Portoflio Reflection

Write a portfolio reflection identifying at least three problems encountered in becoming a proficient reader ans writer and the solutions you implemented to resolve those problems. Support your response with specific assignments or skills taught in class.
Post twice by March 29.

Most Pathetic Character

Who, in the play Romeo and Juliet, is the most pathetic character? Who do you feel most sorry for and why? Support your response with specific incidents from the plot.
Post twice by March 22.

Tragic Flaw

In Shakespeare's tragedies, critics agree that the main character demonstrates a tragic flaw; a flaw that brings him to his doom. Generally, the main character is royalty who would be successful if not for one character trait (i.e. too ambitious, too timid, too forgiving, etc). Romeo and Juliet is unique in that the play has two main characters. Choose either Romeo or Juliet and identify and explain his or her tragic flaw; the one character trait that brings the tragic end to both lives. Support your ideas by referring to specific plot points in the play.

Post twice by Monda, March 15!

Deception

For this week, I want you to consider deception. Have you ever deceived someone the way Juliet does? She tells those around her what they want to hear, but continues to lie to them by withholding the truth. Write about a time when you either deceived or were deceived by someone. Explain the circumstances that led to the deceptive behavior and the consequences of the deception.
When responding to one of your classmate's posts, comment on whether you think the deception he or she encountered was necessary or not. Explain your reasoning.

Honor

Ernest Hemingway once wrote:

"Honor... no matter how dishonest, is as real a thing as water, wine, or olive
oil. There is honor among pickpockets and honor among whores. It is simply that
the standards differ."

What is your definition of honor? Do you have any experiences dealing with honor? Consider situations that involve responding to taunts, name-calling, or fulfilling obligations to family or friends. Is honor always about manliness (machismo) and loyalty?
Has the definition of honor changed over time? Is it consistent across cultures?

Comment once to this post, then once again to the comment of a classmate by Monday, March 1.

The Perfect Mate

This is your first blog assignment. This week, please use this space to discuss the results of "The Perfect Mate" assignment. Were the qualities of the perfect mate that your parents specified the same as those you identified? Or were your ideas about the perfect mate totally different from those of your parents?

Friar Lawrence

Hi Guys!
I hope you are enjoying the snow!
THe two repsonses to this post will not be due until Monday, 2/22. I don't think we are going to see each other at all this week...
So, here it is:
In Act II, scene iii, Friar Lawrence says that "vice sometimes by action dignified," meaning that vice may, in special circumstances, be used for good. This is similar to "the ends justifies the means." What do you think of this idea? Can bad actions be used for good? If they can be, should they be?
Bonus - What action of the Friar's does this line forshadow?
Respond using at least three sentences to this post. Later, respond using three sentences to a classmate's post on this same issue. Both posts must be completed by Monday, February 22.

Welcome

Welcome students! As we read "Romeo and Juliet" I will post quotations and questions for you to think about and respond to here on this blog. My expectation is that you will post 2 entries per week - one response to my quotation or question, and the other response to a classmate. Your posts should be at least three sentences and must demonstrate a high level of thinking/understanding. While I want this blog to be fun, please remember that this is a school assignment so no inappropriate content. You can earn up to 3 points per post - 3 for a high level, thoughtful response which provides strong insight, 2 for a response which provides some insight, and 1 for a response which provides limited or little insight. I will post to this blog on Mondays. You will have until the following Monday to respond with your 2 posts. A good schedule might be to post your response to me on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday and then post your response to a classmate on Thursday or Friday. Just a suggestion! Bookmark this site on your home computer for faster access. :) Please let me know if you have any questions!