Last Reflection

• What was your favorite lesson this year and why?

My favorite lesson this year was the perks of being a wallflower unit simply because I love that book and the reasoning behind it. One lesson in particular is the personal mix tape we had to create.

• What was your least favorite lesson this year? Why?

My least favorite lesson this year was the essays that we had to do. I hated them but I am so thankful we did them because it helped me so much. I needed so much help with my essays.

• Academically, what have you learned from this class?

I have learned how to deeper my analysis of a literary piece, and understand the deeper and more important meaning of the story by using literary devices. I have also learned how to comprehend poetry on a figurative level.

• What life lessons have you learned from this class?

I have learned not to be afraid of doing what I want to do, because, ultimately, all we want is happiness, so why not give ourselves that by doing what we love no matter how many people disapprove. I also learned that if you are determined, you can do anything.

• What can I change and improve upon as an educator to make this class more beneficial for future classes?

Do more timed writings, and do more reconstructive essay assignments, where you help us comprehend how to write each paragraph. With timed writings it will help better the students for the AP exam even more.

• Final thoughts and opinions

I believe you have did a wonderful job at teaching AP Literature for the first time. You are a major step up from the teacher last year, and you go above and beyond to help us comprehend what we did to. Personally, I wouldn't change much of anything in your lessons that you have taught us this year and going to use for next year because I believe that they are more than good enough to prepare one for the AP exam. This is your calling Mrs. Endicott, you are so good at what you do! and I am so grateful to have learned from you! and I believe I will pass the AP exam lol with a three hopefully!

LRB #4- Novel Project

6. an analysis of the effect of setting -- time, place, circumstances

In the famous short story "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin, one woman refuses to conform with society by expressing her own feelings for the one she truly loves.  Edna, the main character, experiences such events within herself that is normal for everyday life today, but setting plays a huge role in this novel to express Edna's overall change. Her story would not make much sense in a society where divorce is acceptable, and becoming a supported artist regardless of gender; therefore, the story is set back where neither of those are possible, making Edna's awakening more forbidden. As for the importance of setting the story in the Bayou State, the Creole lifestyle plays a key part in awakening Edna to the joys of being open and passionate. Even more importantly, Edna’s vacation at Grand Isle is also a key part of her awakening.

LRB #3- Novel Project

9. a discussion of the title’s significance

The title of the 1801 novel "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin has a in depth and more thoughtful meaning to the plot of the story to represent the overall meaning. The passage tells of a young woman named Edna who experiences life changes within herself while being on vacation with her husband and children. While on vacation, Edna meets a young man named Robert who she begins to develop feelings for. After spending acquainting time together, Robert leaves for Mexico, and Edna is too afraid to express her feelings to Robert; therefore, leaving the island where she is vacationing, and where Robert lives, to go back home with her family.
When Edna resides back at her home, that is when the true "awakening" sets in. She begins to think for herself, and fall more in love with Robert, as if abstinence makes the heart grow fonder. Edna is tired of living the slave like life by being bound to a husband that she had no connection with, and only staying with him truly because of the children. Before, Edna was an absent mother. She cared for her children, but was not a "motherly-woman" as Chopin referred to in the novel. Therefore, after her awakening of viewing life and being her true self, Edna conforms to a more caring mother. She is becoming more eccentric. 
When Robert returns, Edna truly awakens within herself because, now that Robert has confessed his love for her, she now fully refuses to conform with society and choose her own path in her life. She confesses to Robert her love for him, and how she is no longer listening to her husband or anyone, and will not do anything she wishes not to do. Edna has become independent, and that is what the story was about along. She begins to feel emotions such as confidence and love within her soul, and that is how she awakens from her robotic routine she was immune to for so long. 
Edna also expresses the significance of the title through the ending of her life; suicide. By realizing all the situations that appealed to her and her lifestyle, Edna chooses not to deal with the consequences of her awakening actions. She decides to commit suicide.

