What Does ? Want for Christmas!

Put 10 literary characters on your Christmas shopping list. Number them from 1-10. Tell us who they are, a short description of them and what you got them and why. Have fun!

Choose a Piece of Art and Write a Poem.

Example of Elkphrastic Poetry

Subway, ca. 1934 by Lily Furedi

Interception MarkTansey

Cape Cod Morning, 1950

Cafe'

The Girl I Left Behind Me by Eastman Johnson

So, first take a look at the example of elkphrastic poetry by William Carlos Williams.
After that, take a look at all of these paintings. Choose one and then answer the following questions.


1.List the first words that come to mind when you look at this artwork.

2. What is happening in this artwork? What is the story being told?(PLOT)

3. Who or what is the subject of the painting? How would you describe them?(CHARACTER)

4.  What is the mood of the artwork? What sounds, smells, feelings tastes could you associate with it?(SETTING)

5. How does this artwork connect with you personally? Why did you choose it?

6. Now that you have closely observed the artwork, how would you summarize its main idea?

After you have completed the questions, go back and circle any words or phrases you might want to incorporate into a poem about the artwork. Consider using these tools when writing your poem:
alliteration
metaphor
personification
repetition
rhyme
simile

Santa?

The Other Stocking

On Santa Claus

Okay, here are two pieces by G.K. Chesterton about "Santa". The first is a beautiful little story about his experience with Christmas and how it bloomed into his love of the gift of life. It is one of my very, very favorite stories.

The second is a response from Chesterton from The New York Times. He is reviewing a book by S.R. Littlelwood called "The Story of Santa Clause".

Read these two pieces. And then write a poem or a story about Christmas.

The Feast of Christ the King!!!!

Open this link and enjoy. These are the readings, psalm and gospel from this Sunday's Feast of Christ the King. Here is an explanation of the feast. Find some literary devices in Sunday's liturgy of the word provided in the link and explain how the feast is particularly relevant today.

What the Heck Does That Mean?

Explicate the following poem.

Explain "Explicate"

The Mending Wall

Presentations Anyone?

So we had many guest teachers this week. I want you to comment on the presentations, not necessarily which ones you liked or didn't, but more of a thoughtful response about what you learned, what poems or assignments struck you and whether or not you really "own" some of the devices. What are some literary devices you love? Examples, devices about which you are unsure and devices about which you need more confidence may all warrant comment.  Just have a virtual discussion about all the we have learned in the past week or so.

Maybe the Pumpkin Isn't so Great!?!

http://www.i-mockery.com/halloween/bag/great-pumpkin-analysis.php

Read this hilarious critical analysis of this favorite children's classic. Then, choose a classic story of your own and do a critical analysis by completing 2 or 3 character arcs. It can be a "show" or a "story".

When in Rome

This poem covers two of our major educational situation, it deals with reading poetry the right way, and racial relations/situations.
So,

1. Read the poem, several times.
2. Define any words or allusions
3. Paraphrase the meaning
4. Consider the author and the situation
4. Combine the beauty of the poem, the reading of the poem and the paraphrase of it to decided on this: What is the POEMS purpose? Not the author's purpose, but the poem's purpose.
5 Point out any literary devices and tell us how those devices work towards the poem's beauty and or purpose.

And finally, does this poem have any importance to or shed any light on any characters or situations  in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?

http://priorhouse.org/2013/09/09/4-poems-by-mari-evans/

Literary Devices...and ACTION!

Here is a list of literary devices.

Choose a nice list of devices and either choose a poem that contains these devices or write an original poem that makes use of the devices.

If you choose a poem, point out the lines containing the devices and comment on how the devices are used and how they add to the beauty or meaning of the piece.

If you are writing an original poem,  tell us how you hoped the devices would add to the meaning and or beauty of the poem.

Not Always Pretty, Not Always Pleasant, but Always Beautiful!

Favorite Poem Project
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/175898

In Dulce Et Decorum Est, what is the narrator's attitude or tone toward war? Is there a rhythm to the poem? And what is the purpose of  Owen using the Latin phrases?

When Homecoming Gets Wierd

When Homecoming Gets Weird

Read these three reports titled "When Homecoming Gets Weird". Then, put on your creative hat and write a story. It must be titled, "When Homecoming Gets Weird" and it has to be set in St. Marys PA during Homecoming Weekend.  Your story should not relay any real shenanigans that occurred over the weekend. This should be entirely fictional. Have fun with it, but follow the rules of good writing!

Bad to the Bone?

Here is an article that highlights some "bad poetry". After reading Mr. Simbeck's blog post from last week, read over the poems in this article. It is so easy to get it wrong, isn't it! Even some of our favorites have made significant blunders. After reading the article, make a comment about whether or not a poem or a piece of art can be considered "bad". Then, find a poem that you think is "good" and share it with us. Tell us what you love about it.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/10651864/The-worst-poems-by-great-writers.html

One Soldier's Story

http://www.nashvillescene.com/nashville/one-soldiers-story/Content?oid=1180646

In light of our presentation this week, I thought this was quite timely. Additionally, the article highlights poetry as a form, as well something that is just downright important. Read the piece and respond to it. What do you like about it, what did you learn from it and how does it change your understanding and appreciation of poetry?

O, What a Rogue!

http://www.ed.psu.edu/englishpds/09-10/Wramble/Domain_C_files/Hamlet%20Act%20II%20Soliloquy,%20Translation%20copy.pdfRead and annotate this soliloquy from Hamlet. How does Shakespeare use literary devices for development of both character and character values to achieve his purpose?

Knock Knock T.S. Elliot, is Hamlet in there?

The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock

Copy of the poem with notes

In your opinion, what is the overall effect of Elliot’s use of allusions in this poem? What is the overall tone? Give some examples of how the tone is established.

PS. There are many, many allusions in this poem. Find at least 3 and your blog will be easier to write. But you must find the allusion to Hamlet!

Help if you totally don't get it

No "Self Respecting" AP student would skip the first Blog!

Read the essay On Self Respect  by Joan Didion. React/respond to this essay on a personal level. Do you agree/disagree – approve/disapprove of her interpretation of self-respect?  As an aside, also comment on the schools new honor's policy. Do you agree or disagree with the new policy. Explain.