Ms. Walter's AP Blog

The Knight's Tale

2011-01-03T06:20:00.001-08:00

A few things to consider as we move forward:

1. Poor Emily. All she wants out of life is to be chaste, pure, and free from boy drama. However, even the goddess of chastity (Diana) herself denies her that privilege! Yet Arcite and Palamon lie, cheat, and disobey the king, and they are rewarded with honor and love. Why does the Knight (or Chaucer) tell a tale of such imbalance? Is this tale used to further oppress women of royalty? Let's not forget that Hippolyta, the queen herself, was won as a prize in war!

2. We see consistent connections between Emily and the month of May. Think of springtime as a symbol of fertility (as we touched on in class). What connection can be made between May and Emily's virginity? She is preserving flowers and she wishes to preserve her virginity...coincidence?

3. Judging by the tale he chooses to tell, what is important to the Knight? What does he value? What is he trying to teach the rest of the pilgrims? If you were judging the stories for the contest, what score would you give him?

4. Is all fair in love and war? I will keep asking you that until the day you graduate.

Highlights from the Old English Essay

2010-11-08T07:18:00.001-08:00

The significance of the number three plays a key role juxtaposing Sir Gawain with Jesus' fallen disciple , Judas, who betrayed Jesus three times just as Sir Gawain betrayed his host. -- Mike Rossi

King Arthur breaches chivalric code by refusing the challenge of the Green Knight and allowing Sir Gawain to take his place. --Tim Rezendes

Paying close attention to the author's diction, the word 'art' specifically refers to Lady Bertilak's sexual appeal. Lady Bertilak's sexual appeal is enough to sway Sir Gawain in her favor, therefore, she is thought of as smart and powerful, instead of a slut. --Ashley Ducrepin

Since the time of Grendel's defeat, Beowulf has been spiritually and morally stumbling . In the battle with Grendel's mother, his loss of balance reflects his loss of moral balance. --Dante Ferraro

Le Fay's role in this poem was that of an over-powerful female ruler whose intelligence and devious ways allowed her to control one man's life, proving that she is in fact greater than a man. --Stephen Simmons-Uvin

Whilst many masculine villains rely on strength and sheer force to commit their dastardly deeds, feminine villains will use their treacherous mind to ensnare their prey. --Scott Pero

In hopes of maintaining social order, women with radical ideas or women who desired power were ostracized and depicted as masculine, unattractive, and to be feared. This is done so as to create a feeling of dissociation between women and the feeling of empowerment. --Coralie Casimir

Christ was someone who brought the best out of someone by challenging them to step out of their comfort zone and strive to be the best they can be. This was what the Green Knight allowed for Gawain to do. -- Genardy Cenat

Toward the end of the story, green begins to posses different meanings for different characters. Gawain realizes the sinfulness in accepting the girdle and therefore it represents shame for Gawain. However, to the rest of the kingdom, the green girdle represents victory. --Kerri Reaney

Essential Question #4

2010-10-07T09:59:00.000-07:00

Group 1: Create an intertextual analysis of "Beowulf" and William Henley's "Invictus" (Ashley, Nicole, Genardy, Coralie, Coleman, Tru, Tim, and Rachael).

Group 2: Simplify and analyze Hrothgar's parting words to Beowulf, lines 1708-1767 (Christina, Nathaniel, Kevin, Dante, Scott, Kerri, Stephen, Mike, and Riddhi).

Essential Question #1 (Part A)

2010-09-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

How do we create division in our society?
(Ashley, Kevin, Mike, Christina, Rachael, Tim, Nicole, and Riddhi)

Welcome Back!

2010-09-03T09:56:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to be working with a new group of talented young scholars. I look forward to seeing their growth through the written work that they create. As students, I hope that they find this to be both a useful resource for exam review, and a celebration of their successes. This should be a great year!