LRB #2 -Novel Project

17. your opinion of the work, good or bad, supported by specific references from the work

The novel "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin is a very interesting book was written in past times, to show how one woman evolves as she develops feelings she has never felt before, for a man other than her husband. I believe this book is a very well written book that has wonderful meaning behind it, but it a bit hard to comprehend on some levels. Since written in older times, there is more elaborate vocabulary, as well as some French language scattered out through the novel.
Even though the book was just a little hard to comprehend, I managed with my own knowledge to gather up as much information from this well articulated book as I could. There are many lines in the book that could relate to anyone's situation throughout life to help. I absolutely adore one quote that says, "She was moved by a kind of commiseration... a pity for that colorless existence which never uplifted its possessor beyond the region of blind contentment, in which no moment of anguish ever visited her soul, in which she would never have the taste of life's delirium."
That quote in particular is so powerful from the vocabulary to the meaning behind it. I believe Kate Chopin did an excellent job of writing such an intellectual novel, but I would not recommend it to just any young-adult. You have to have a certain interest for books like this one, as well as the comprehension to even comprehend and acknowledge what its talking about, but overall I liked the meaning and storyline of this book.

LRB #1 -Novel Project

1. a general statement of the literary work’s content, a summary or a paraphrase (only allowed once)

 The story "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin is a very deeply interesting book as it begins with the main character, Edna Pontellier, who starts off being a curious obedient woman who obeys her husband and takes minimal car of her two children. The setting begins in Grand Isle where the Pontellier family is vacationing, and there is where the story begins its importance.
While there, Edna meets a young man named Robert who wants to attend to Edna's every need. As he practically worships her, he slowly and secretly becomes in love with her. What doesn't know is that Edna is beginning to develop mutual feelings. Before they know their care for one another, Robert decides to move to Mexico, in attempt to forget his love for Edna as he knows he could never have her. Edna gets very depressed and all emotional due to his absence, but yet she has to go on, and return to her home in New Orleans.
While home, Edna begins an awakening, as she starts to see her life in a different perspective. She becomes detached from her husband and children, leading up to her move out of her house into one of her own. Edna still goes through the stage of awakening from a slave like life she felt she had with her husband, but still wants Robert.
While in a new lifestyle, Robert visits her, and they confess their love for one another then choose to be together, but while in the moment, Edna has to leave to join her friend in her childbirth.
When Edna returns, Robert is gone, to only leave a letter saying,"I love you. Good-by—because I love you"; therefore, she is heartbroken again. She stays up all night, then decides to go to Grand Isles the next day where she visits Robert's brother, Victor, and his friend, Mariequita, declaring she wants to have lunch with them, but first wants to take a swim.
Edna walks out to the beach, all alone, strips down, walks into the water, and decides to drown herself.

Timed Writing Ranks

I chose to give myself, at most, a 6. I chose to give myself that score due to feeling that this essay was my best because I am finally understanding how to analyze, break down, and describe it to an audience in a well formatted essay. I felt as if I actually understood and comprehended the prompt, therefore making it easier for me to write it on paper.

Within my essay I have probably made more common errors than what I just see. Other people reading your paper, notice more than what I notice. I have some errors of big words misplaced, as well as spelling errors. I do believe I am good at grammar in a sense to know how to use "their" and "there", but need more help on complex word choice and how to use it.

I learned by reading the other papers that I don't need to just prance around the prompt, I need to approach it in my essay directly, so I can achieve a better score. If I could go back and change anything, I would definitely broaden my vocabulary, and go more in depth with my analyzation, and make it more clearer to the audience, as well as having a more well organized essay to get straight to the point to make it an 8 or 9.

All aspects of timed writings have helped me tremendously. Practicing it within a time limit shows my weaknesses and strengths, and how to be better. I have learned how to write faster, as well as understand the prompts more quickly. Something that has also helped me is whenever you assisted us throughout a whole essay step by step and broke it down. That truly helped me with my introduction paragraphs especially.

