river oaks [english]

"Locks" by Neil Gaiman -- a man telling the story "Goldilocks" to his daughter, thinking of how the story has changed for him, now as a father with his own locks to check... (((shaky video)))

Before you start scoffing and claiming that I am merely killing time until midterms, hear me out. Okay, it's true that this is a perfect time to NOT start anything new, and I do have grading, of course; however, there is more merit to this than you may realize. First, Monty Python -- the British comedy troupe -- has become inextricably associated with all that is "British" in the minds of many. Their educated humor and sharp-minded wit have helped to define what we think of as British comedy, certainly. Their biting satire has taken aim at the British government (and our own), and Britain's monarchy, institutions and social customs. In a sense, their humor (like Shakespeare's) is timeless; no period of history is safe from ridicule (or illumination), and no taboo is too taboo. Second, the movie is a send-up of everything we've studied so far regarding the Middle Ages. They touch on Arthurian Lit and the Grail quest motif (of course), and also feudalism, k

Just in time for midterms.... "At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: 'I have to go to work - as a human being. What do I have to complain of, if I'm going to do what I was born for - the things I was brought into the world to do? Or is this what I was created for? To huddle under the blankets and stay warm?' - But it's nicer here... So you were born to feel nice ? Instead of doing things and experiencing them? Don't you see the plants, the birds, the ants and the spiders and bees going about their individual tasks, putting the world in order, as best they can? And you're not willing to do your job as a human being? Why aren't you running to do what your nature demands?" - Marcus Aurelius Meditations Okay, so maybe studying is not in your "nature"...but it will make your holidays much more pleasant.

EVERYONE has a paper due on Friday! You have until Thursday to read the book you've chosen and to develop an outline for the paper. Please consider all of the following: First, the paper should be a critical analysis of the book, NOT a summary. Your paper MUST have a thesis -- a statement about your central point. You should focus either on a character's development, or on a central theme; some may choose to focus on the historical context of the book (note that this may require a source). As noted, your paper begins with a thesis statement. Your introduction should also include the title and author of the work discussed. Your body paragraphs (probably three) should support your thesis with details and examples from the story itself. Do not paraphrase. Quote and cite examples! Your conclusion should bring the paper to a graceful close. Restate the thesis and main points, but also refer to the larger purpose of the book (in your opinion) and relate it to our world. In

EXAM on Tuesday 12/11 I need to remind you that this is a major grade (100 points) so you'll want to study for it. Below are some suggestions: The best way to study for the Macbeth exam is, naturally, to read it ! If you haven't, then certainly that is the place to start. You have the weekend.... You can also make sure you know the answers to the questions at the end of each Act. Study your notes . You might find something on the exam that I emphasized in class, but which is not necessarily in the textbook. Remember to look at not only the play itself but also the information preceding the play concerning renaissance theater and the historical context of Macbeth . Finally, I've linked some sites below that help to round out our discussion (and our viewing of Polanski's version of the film). Sites of interest (not responsible for content): Royal Shakespeare Company Wikipedia: Macbeth Sparknotes Quiz Enjoying Macbeth Thinkquest: Macbeth

We will have a quiz on medieval ballads on Wednesday, 12/5 covering the ballad form, "Lord Randall," "Edward, Edward," and "Get Up and Bar the Door."   Andrew Lang (19th c) collected ballads -- found here . " The Music in Poetry " discusses the ballad form, while connecting to American Folk Music . PLUS, each of you are required to write your own ballad: at least three four-line stanzas clear and simply beat (three or four per line) sensational subject matter clear rhyme scheme (abab, abcb, aabb) typed The ballad is due Wednesday 12/5.