King Lear Act III: "I am a man / More sinned against than sinning."

Reflect on the events of Act III and the question posted in class: What/who are we when we are nothing?
 Specifically comment on the quote in the heading as well as the revelation Lear exclaims to Edgar and the Fool in Act III.iv: "Is man no more than this?...Thou art the thing itself: unaccommodated man is no more but such a poor, bare, forked animal as though art" (64).

Comparative Poetry Papers

Using the rubric attached to your essay on "Hawk Roosting" and "Golden Retrievals,"  explain the way you would score the sample essays distributed in class.  Please provide a thorough rationale and score for at least TWO of the sample essays (A, B, and/or C).

King Lear Act II ~ Insults Galore!

Compare and contrast the two productions of King Lear linked below. If we have watched the Ian McKellen version in class before you post, you can compare one of the two below to that version. Please post by Thursday, March 24th.

“Trinity Theatre Company's production of "King Lear", directed by Francesca Gilpin and starring Michael Elliot in the title role”.

Act II.i-iii https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdTxneyRHsU

Act II.iv  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t955xQVU9AY

Act 2 Scenes 1 to 4 of Shakespeare at Traquair's performance of King Lear, in the grounds of Traquair House, near Innerleithen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFhEmXcLG9A

King Lear Act I.i- "Come not between the dragon and his wrath."

Compare and contrast at least two versions of King Lear I.i linked below.  Each clip varies in terms of length; however, pay particular attention to the portrayal of Lear and his reaction to both Cordelia and to Kent.  Two versions also include Regan and Goneril’s conversation at the end of the scene.  Comment on the staging and editing of the scene as well. 

Trinity Theater https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy7e6O4bbkM

Olivier Production https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aprnQoOqWwY

Ian McKellen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrTUW8iz7Gc (picks up after Cordelia speaks…watch for Lear’s reaction).

Post is due Friday 3/11.

Poet Laureate Videos

Watch one of the videos posted on our blog.  Then, explore some of that poet's published work.   Comment on your impressions of the poet's video as well as the poetry you read.  Due by 2/26.

Hard Times, Book the Second

As you finish reading Book the Second, explore the site Fact and Fancy from The British Library. Consider how the elements of fancy or wonder (circus, fairy tales, allusions, satire) have contributed to the idea of "Reaping" as the second book is titled.

Hard Times -Book the Second, Ch. I-VII

Based upon your reading of Book the Second, Chapters I-VII, examine two key events: the arrival and development of James Harthouse & the factory unionizing meeting with Mr. Slackbridge.  Discuss why Dickens has included Harthouse and Slackbridge in the Book the Second.  What impact do you think they will have on the rest of the novel?