Highlights from the Victorian Essay

2010-04-26T05:44:00.000-07:00

It seems that the love that accompanies the feeling of appreciation tends to frighten Jane. --Dave Oreste

While Jane often attempts to instill an importance of morality within Rochester, she finds the same morality in St. John stifling. --Macda Gerard

Jane's place in society is continually challenged as the novel progresses. --Andy Medina

After insulting John Reed with a parallel that she made from the History of Rome, John Reed was in shock. He was astonished because she displayed a greater knowledge than she should have.-- Dora Ocampo

Bertha's mental sickness represents the consequences of following such social standards, for Bertha lived a life similar to that of Blanche Ingram. --Daryl Thomas

Jane refused the things that Mr. Rochester gave to her because she wanted her self respect as a woman and did not need a man to lavish her. Jane defies the social constructs of a woman by ensuring that she and Mr. Rochester will be married as equals. --Tabisha Fleurinord

By comparing characters with major personality and physical deviations, Bronte highlights the significance of true love and emotion through Rochester and St. John, the importance of hard work and perserverance through Jane and Blanche Ingram, and the necessity of maintaining an equal relationship through Jane and Bertha Mason. --Genevieve Noonan

The loss of authenticity, the panic of insecurity, and the stigma of being Rochester's mistress led to her escape of Thornfield. --Lu Li

Lord of the Flies Jigsaw

2010-04-13T09:19:00.000-07:00

Students: According to the number assigned to you in class, use the following prompts to facilitate a discussion within your groups. Please post your notes on your blogs.

1-Discuss the dependence of the "littleuns" on the bigger children. Also focus on further division in the group and the balance or imbalance of power.

2- What survival techniques or strategies are used by the boys? They do not have to be only physical.

3-Discuss the presence of evil on the island. Is evil inherent or is it created?

4-Discuss the evolutionary behaviors of the boys and how they progress and/or digress as a society. What factors cause them to evolve or change?

According to the Experts...

2010-04-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

1. Since Ms. Ingram possesses only beauty, Jane decides that she is not capable or worthy of experiencing true, passionate emotions.--Mike Fullerton

2. Jane is not jealous of Ms. Ingram because she knows that her own values are in moral alignment with many of Mr. Rochester's values.--Hannah McCaffrey

3. Ms. Ingram's poor action and attitude shed light on Jane's rich compassion and authenticity.--Macda Gerard

4. Jan would rather live alone with self-respect than to be dependent and let someone control her life.--Tabisha Fleurinord

5. According to Jane, all you need to be successful is self-respect and confidence. True happiness stems from within. Once we find joy within ourselves, we can find joy in outside sources. We should always be proud of who we are. --Genevieve Noonan

6. Bronte reminds the reader of the role of God that humans are not intended to play. Rochester does not have any sense of authority over Jane as God has over us. --Daryl Thomas

7. We can tell that Jane enjoys the company of others. It is ironic that she returns to Thornfield and finds that to be where she is most comfortable and loved.--Andrew Goncalves

8. Love is a powerful emotion that cannot be matched. Love from another is a wonderful feeling. Jane is beginning to understand this. --Andre Medina

9. Is Jane living for herself, or just trying to love for the comfort of others? Is Mr. Rochester her "master" or her future "husband"? --Lu Li

10. One should not think of others as a necessity in his/her life, but solely in addition-- free to stay and free to leave.--Macda Gerard

11. Jane knows who she is. Even though she has been put down in life, she knows she is powerful.--Olga Lithoxopolous

12. Jane feels nostalgic back at Gateshead. Now she believes in herself and in her abilities. She notices she has become stronger and has more confidence.--Dave Oreste

13. Bronte critiques high society for their arrogance and standard for men and women. Women are to be beautiful and men are to be strong, two elements we see strived for in society today. --Daryl Thomas

14. Everyone has a point where they believe they are right, but the fact of the matter is, no one can truly be certain because our relativity to this reality is limited to our perception.-- Billy Lai