LRB #7

14. a discussion of the writer’s life and its relevance to the work

In The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, there are many controversial themes that carry out to show the prevalent meaning that correlates with the life of the author himself. I believe that Hosseini's life was exactly the same as he wrote Amir's life in the book. The tragic moments that occur in Afghanistan and intersect with personal life in the novel are very detailed as if it had happened to Khaled Hosseini himself. Since he was originally from Afghanistan, and his age falls in correctly with the novel, its nonsense to think that the story was a memoir. All historical events in the novel, are true, with the Hazaras and Pashtuns, as well as the Taliban.
I believe that it all correlates with the writer's personal life, and is very relevant. The story also is broken down to where it can be related to any situation in life, such as any kind of guilt or forgiveness, as well as rape and parental figures and showing emotions. The book touches base with many life lessons, to where I believe many authors do when writing a book. The author will always write about something they have personally interacted with, so they can share it with other people. I, for one, feel that is one important reason about novels and books, to not only inform people, but to help them and share with them your personal experiences, so you can help them as well.

LRB #6

7. an analysis of the work’s symbolism

In The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, the controversial storyline of Amir's guilt of not saving his friend Hassan from rape has key symbols throughout the story. In the beginning, Amir describes being in San Francisco and seeing kites flying, reminding him of his friend Hassan. Which is the pivotal moment for the rest of the story as Amir flashes back to his childhood and explains his guilt. He explains how when he and Hassan were children, they competed in a kite contest. the way it goes is that the last kite standing wins. The goal is to knock all other people's kites out of the air, and by cutting the last kite down, you send a kite runner to catch the "prize" as one could say. Well, in the competition, Amir is the last kite standing, and sends Hassan after the kite he had knocked out of the sky. As Hassan finds the kite, he is corned by older and more wealthier kids that are bullying him because he is a Hazara. They want the kite and Hassan refuses to give it to them; therefore, the boys get angry and rape Hassan, and Amir is hiding and seeing it all happen. Amir is a coward, and does not help Hassan as he gets raped, and that is the guilt he has carried with him since that day.
The symbol of the kite shows Amir's guilt and his incompletion to save something that is important to him.
At the end of the book, Amir has saved Hassan's son, though the boy does not feel worthy enough to be saved, so he attempts to kill himself. Amir takes him to the hospital and begins to pray and say, "I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night.” (p. 359)
Therefore, referring to revenge, Amir questions if he deserves the death of Sohrab, for not saving his father, but the boy lives, and comes to stay with Amir in America.
Later, they go to the park, and Amir sees kites flying. He buys Sohrab one, and starts flying one for him. They begin to get into a kite contest with other kites, and Sohrab's wins. Amir asks if he wants him to chase it down for him, and he says yes.
That moment shows how the kites represent not only Amir's guilt, but how it is finally lifted off of him. He feels relieved, and can finally make up for what he did by chasing down a kite for Hassan's son in respect.
It is like the roles had switched in some way to balance everything out.

LRB #5

your opinion of the work, good or bad, supported by specific references from the work
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, in my opinion, is a very controversial, yet amazing book that teaches our generation not only about some of the world's most important history, but also opens eyes to new cultures and one interesting story along the way. I personally love this story because it shows me how Afghanistan used to be, and how it is today.
The touching storyline that has all these amazing details within it. Hosseini truly created a tear-jerker. The character Amir that I love and hate all at the same time continuously keeps me hooked throughout the story of his life; as well as how he battles with the regret of his childhood friend getting raped. Also, how Amir and his father's relationship is very touching how it evolves through the book.  
Overall, this story is very good in terms of everything specified to be categorized as a good book. I would recommend that every young adult should read it, because it will truly change the way you see things.

LRB #4

a discussion of the title’s significance
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

The title of the amazing novel wrote by Khaled Hosseini has a very powerful and significant meaning. Considering that the book is based upon a storyline of a person who regrets something very traumatizing that has happened in his life. His dear childhood friend Hassan was helping him win a kite flying contest when the tragic moment occurred. In this game, one's goal is to knock your other opponent's kite out of the sky, and if you knock out the last one, someone has to fetch the falling kite to win. In the story, Hassan fetches the kite because Amir wins, but since Hassan is looked down upon because of his ethnicity, things went wrong.
Hassan got teased and raped by boys just as he was fetching the kite, and Amir saw it all happen; which is the most traumatizing moment he has ever experienced. He did not do anything about it, and has regretted it ever since. So the phrase "The Kite Runner" is very significant simply because that moment in his life, when he sent Hassan to be his kite runner, it became the worst memory placed in his mind. Therefore, showing the significance of the whole story of Amir's life and how he deals with his regret.

