Break HW

Hello. I realize that it has been some time from my last blog, but it is important that you all read this one. For the break, I would like you to read Stoppard's play Rosencrantz and Guidenstern are Dead. This is - for obvious reasons - a great supplemental reading to Hamlet. You may be able to find a link to the text online, but I do not know this for sure. My search turned up a few things, but it may be better to purchase the text. The play focuses on the two minor Characters in Shakespeare's play. I will not ask you to do any writing, but I do ask that you actually read the play.

The test is on May 5th, which means we are out of time. You should spend some of your time preparing for the AP lit exam. As we have discussed, this is the hardest AP test you are are likely to take. Please dedicate some time to reviewing terms, m/c questions and stems, allusions, reference materials, etc. Remember, preparing for any test is really a matter of organizing materials and compartmentalizing concepts. Look over old m/c tests to see what kind of questions give you the most trouble. Form study groups, quiz each other and exchange materials. Whatever it is that helps you become better prepared, is what you should do.

Finally to the writing. You need to practice your writing. Look through your study guides and work the prompts. There really is no excuse for not getting the grade you want (3 or better). It is a matter of understanding your weaknesses and addressing them. It is also a matter of outsmarting the test makers. Ask yourselves, what it is they are really looking for? How can you write the kind of response they want? It's about avoiding plot summary, subtle quote integration, sophisticated analysis, and essays that are well-strucured. You need to make sure that you develop your paragraphs fully and explore each idea thoroughly. Look over the sample essays and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.

I would like you each to do at least one 40 minute timed write and bring it in the day we get back from break for credit. You can find these in the study guides you purchased. If you do not have one, figure something else out.

Finally, please read the poetry handouts and complete the poetry terms section. If you have any questions or concerns, please email me. Check the blog occasionally, as I will try to attach some criticism and other readings for you. Have a good break.

I have posted the link to Eliot's criticism of Hamlet in the literature links section. Please read it.

HW 4/5

Hello. For this evening, please read 3.3 and 3.4. If you are part of group 3.4, be prepared to present tomorrow. If you need props, feel free to email me, or visit me in 2047 before class.

I am also assigning the first essay for Hamlet (The Position Paper) to be due in a week. To be clear, the due date is 4/12. No exceptions. If you don't have it then (typed) it loses half credit. If you have misplaced it, please see me. Make sure that it is no more than two pages. Have a good night.

HW 3/31

Hello. Please read 3.2 of Hamlet and be well-prepared for tomorrow's presentation. Remember, Mr. Marx has other things he could be doing, but is taking time from his busy schedule to lecture in our class. So, please be on time and prepared. Have a good night.

HW 3/23

Hello. For tonight, I would like you to make sure you have read all of act 1. Tomorrow we will have a wrap up on the act.  No additional reading assigned for tonight.

HW 3/22

Hello. For tonight, I would like you to complete the handout on Appositives and complete the exercises that go along with it. Then, you should read 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5 of Hamlet. I will put you in groups tomorrow and assign your group a scene to prepare for the class. Have a good night.

HW 3/21

Hello. I hope you all enjoyed today's presentation by Mr. Marx. While we cannot spend that kind of time on each scene, it is a nice to view the play through a theatrical lens.

For tonight, I would like you to read 1.4. Consider Polonius' character here. What purpose does he serve? How is Polonius ever the good confidant to Claudius. How does he seem adept at understanding the game of staying on the "good side of power"?

We will work on Hamlet's soliloquy tomorrow.

Remember to pay your exam fee for the AP lit. The last day to pay in March 29th. If you are having any issues, please let me know. Have a great night.

HW 3/10

Hello. I am sorry for my absence today, but I hadn't been feeling well for a day or so, and woke up feeling a little feverish this morning and decided to stay home. In any case, I wanted to give you a heads up for tomorrow. We will have a timed write on a prose passage. I know it is Friday, but that is the way the cookie crumbles.

I have been reading the Wharton paragraphs and am still seeing many of the same mistakes. If you are not sure exactly how to improve your writing, you should make frequent appointments to see me. It is important that you begin to make a conscious effort to improve your essay writing. I would rather you take more time and prepare better paragraphs than rush through them. For tomorrow's essay, please bring your tone word handout as well as the recent handout on "writing about literature." I want you to use these handouts when you write. I hope you had a good day today. I will see you all tomorrow.