15. All men are fallible, but seek perfection when perfection cannot be attained. --Andre Medina

16. They (Jane and Rochester) challenge each other intellectually and leave each other with a desire for more. --Genevieve Noonan

17. ...as a reference to the Book of Genesis which states that women and men are equal, and made in likeness to one another. --Michael Fullerton

18. Jane's trying to tell herself that she doesn't/can't love Rochester because she is afraid of the rejection and embarrassment that she thinks will definitely happen. --Ciara Lynch

19. Jane feels that she now has beauty because she finally found what her life was missing...love. --Tabisha Fleurinord

20. The influence of others on her life is obvious. She likes to feel wanted. This is her ultimate goal, to be wanted. --Dora Ocampo

Jane Eyre Chapters 22-25

2010-03-31T15:28:00.000-07:00

1. More than anything, Jane needs validation. She fears Rochester's love and commitment because she has long been abused by a society that has desexualized her from childhood. She continues to struggle emotionally because she feels unworthy of Rochester's love, and when she seeks this validation, in return, she only becomes the victim of Edward's twisted games. The "Victorian Way" has made it clear that Edward should have this power, and Jane should simply submit.

2. Poor Jane is beginning to lose her way...for a guy. The once rebellious, progressive, and independent individual, has now become a rich man's project. He likes to dress her up (literally) and make her his emotional puppet, when she has never before been uncomfortable with who she is. Jane has accepted her plot in life as a poor servant, but is constantly reminded that it is not "enough" by Victorian standards. Does Rochester really love the real Jane, or does he love what he can mold her to become?

3. What is it that Jane so desperately loves about Rochester? In fact, what is it that any girl loves about the archetypal "bad boy"? Edward is very much the dark horse of Thornfield and sweeps into town as a mysterious, adventurous stranger. Everything about this stranger screams cliche: tall, dark, and handsome, rugged, and disinterested in his wealth. Maybe it is the cliche that brings comfort and stability to the audience, yet brings thrill, seduction, and the long-awaited fireworks to Jane's life. Can we empathize?

Romantic Essay Highlights

2010-03-11T12:36:00.000-08:00

She (Mary Shelley) attempted to quell the excitement surrounding the pursuit of knowledge and believed society should allow the course of life to go its own.--Daryl Thomas

This transcendence of man from the created to the creator results in the birth of a monster that will be a curse to Victor Frankenstein for the majority of the story.--Billy Lai

Frankenstein does not understand nature and its blemishes, and the reader does not understand his intentions given the actions that he took against his own creation.--Andrew Goncalves

The monster was not born evil, the evilness came from a society that shunned and loathed him.--Dave Oreste

Victor's selfish idea to create the "perfect" man led to his inconsistent feelings and mistreatment of the monster, leaving him unhappy and inadequate enough to play the role of God.--Dora Ocampo

Prometheus and Victor's destructions were caused solely by their own shortcomings. They could have been killed, but instead, they were kept alive, only to endure the painful and agonizing consequences of their actions.--Genevieve Noonan

Shelley also uses the motif of light and darkness, one that occurs in the natural world, to further her comparison. She associates darkness and evil with science and the monster. She associates the light with with the knowledge that science is not as powerful as nature, and the two cannot create harmony.--Michael Fullerton

Frankenstein and Prometheus are similar because they both used their knowledge as a passage way to create human life.--Tabisha Fleurinord

While technology has an isolating effect on those who relish in its advancements, a connection with nature can turn around the devastating consequences of technology. Nature is a giving and everlasting resource that can undo the tragic effects technology brings.--Hannah McCaffrey

The monster was born to be hideous and wretched-a seed that was first poisoned by the mania of science and then planted in to the deformed womb of society. This is but a mockery of modern science, which attempts to override the sublimity of nature and overcome the mortality of human life.--Lu Li

Mary Shelley illustrates this concept by providing several foils to help the reader understand and conceptualize Victor Frankenstein as an instrument to his own demise.--Macda Gerard

Wrapping Up Frankenstein...