LRB #3

a statement relating the work to your experience or ideas
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The Kite Runner is an amazing book that shows regret and many other things. As I have read along with it, I catch myself seeing similarities of situations that are in my life. My life has been a roller coaster of emotions, and as I have read, Amir's life seems to be the same. He regrets not helping Hassan, and feels guilty, as well as sleep deprived and depressed. He is also dealing with a self battle to win over Baba's undivided attention and praise. He says, "There was a monster in the lake. It had grabbed Hassan by the ankles, dragged him to the murky bottom. I was that monster." (Hosseini.chapter8.page86) He had totally convinced himself that he was absolutely horrible, which is entirely untrue.
His father does not show him enough attention, therefore messing with Amir's emotions and his whole life. My life seems similar. My mother is an absent parent from my life, and that sometimes causes me to be bitter in ways that I shouldn't, towards people who don't deserve meanness. I have chosen in the past not to help people simply because I have told myself that they deserve it. When in reality, I chose not to help them because I want them to suffer, and feel bitterness life I do, which is a horrible thing to do; but with people who are in these situations, one doesn't know that they are causing pain to others by being in pain.
Hurting people hurt people; which is so true because this book displays it perfectly. Now I am not saying this book is filled with just hurt and sorrow, but it has life lessons that teach through the text and on each page through a life story of a person who regrets things that he has done. It also teaches forgiveness for someone, and for yourself, which is a hard thing to do in life. I believe this book has showed me skillful things for many situations in life, and has touched my heart tremendously. I have enjoyed it simply because it correlates with my life so much.

LRB #2

4. a discussion of the role(s) played by minor character(s)

In The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini there are few minor characters that have a significant meaning, and one  in particular is Hassan's father, Ali. He does not have much say but being in the setting represents Hassan's reasoning for being important; therefore, Hassan is a major character in the book. Ali was first Baba's servant when they both were young, and now his son and himself work for Baba and his son Amir. Baba's and Ali's relationship is a platform of how Hassan and Amir are so close, and Ali has significance in such.
Whenever Amir sees what happens to Hassan in the alley, that scars them both. All the while Amir thought Hassan did not see him get raped, but he knew he was watching. He told Ali privately, and when Amir had finally got tired of feeling guilty and tried getting rid of Hassan, Ali stepped up and spoke for Hassan and for himself by telling Baba, "Life here is impossible for us now, Agha sahib. We're leaving." (Hosseini.chapter9.page106)
By saying such, Ali, as a minor character, shows his significance by standing up for his son Hassan who puts major impact and symbolism on the plot and overall story. He is significant to the plot.

LBR #1

a discussion of the validity and development of the theme(s)
The Kite Runner

In The Kite Runner written by Khaled Hosseini is a very controversial story that carries many themes such as selfishness and violence, that have fluent relevance that develop more and more throughout the story. Hosseini uses character's actions and plot to reveal such themes that relate to the story, as well as connecting to show and help the audience see the over all meaning. The narrator, Amir, is reflecting to his past as he explains the events that had happened to him that changed him into the person he is today. He soon begins to describe his servant's son Hassan, as his friend, and the memories that they had together. Those memories being told shows the selfishness and jealousness Amir had towards Hassan, as he states in the book after reading a story to Hassan saying," Taught by Hassan, of all people. Hassan who couldn't read and had never written a single word in his entire life. A voice, cold and dark, suddenly whispered in my ear, what does he know, that illiterate Hazara? He'll never be anything but a cook. How dare he criticize you?" (Hosseini.V.pg. 34)
This statement shows the audience that whenever Hassan corrects Amir, he despises it, and resents Hassan,, and his subconscious fills his mind with selfishness, but yet he is still friends with Hassan, and feels guilty for thinking such things.

