Essential Question #7
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
The Construction of a Society
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 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"
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...
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
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
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
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...
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
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?
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?
• 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
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?
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
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...
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...
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
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
Option 1: Develop your own guidelines for a courtly relationship in 2009.
Option 2: Develop your own chivalric code for 2009.
Option 2: Develop your own chivalric code for 2009.