2010-03-04T12:20:00.000-08:00

1. Mary Shelley's thought provoking criticism forces us to evaluate our own addictions to science and technology, and how these addictions draw us further and further away from the peaceful processes of nature. It is baffling to me that such a young woman (what?!?!?!) was able to make these connections in an era that otherwise stiffled the questioning of society. If we think of Victor as a metaphor for science, or the abuse of science by man, we see just how destructive overreaching can be. Through his own selfish attempts to "perfect" the human race, in essence, he began to destroy it.

2. Poor Stuie! All he wants is a little love and companionship. When he is continuously denied this basic necessity, he reacts as a monster would...out of anger. Through this portrayal, Shelley paints a very accurate picture of the human condition. When we are neglected, we begin to defend ourselves (emotionally) in any way that we can. What happens to a person when they are refused the basics of love, communication, and affection? We should never underestimate the power of our emotions. They can motivate us, bring happiness, and destroy us.

3. As a society, how do we adapt to our stereotypes? When others lower their standards, do we lose our motivation to achieve? Do we become who people want us to be? As an audience, we are left to question Stu's motives in the killing of Will, Henry, and Elizabeth. Is he simply becoming the monster that everyone sees him as?

4. Mary Shelley, frustratingly, leaves us with an age old question: Is evil innate or is it created? Take a second to think of Stu's situation. If you were abandoned by your family, would society step up to help you, or would they shun you? We often see Stu acting on the defense...trying to protect himself from the criticisms and hateful actions of others. He mirrors the violence of his creator (Victor) and, out ignorance, destroys everything that he ultimately wants out of life (companionship). This is exactly why we see him react the way he does over Victor's death. He has destroyed the only person that he truly loves.

5. How does Frankenstein reflect all of the elements of a Gothic novel? What can be said about our misunderstood hero? WHO EVEN IS OUR HERO???

Dora..and then some

2010-02-24T05:54:00.000-08:00

Dora's Hot Seat presentation and Frankenstein pages 1-76.

1. In chapter 10, Shelley makes a very loud comparison between Victor and God. How does Victor contrast a god-like figure? How does he abuse the power of creation? Victor is driven by a need to discover, to learn, to create, and to be all-knowing. This passion leads him to a fantastic discovery, but it is this same passion that emotionally destroys him.

2. Stew (our monster) challenges Victor's motives in his creation and reminds him that he does have an obligation to protect and nurture him, just like any "offspring". This is where we become painfully aware of Victor's weaknesses. His negligence has caused Stew suffer and to commit unthinkable crimes. Shelley's change in perspective in chapter 10, helps us realize the flaws in Victor and sympathize with Stew. "Remember, that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed" (Shelley, 69).

3. Remember that, according to Macda Gerard, God makes everything in his own image and likeness. That being said, how does Victor compare to Stew?

4. In chapter 9, Victor actually contemplates suicide. Remembering Hamlet's emotional journey, what does grief do to a hero?

5. Who really killed Justine? Was Stew really at fault? Could Justine and Will be visible reminders of Victor's flaw?

6. We see, very clearly, that in his time of need, the only thing that comforts Victor is his metaphysical connection to nature. How does this juxtapose his need to understand science. Shelley tries to communicate just how dangerous science can be, and how the need for development and technological growth can destroy us. Victor tries to "play God", but ends up miserable. This is so ironic considering his spiritual connection to anything natural.