Taming of the Shrew: Act 4 & 5

Act 4

1.

How is Petruchio's masculinity represented? Examine his treatment of servants, Kate, etc. He manipulates Kate's words around and takes things away from her that she wants, as if he says the moon is pretty and she replies it is the sun, he will reply taking away something she wants to do which is go to her father's home, then that changes her mind to start agreeing with whatever he says.

2.

Many critics mark the sun/moon scene in the road to Padua (scene 5) as the turning point in the play which indicates Kate's taming. What is different about this scene? If she is tamed, what is she submitting to? Is it really a "submission," or can it be interpreted in other ways? She is tired of arguing with him over pointless things that do not really matter, and Kate knows he is acting that way purposely to tame her and finally she just gives in, and begins to be obedient.

 

Act 5

1.

Analyze Kate's final speech. Is she sincere or ironic? Should we take her at her word? Or should we imagine a gap between what she says and what she means? Does the context of her words change their meanings? What are different possibilities in performing this scene? Kate is sincere as she tells her final speech, and we should take her word for it, because she has represented her words with actions of changing into something better for herself and others. Another possibility to approach the lecture to the women is to explain her own situation to them, and how it changed her personally.

2.

What happens to the power dynamics in this scene–between mem and men, women and women, men and women? Men to men are very equal even though they all think they are the best and have the best; always trying to outwit one another. Women to women are very jealous of one another and try to bring each other down, but yet some positive there because women look out for one another. Men to women is more of a dominance role play, because the female is supposed to be controlled by the male; to love him and serve him as a loyal wife "should".

Taming of the Shrew: Act 2 & 3

1.

How does Petruchio "tame" Kate? Consider how he seems to define their roles. Petruchio tames Kate by talking with her and saying nice things to her even though she is a hard pill to swallow. He also ignores the fact that she is still being rude while he is trying to woo her. He also tells her that her father is forcing her to marry him so that gives her a little push to actually enjoy Petruchio's company or anyone's at all considering no one ever wants to be with her.

2.

How does Katherine act in the scenes where she says little or nothing? For example, in Act 2, scene 1, how does Katherine behave when Petruchio reports on his success in wooing Kate and in their plans for marriage? Because the text provides little explanation, you must decide how she would act based on your interpretation of her character from previous scenes. To my interpretation, Kate seems to be mumbling and grumbling under her breath and kind of expressing she's not so happy about the marriage but is going along since she is being forced to marry Petruchio. I believe in the back of her mind she is kind of very happy that a man really wants to be with her but she doesn't express it because she has a chip on her shoulder. 3. imagine viewing this play in the Elizabethan era. Identify 4 moments of comedy.  -when the Lord is all for playing a big joke on Sly, the drunkard.  -Petruchio exclaiming that he is the plan with the plan and is going to tame Kate.  -The Lord making his page dress up as a woman.  -Petruchio walking into his own wedding looking like a hot mess.   4. Disguise is a major theme in TotS. What famous Bible story involves deceit and disguise?   The story of Jacob and Esau that involves disguise and deceit. Esau was the favorite child of him and his twin Jacob from his father. Jacob did not like that; therefore, he disguised himself as Esau as he was hairy, so Jacob wore sheep skin and went to their blind father and took Esau's birthrights from him.

Taming of the Shrew: Incduction and Act 1

Describe each character:

• Katherine- rude and outspoken, and seems to have a chip on her shoulder
• Bianca- quiet and naïve, also very well mannered and respectful
• Gremio- an old man who is greedy, conceited, and in love with Bianca
• Hortensio- sneaky and blinded by love for Bianca, also would do anything to get her
• Petruchio- a man who is very wealthy and odd, and wants Kate mostly for her money
• Lucentio- a honored man, who is blinded by love and will do anything to get what he wants
• Compare Katherine and Bianca to modern day people- sort of like Cinderella and her two stepsisters, no one wants to be with the stepsisters but the mother wont let anyone get near Cinderella because she is their slave.

