Blog 14: The Macbeths

Act I, scenes vi & vii; Act II, scenes i & ii - The Macbeths

Pretend that you are a marriage counselor and that the Macbeths have sought your advice.

1. What problems do you think they have in their relationship,and what solutions do you propose?

2. Write out a list of steps they could take to prevent any more marriage problems.

[5 Points, Two short paragraphs, Posted by 12.22.09]

Blog 13: Why Shakespeare & Why Macbeth

1. React to the documentary, Why Shakespeare?, from class. What surprised you the most/ least in the actors' discussions? State one lingering question about Shakespeare you have [this can be done without use of the documentary].


2. Shakespeare: Life, Times, and Works. Research these three areas of Shakespeare's life. Use shakespeare.palomar.edu to help you. Three paragraph requirement.


3. Construct a list of the characters in Shakespeare's Macbeth. Be sure to include a short description for each character.


[posted by 12.16.09, beginning of class period, 15 points]

Blog 12: Magnet Poetry

Use a creative word scramble/ magnet word website [see below] to put together your own poem! Challenge yourself to use three poetic devices, such as metaphor, imagery, etc., in its construction. This poem should be at least ten lines in length, and you should feel free to add additional words, appropriate for school writing, to the mix! Retype your finished product into a blog posting on your own blog.

Have fun creating your magnet poetry!!!! Students will be asked to share their work in Monday's class. [10 points, posted by the end of class period, 12.11.09]

Suggested sites:

Kidz Scramble Word Magnet Online

Shadow Poetry

Magnet Poetry - You must click on an icon to open the portal.

Blog 11: Poetry

The title of the book The Catcher in the Rye derives from a poem by Robert Burns, "Comin' Thro' The Rye." An electronic copy can be found here: Comin' Thro' The Rye. As discussed in class, this poem has special significance for Holden and the story that unfolds in the book.

Do you consider Burns' poem to be "good" poetry? Why/ why not? In your opinion, explain what "good" poetry is, and, if you can, provide an example. [One-two paragraphs, posted by 12.01.09]

Blog 10: Call to the Author

From Activity I of the Wrap-Up on Catcher in the Rye, would you like to call J.D. Salinger/ one of J.D. Salinger's relatives? If you would, write a paragraph on what you would want to talk to him about and what you would say to or ask him. If not, write a paragraph about the reasons you would not want to talk to him.

After you post, visit a student's blog and read his/ her thoughts on the novel. Leave a comment if you feel you have something to say about the post.

[Due: 11.24.09, beginning of class, 8 points]

Blog 9: Holden's Internal Conflicts

In a well-constructed paragraph, answer the following questions in your OWN blog:

-What two health issues does Holden pretend he has in Chapter 20? [Check out pages 150 and 156 if you are unsure.]

-Why do you believe that our main character behaves this way? Support your opinion with a quotation from the text. [4 Points, Posted by 11.20.09]

Chapter 19: Catcher, The Wicker Bar

Answer the following in your own blog: With all of the things he perceives as Luce's faults, Holden still hates to see him go. Why? [4 Points, One paragraph, Posted 11.17 by class period]

Blog 7: Ch. 12, Catcher: Conversation with Horwitz

In addition to providing a comic interlude, what seems to be the point of the scene with the cab driver, Horwitz? How do Holden and Horwitz differ, both in their conversation and as characters?

Provide textual support for your answer. Their conversation can be found on pages 81-83. [posted 11.12.09, 4 points]

Blog 6: Catch Her in the Oatmeal

Write a stream-of-consciousness piece similar to the "Catch Her in the Oatmeal" handout. Your writing can be about your day/ week, OR you can turn your favorite fairy tale/ myth/ short story into a stream-of consciousness piece. Stream-of-consciousness is a type of storytelling where the writer reveals inner thoughts, feelings, etc., without censoring his/her work; therefore, you shouldn't take your fingers off the keyboard! Don't worry about typos/ punctuation/ grammar until the end!

This blog posting should be at least three paragraphs in length, due by Friday, 10.29.09, TEN POINTS. [This is the last blog for "Blogging Collection #1."]

Blog 5: Caulfield's Lasting Voice

After reading the article, "Holden Caulfield's lasting voice," react to the article. Are you looking forward to reading Catcher in the Rye? Why/ why not?

The final line of the newspaper clipping shares the impression of a sixteen-year-old girl. Do you agree/ disagree with her opinion on individuals and certain pieces of literature? Can you think of another book from last year's reading selection where students were as divided?

[Posted 10.27.09, minimum two paragraphs, 6 POINTS]

Blog 4: National Day on Writing PVRHS Gallery

Read three selections of student work from the PVRHS Gallery: http://galleryofwriting.org/galleries/223497 . Choose your favorite written work by either a Pascack Hills or Pascack Valley student, and comment on your favorite part about the piece [include the title and author].

What are your thoughts about the writer's tone/ voice? Is he/ she aware of an intended audience? If you could conference with the writer, what advice would you give to improve the selection? [8 points, posted by 10.21.09]

Blog 3: Family vs. Law

David's father shares his insight on page 156: "...I believe that in this world people must pay for their crimes. It doesn't matter who you are or who your relations are; if you do wrong, you pay. I believe that. I have to."

What do you think about these convictions? What other story does Wes share with David about himself? How does this story complicate his belief system? [5-6 sentences minimum, posted by 10.16.09, 4 POINTS]

Blog 2: Character Analysis

Pick one character from your reading/ class activity, and describe what the character wants in Larry Watson's Montana 1948. What prevents that character from achieving what he/she wants? How does this compare to what you want? [Two paragraphs, 5 POINTS, due 10.08.09]

Blog 1: Montana 1948, Part I, pgs. 33-38

What are Wes Hayden's feelings toward Native Americans? How does this view compare to the perspective held by other family members? Include a quotation for support when providing your answer. [2 points]