Highlights from the Renaissance Essay

2010-02-23T04:53:00.000-08:00

This use of farce is Shakespeare's way of parodying traditional gender roles. The suppression Katherine faces is the suppression of all unquiet women in society.--Hannah McCaffrey

Shakespeare uses the powerful women to indicate that women are not systematically oppressed , and they are able to balance men's power.--Genevieve Noonan

As he is lifted from his burden, in the end he is crushed by the very madness which empowered him.--Dave Oreste

As Hamlet loses his sense of moral and instinctual direction, the only true expression of Hamlet's thoughts and his changing opinion on life and death can be seen through his soliloquies dispersed throughout the play.--Daryl Thomas

He (Hamlet) is torn between his vengeful thoughts and peaceful nature.--Andy Medina

Hamlet's shifting views are like a fire since it starts with a small spark, grows large as it is fed more air, and the burns out, leaving cold ashes behind.--Andrew Goncalves

Hamlet can hate dreadfully, yet he can love passionately; he can be very analytical and contemplate the meaning of life, yet he can also be demented and speak "wild and whirling words".--Lu Li

Essential Question #7

2009-12-18T21:36:00.001-08:00

Do you think that Hamlet has created his own insanity, or has he lost his sense of reality completely? Option 2: How are Polonius and King Hamlet similar?

Highlights from the Middle English Essay

2009-12-13T17:31:00.000-08:00

Alison breaks the mold of submissive women and uses her seductiveness to gain power through making her own decisions about her love life. Although her decisions may not be viewed as morally correct, she is still raising her voice to get what she wants. --Hannah

As the Hundred Years War broke out in England in 1338, kings began to employ mercenary troops to defend their nations. Consequentially, the number of knights dwindled due to the introduction of paid soldiers; the knightly values of honor, friendship, generosity, and loyalty were lost. --Genevieve

The fabliaux genre subconsciously critiqued the social class structure during the medieval era...[its] purpose is not to solely humor the audience. Though the obscene and abhorrent language is used to entertain, it unintentionally was used to analyze the lifestyles and values of the people. --Dora

Chaucer effectively manipulates the Pardoner into being a hypocrite, so he can use this character as a manifestation of the societal mistrust towards the church. --Michael

What exactly is fabliau? Is it a tasty French dessert? --Andrew

This time period brought forth the belief that the church and clergymen were corrupt because the tithes were being used to adorn the churches rather than fulfill works of mercy.--Macda

The story (The Knight's Tale) also shows that the battle was the system of justice used to resolve conflicts. --Billy

Chaucer's beautiful alliterative verse not only offered an unrivalled glimpse into the life and mind of medieval England, but also unveiled the fraudulence of courtly love, the prejudice against women, and the deprivation of a church during the middle ages.
--Lu

As Chaucer intended, each tale called out the imperfections of society with resounding vigor in hopes for mankind to fix its deficiencies...Chaucer now expects his readers to follow his words and to love life with a better sense of moral direction, aware of the temptations laid before them. --Daryl

Essential Question #6

2009-11-30T12:29:00.000-08:00

What parallels can be drawn between the Pardoner's Prologue and his tale? How is this tale different from the other two that we have studied? Think in regards to the Pardoner's voice and how Chaucer's style changes.

"The Knight's Tale" Wrap-Up

2009-11-20T10:50:00.000-08:00

The Construction of a Society

2009-11-17T04:27:00.000-08:00

Oprah is also a nurturer and educator who breaths new life into people who thought themselves hopeless and educates our society about the problems it faces.--Andrew Goncalves

The only real flaw could potentially be the villain, Marc Leger. Villains serve as tests for a society. If society can face a villain and come out successful, then that speaks for the success of that society. --Andrew Goncalves

The ideal society is impossible to come by. Today’s society is unbalanced and imperfect. To have the perfect society there has to be a balance of good and evil.--Andy Medina

His (Jackie Chan's) agility, speed, and martial arts knowledge has made him globally renowned fighter hence he would serve as an enforcer in the society instilling peace and order.--Billy Lai

(Dave) Chappelle allows his jokes to critique society in what it is doing incorrectly. Chappelle offers entertainment, but also direction for society to take. He can also play the role of a procreator.--Daryl Thomas

Megan Fox is the only female and her only role is to be a procreator, so the could be viewed as an injustice. But Mr. Player can always teach her so that she plays more of a dominant role.--Dave Oreste

Angelina is the procreator. She has been adopting children for years now and has been taking very good care of them.--Dora Ocampo

