F Bell- Hamlet blog- due by April 2

Throughout Acts I and II, Shakespeare employs a great deal of rhetorical devices, especially figurative language, allusions, and prosody.
"A little month, or ere those shoes were old
With which she followed my poor father's body,
Like Niobe, all tears:- why she, even she-
O God! a beast, that wants discourse of reason,
Would have mourn'd longer- married with my uncle..." (lines 147-151, page 1598)

By using a mythological allusion to Niobe, Shakespeare is able to more easily explain the situation surrounding the death of Hamlet's father and his mother's remarriage.

Find an example of such devices and explore how it helps to further develop the character or situation. How is it used? What is its purpose?

This blog is being moderated by Kelsey and Anne Stuart

Shakespeare - F Bell

Though Shakespeare is one of the most renowned playwrights in the English language, very little is actually known about his life. Historians know that he was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, married Anne Hathaway at age 18, had three children, and wrote some of the most famous plays in the world. However, even this has been called into question, as many scholars now claim that people like Francis Bacon or Christopher Marlowe actually wrote his plays for him. Because of this lack of information about Shakespeare's life, our best way of learning about Shakespeare is to read his plays. Shakespeare left behind thousands of words, and though they do not describe him directly, they offer us the chance to understand Shakespeare and infer details about his life and personality through what he wrote.

As a way to further explore Shakespeare's personality and have some fun as well, this week's blog post is going to incorporate some creative writing. Think about what Shakespeare would be like if he lived today. Would he still be a famous playwright? Would he even be a playwright, or would he have a different job, such as a screenwriter? Would he still live in London, or would he have moved somewhere else, like New York or Paris? Briefly tell us about your vision of a modern Shakespeare. Be creative and have fun with this!

This blog is being moderated by Andrea and Meera.

B Bell - Shakespeare- David & Emily

A tragedy is defined as a dramatic composition dealing with a serious or somber theme, typically that of a great person destined through a flaw of character or conflict with some overpowering force, as fate or society, to downfall or destruction. Using this definition, analyze Shakespeare's plays, more specifically Hamlet, and in what aspects they are a tragedy. Use specific examples.

Maya Angelou Blog

Maya Angelou is an African American poet and novelist who was born in St. Louis, Missouri on April 4, 1928. She has received many awards, including nominations for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. Much of her work is autobiographical, such as her novel, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. This novel depicts the challenges which she faces during her childhood. She was raped by her mother's boyfriend at a young age, and she became mute for five years after her uncles murdered him. Common themes in Angelou's work include family, identity, and racism, often supporting the African American race and women.

Read this poem by Maya Angelou and identify the message that she is trying to depict. Find an example of how Angelou uses poetic devices in order to strengthen this message.


"Alone"

Lying, thinking
Last night
How to find my soul a home
Where water is not thirsty
And bread loaf is not stone
I came up with one thing
And I don't believe I'm wrong
That nobody,
But nobody
Can make it out here alone.

Alone, all alone
Nobody, but nobody
Can make it out here alone.

There are some millionaires
With money they can't use
Their wives run round like banshees
Their children sing the blues
They've got expensive doctors
To cure their hearts of stone.
But nobody
No, nobody
Can make it out here alone.

Alone, all alone
Nobody, but nobody
Can make it out here alone.

Now if you listen closely
I'll tell you what I know
Storm clouds are gathering
The wind is gonna blow
The race of man is suffering
And I can hear the moan,
'Cause nobody,
But nobody
Can make it out here alone.

Alone, all alone
Nobody, but nobody
Can make it out here alone.


Alyssa and Alice will oversee this blog.