hasn't seemed too bad, however now that we have gone in depth about what a good intro consists of I have now realized how awful mine have been thus far. It is quite embarrassing to be frank. When we did the intro paragraph practice in class I found this to be extremely stressful and probably my most awful work. I don't know exactly why, but when we did this I completely just froze up and wasn't able to think of how a intro should be structured or how to even create a good prompt. Like Ms. Holmes mentioned though, that is how much pressure there will be on the actual exam day so i know doing exercises like that will help me in the long run. I hope next time though I feel better and more prepared, it was a bit overwhelming the first time. I need much more practice on intro's but I know by exam time I am going to feel much more prepared with my peers and Ms. Holmes help.
Well, that's all for now! I hope everyone has a wonderful President's Day Weekend and I will see you all back on Wednesday! Only a few more weeks till Spring Break...yeaaa...just let that sink in. :)
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Open Prompts, Part 2 #2
In a literary work, a minor character, often known as a foil, possesses traits that emphasize, by contrast or comparison, the distinctive characteristics and qualities of the main character. For example, the ideas or behavior of a minor character might be used to highlight the weaknesses or strengths of the main character. Choose a novel or play in which a minor character serves as a foil for the main character. Then write an essay in which you analyze how the relation between the minor character and the major character illuminates the meaning of the work.
Often times authors use foils within their works to emphasize and give more value to one of the other, usually more prevalent, characters. William Shakespeare is known for often times using a minor character, such as Laertes in Hamlet, is used to highlight the key traits and behavior of Hamlet. Laertes serves as Hamlet's foil in many ways, however the most obvious is his desire for revenge after his father is murdered.
Shortly after Hamlet is told that his father has been murdered, he is shocked and questionable. Rather than seeking revenge immediately, he tries to go in another direction, hoping to prove that what he has been told is true. Instead of taking action right away, Hamlet asks many questions and dwells over the situation. Hamlet decides that directing a play to be performed in front of the court will be the best way to discover if Claudius is truly guilty of such a sinful act. Even after Hamlet sees proof that Claudius is guilty, he still chooses to wait before completely avenging his father.
Laertes on the other hand, once informed of his father's death instantly takes action. He leaves France and heads straight to Denmark to face and kill his father's murderer, Hamlet. Laertes clearly displays a high level of confidence and courage, all while emphasizing Hamlet's self-doubt and conflicting emotions. Laertes is able to take action quickly and without much thought and in consequence, the audience and readers are able to notice Hamlet's constant struggle.
The last scene of the play makes the final connection between the two determined characters. Laertes attempts to murder Hamlet and complete his revenge, and in affect, Hamlet's ambition is sparked and causes him to once and for all kill Claudius, finally concluding his mission of revenge.
Although Hamlet and Laertes have the common conflict of a murdered father, this is indeed the only similarity. Laertes is no doubt Hamlet's foil and is able to strengthen Hamlet's character overall. Without Laertes, Hamlet would lose the dramatic effect and suspense that leads till the end. The audience is confident that Hamlet is going to eventually kill Claudius, however, once Laertes takes action, it is clear that Hamlet is soon to be inspired and will follow through on the act. Laertes is an important role in Hamlet and the play as a whole and Hamlet's character specifically would lose significance in the absence of him. The characters gain a sense of pity and remorse for Hamlet due to his inner conflict, and without Laertes, these struggles would not be as obvious and would prevent the audience from connecting to Hamlet as well.
Often times authors use foils within their works to emphasize and give more value to one of the other, usually more prevalent, characters. William Shakespeare is known for often times using a minor character, such as Laertes in Hamlet, is used to highlight the key traits and behavior of Hamlet. Laertes serves as Hamlet's foil in many ways, however the most obvious is his desire for revenge after his father is murdered.
Shortly after Hamlet is told that his father has been murdered, he is shocked and questionable. Rather than seeking revenge immediately, he tries to go in another direction, hoping to prove that what he has been told is true. Instead of taking action right away, Hamlet asks many questions and dwells over the situation. Hamlet decides that directing a play to be performed in front of the court will be the best way to discover if Claudius is truly guilty of such a sinful act. Even after Hamlet sees proof that Claudius is guilty, he still chooses to wait before completely avenging his father.
Laertes on the other hand, once informed of his father's death instantly takes action. He leaves France and heads straight to Denmark to face and kill his father's murderer, Hamlet. Laertes clearly displays a high level of confidence and courage, all while emphasizing Hamlet's self-doubt and conflicting emotions. Laertes is able to take action quickly and without much thought and in consequence, the audience and readers are able to notice Hamlet's constant struggle.
The last scene of the play makes the final connection between the two determined characters. Laertes attempts to murder Hamlet and complete his revenge, and in affect, Hamlet's ambition is sparked and causes him to once and for all kill Claudius, finally concluding his mission of revenge.
Although Hamlet and Laertes have the common conflict of a murdered father, this is indeed the only similarity. Laertes is no doubt Hamlet's foil and is able to strengthen Hamlet's character overall. Without Laertes, Hamlet would lose the dramatic effect and suspense that leads till the end. The audience is confident that Hamlet is going to eventually kill Claudius, however, once Laertes takes action, it is clear that Hamlet is soon to be inspired and will follow through on the act. Laertes is an important role in Hamlet and the play as a whole and Hamlet's character specifically would lose significance in the absence of him. The characters gain a sense of pity and remorse for Hamlet due to his inner conflict, and without Laertes, these struggles would not be as obvious and would prevent the audience from connecting to Hamlet as well.
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