Obama instills hope and comfort , which is what a successful society requires.--Macda Gerard

Madea chose Lil' Wayne as her aide, but also as the law. His intimidating demeanor causes people to stay in their place and follow the law.--Tabisha Fleurinord

The key to my society is having members that can fulfill multiple roles...everyone is hard-working, reliable, and devoted to making the world a better place.--Genevieve Noonan

There would be no religious leaders, educators, or workers. However, religion could develop over time and people would have the freedom to choose their own religions.--Hannah McCaffrey

The Knight's Tale/Billy's "Hot Seat"

2009-11-13T07:34:00.000-08:00

1. What roles do each of the characters fulfill? Where do Mars and Venus fit in to the relationship between Arcite, Palamon and Emily?

2. Pg. 39: Arcite or Palamon, which had the most to suffer?
The one can see his lady day by day,
But he must dwell in prison, locked away.
The other's free , the world lies all before,
But never shall he see his lady more.

3. Think about the relationship between Arcite and Palamon. Is it realistic to betray their bond of brotherhood to pursue their love for Emily? What should they do to obey the chivalric code?

4. Pg. 34: "Whoever bound a lover by law? Love is law unto itself." Does this sound familiar? All is fair in love and war? Do you agree? Don't be cynical! Actually think about being that head-over-heels, crazy, lovesick.

5. Who saw Emily first? Does this mean anything? Does any one person have more of a claim over her?

6. What problems do you foresee for Arcite and Palamon? Think about Emily's relation to the king...

Essential Question #5

2009-11-13T07:30:00.000-08:00

In a detailed analysis, discuss the dynamics of your fictional society. Explain why you chose each of your members, the structure of your society, why your society would strive, and any flaws that you see. Be honest! You will not be criticized if your structure isn't as strong as you thought.

Essay #1 Highlights

2009-11-02T05:08:00.000-08:00

Guenevere...portrays an acquiescent demeanor, as she remains silent. --Macda Gerard

Mary, the mother of Jesus, can be portrayed as a motherly figure for Gawain. --Olga Lithoxopoulos

Meanwhile, Guenevere, queen of Camelot, was unable to escape the same fate of being depicted as a mindless Barbie doll. Women are, after all, puppets of men. --Lu Li

He uses Sir Gawain as an example of their mistakes and how Anglo Saxons have failed to live out Christian morality in their lives as they have with chivalry. --Billy Lai

However, she (the wife) is a double agent, as she satisfies her role as a woman and also serves as a test for Gawain's knighthood. --Andrew Goncalves

Not only did Beowulf immediately gain their trust, but he also exceeded their expectations. --Genevieve Noonan

Though women were disenfranchised in this age, the ones who took the initiative to break gender barriers brought to light a major flaw in all men:pride.--Daryl Thomas

Both Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight allow readers to catch a glimpse into the progression of women's roles in history. --Hannah McCaffrey

In this way she (Wealtheow) is actively increasing the authority of her husband by assuming the lessened role of queen. --Michael Fullerton

Morgan Le Faye's test of Sir Gawain was a difficult one for him to pass because he was not used to a woman being the reason for his failure.--Ciara Lynch

A Couple of Reminders...

2009-10-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

In regards to your college essay...

1. Just because something sad or horrible has happened to you does not mean that you will be a good college student. Unless you only use the horrible experience as a lens with which to magnify your own personal characteristics, you will not write a good essay.

2. Essays should fit in well with the rest of a candidate's application, explaining the unexplained and steering clear of that which is already obvious.

3. "Diversity" is the biggest buzzword. Every college, professional school, or graduate school wants to increase diversity. Address specifically how your diversity will contribute to the realm of campus opinion, the academic environment, and social life.

4. Don't mention weaknesses unless you absolutely need to explain them away. Why admit to weakness when you can instead showcase your strengths?

5. Be honest, but not for honesty's sake. Unless you are a truly excellent writer, your best, most passionate writing will be about events that actually occurred. Write an essay about your life that demonstrates your personality

Did You Pick the Right Topic?

