Ms. Gutierrez's 8th Grade English

Love at first sight??

Jenn Gutierrez — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:29:37 +0000

Discuss your feelings about the speed of Romeo and Juliet’s romance. On the one hand, it is a two-hour play meant for the stage, and Shakespeare obviously had to scrunch the timeline. On the other hand, does this kind of “love at first sight” romance (which again, is constantly referred to even in today’s culture) help reinforce a false expectation in young people (girls maybe more than boys?)?

As always, support your thinking with evidence from the text.

Romeo and Juliet

Jenn Gutierrez — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 17:48:32 +0000

Discuss your feelings about the personalities of Romeo and Juliet thus far.

Romeo
Romeo is the classic romantic hero–even modern songs use the image of Romeo (“Love Story” by Taylor Swift) to represent what every girl hopes to one day find. However, after having read two scenes of Act I, is Romeo the stuff of dreams? Do you think the love-sick characteristics of the Romeo we currently see in the play is the kind of romantic hero we imaged him to be? Explain your answer and refer to the text with Act, Scene, lines: (i.e.1.2.5-10).

Juliet
So far, most of you have met Juliet. Discuss whether or not you find her personality flattering (intelligent and charming) or insulting (conniving and impatient).

Antigone Question #2

Jenn Gutierrez — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 16:18:18 +0000

Now that we have finished reading both plays, discuss your feelings about the use of suicide in the plays. Do you feel that audiences in 500 BCE felt differently about life than a contemporary audience might feel? Can you think of any contemporary movies that utilize suicide to convey tragedy?

Antigone Question 1

Jenn Gutierrez — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:43:16 +0000

How do you think Sophocles felt about the role of women in Ancient Greece? Do you feel the drama support’s society’s view of women? Or, do you feel that Sophocles was making a bold statement against Greece’s view of women by making Antigone the heroine? Use the text to support your answer and same writing criteria applies.

Oedipus Question 2

Jenn Gutierrez — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:14:22 +0000

Now that we have finished reading the first drama, discuss Sophocles’ potential motivation for this play. Do you believe Sophocles sought to re-strengthen man’s belief in the existence of an all-knowing, all-powerful character of the gods? Or, do you believe Sophocles was attempting to cause audience members to question their understanding of the gods?

In other words, according to the play, was it man’s unquestioning belief in the gods that caused the characters’ tragedy? Or, was it man’s attempt to prevent the god’s will that caused their tragedy?

Live Portal will begin 7:00 p.m. Tonight (Tues., Mar. 30th)

Deadline for response is 9:00 p.m. Wed., March 31st

Same writing criteria as previously. This post is worth 20pts