A.P. English Literature October 8, 2012



October 8, 2012 - October 12, 2012
A.P. English Literature

Monday, October 8th:
Read Act 2, Scene 1 and Scene 2
Discussion
Act out
For homework: Find examples of figurative language in Act 2, Scenes 1 and 2; write the examples, identify and explain how they relate to the theme, the characters or the plot.
Act 2, Scene 1:

Polonius is discussing with Reynaldo plans to spy on Laertes while he is at university.
Danskers: Danes
Line 12: you will get more information asking indirectly than directly.
Line 15: pretend you don’t really know him well.  You know his father and his friends, but him slightly.
Forgeries: false stories or lies (line 22)
Polonius tells Reynaldo to spread little stories about Laertes gambling, drinking, fencing, swearing, going to brothels - Reynaldo takes exception to the brothel.
The above things: the drinking, the swearing, the fencing are things that a young man should do and is expected to do, but should not do them to excess.

Going to the brothel would indicate too much licentiousness and moral failure (syphilis was not curable at the time and would bring dishonor on the family).

Men are expected to sow their wild oats. Young men should carouse, drink, participate in sports.
Drift: Catch my drift?  Drift: Purpose; what I am getting at? Scheme.
Prenominate: already named crimes

Figurative language:
Carp is a fish.
Your bait of falsehood take this carp of truth.
Metaphor!!!!!!
Sailing metaphor:
With windlasses and with assays of bias
By indirections find directions out.

Through indirection we will go straight to the truth.

What is the purpose of this scene?

What does this reveal about the character of Polonius?

What does this reveal about the theme, the characters and the plot?

After Ophelia comes in and tells her father about what has just happened with Hamlet, what conclusion does Polonius arrive at? 

 Tuesday, October 9th:
The Vocabulary Unit One homework is due today.
Watch Kenneth Branagh's film, HAMLET

Wednesday, October 10th:
Read Act 2, Scenes 3 and 4
Discussion
For homework: Find examples of figurative language in Act 2, Scenes 3 and 4; write the examples, identify and explain how they relate to the theme, the characters or the plot.

Thursday, October 11th:
Watch Kenneth Branagh's film, HAMLET

Friday, October 12:
Read and discuss Act 2, Scene 5
When we finish Act 2, your Act 2 test will be due.
For homework: Find examples of figurative language in Act 2, Scene 5; write the examples, identify and explain how they relate to the theme, the characters or the plot.


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