2009-10-29T18:11:00.000-07:00

When finalizing the topic for your college essay, consider the following:

• Have you selected a topic that describes something of personal importance in your life, with which you can use vivid personal experiences as supporting details?

• Is your topic a gimmick? You should be very, very careful if you are planning to do this. Almost always, this is done poorly and is not appreciated by the admissions committee.

• Will your topic only repeat information listed elsewhere on your application? If so, pick a new topic.

• Can you keep the reader's interest from the first word. The entire essay must be interesting, considering admissions officers will probably only spend a few minutes reading each essay.

• Is your topic overdone?

• Will your topic turnoff a large number of people? The only thing worse than not writing a memorable essay is writing an essay that will be remembered negatively.

• If you are presenting a topic that is controversial, you must acknowledge counter arguments without sounding arrogant.

• Will an admissions officer remember your topic after a day of reading hundreds of essays? What will the officer remember about your topic? What will the officer remember about you?

Essential Question #4

2009-10-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

Choice 1: How does "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" follow the archetype of an Old English poem?
Choice 2: Where do we see seduction and lust start to destroy Gawain, our young hero? What is the author trying to tell us?

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Part 1

2009-10-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

Things to consider:

1. How do Hrothgar and King Arthur compare and contrast? Hrothgar was consistently referenced as a hero, but it was no secret that his love of wealth, excess, and "mead" lead to the downfall of the Danes. Does the author of SGGK follow this pattern in creating Arthur's character? How does he/she depict Arthur? Reference lines 85-101.

2. Where do the knights of the round table sit in relation to Guenevere? Why is this so important? P.S. A la dure main means directly next to, or literally "to the hard hand of".

3. Take note that the Green Knight arrived wearing no armor and bearing a sign of peace. This may remind us of our dear friend Beowulf. What causes these men to be so confident...or cocky?

4. The Green Knight is not the only one who is posing a challenge. Gawain is challenging himself and his own courage. This is where we see our hero start to form. Do you still have Cambell's heroic cycle? At what stage is Gawain entering?

5. A quick shout out: Andrew is the man for remembering (twice!) and correctly using the term comitatus. I hope he is not the only one who knows it...

Love According to AP Literature...

2009-10-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

In case you missed them, here a few highlights from our discussion of courting in the 21st century. If we ruled the world...

1. Never appreciate her any less than you did when you first fell in love with her. Never take her for granted no matter how long you are together. Always keep that feeling of initial love.--Michael Fullerton

2. If the date went according to plan, the guy should take her home. Means of transportation does not matter. Taking the 70 can give you an opportunity to snuggle up. Once at her home, tell her you really enjoyed tonight, give her a hug. If you are lucky, the girl should approach for a kiss. From there, you should part ways.--Daryl Thomas

3. COOK! The way to any man’s heart is definitely food. Of course going out to a restaurant for dinner is always good, but there’s nothing better than a home cooked meal.--Dora Ocampo

4. Before your first date, go through a checklist: make sure you smell nice, make sure your breath does not smell, and check to see that your zipper is up. Trust me, these may be basic things but forget one of them, and you may find yourself single in no time.--Dave Oreste

5. "Thou shalt not covet anything that belongs to your friends."
Especially their girlfriends.--Lu Li

6. If someone breaks your heart, do not give up. Keep your head held high at all times...If your heart is ever in a million pieces, buy yourself a quart of cookie dough ice cream and move on with your life. I promise things will definitely get better.--Genevieve Noonan

7. Cherish her for who she is and who she’s not. From her beauty, her intelligence, her hopes, her dreams, to her flaws, her corny jokes, her bad hair days, and everything in between.--Macda Gerard

Essential Question #3

2009-10-18T15:49:00.000-07:00

Option 1: Develop your own guidelines for a courtly relationship in 2009.
Option 2: Develop your own chivalric code for 2009.