1.

The Induction portrays role-playing. Who acts the part of whom? Why? How does such role-playing address issues of gender and class? What effects might these representations have on the play? The Lord portrays a servant, and the page portrays a lovely wife. Sly is being portrayed to himself by the Lord, page, and others that he is a King or very high royalty to play a joke on him. The play issues playing a woman was something looked down upon so lower class people played those parts.

2.

From the outset, we learn from Bianca's suitors that Katherine is the less desirable of the two sisters. Examine and question this claim. How are Biance and Katherine different? What makes Katherine rather than Bianca the shrew? Bianca is rather quiet, sweet, and well mannered, while Katherine is the total opposite, which is that she shares her opinion, very independent, and very rude. Katherine is more of the shrew because she is so sour and harsh towards everyone including people who try to be nice to her.

Movie Review: "O"

The well-known film, "O" directed by Tim Blake Nelson and written by Brad Kaaya, is a loosely updated adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Othello". The movie was supposed to be originally released in 1999 but was held for several years due to the Columbine high school shooting because of gun violence taken in the film. Placed in a private high school setting, "O", recreates the form of unity between Othello, Cassio, and Iago as they are all members of the army, and in the film, they are members of a basketball team.  O, Oden, is portrayed as Othello who is played by Mekhi Phifer, Hugo, O’s main man, is portrayed by Iago who is played by Josh Hartnett, and Desdemona which is portrayed by Desi in the film which is played by Julia Stiles.

Though this is based off of Shakespeare himself, Kaaya creates a more simple understanding and adapts the story to modern day times, and also creating it to be relatable to young people. O is the outstanding recruited African American basketball player who gets all the glory and praise. The basketball coach, who is Hugo’s father, and also ironically named “Duke”, praises O and believes he is the best; Those feelings trigger what happens to be the most similar characteristic of the two stories, and that is Iago’s villainy.

Oden and Othello are similar in many ways, but one way there is difference is that Nelson fails to show the true humbleness of Othello’s character Oden, simply because in Othello, he is a true and humble man who never betrays. In “O”, Nelson projects Oden to have a strong hardship that leads him to do drugs and have violence in him, causing to fight with Mike at practice. Even though the two are different, they still carry similarity.

Oden’s role on the court as a dominating African American basketball player runs well with Othello’s character. Both are appraised and loved by all, looked up to and respected, which shows the true depth of Shakespeare’s original creation. Phifer portrays the role well as he makes the audience feel the sadness that he is feeling, as well as having sympathy for him because he is being betrayed by Hugo (Iago).

Hugo and Iago carry many similarities as well that show the evil rage buried within. Whether it be Iago wanting Othello’s head position as well as hating him for being suspicious of sleeping with his wife, or Hugo being jealous of Oden because his own father treats him better therefore being rejected and jealous of him on the court having the position he has as MVP. Both show the motives of Iago/Hugo’s wickedness that drives him over the edge to do absolutely whatever he has to do to end “O”. Even more similarities fall into place with his lovely girlfriend Emily (Emilia) that Hugo doesn’t care much for but seemingly likes to use her for his revenge towards Oden. Hugo is just as evil as Shakespeare’s original Iago, which Josh Hartnett portrays very well in every aspect.

Desdemona is one key role in Shakespeare’s “Othello”, and also becoming an important role of Desi in “O” as well. Throughout the play of “Othello” Desdemona is a very loyal sweet sincere woman who loves Othello even when he has attempted to kill her and does eventually kill her. She stays loyal to the end. Just like the film, “O”. Desi is upset with the way Oden has been recently acting and she knows there is something wrong and she cannot fix it, but therefore she stays with him anyways, even on her death bed; one big similarity. Julia Stiles recreates Shakespeare’s original feeling of Desdemona, and makes it come to life in the film, which makes the audience become very heart felt for her, as she is being horridly betrayed just for loving the man of her dreams.

The very controversial film “O” by Tim Nelson has the same plot summary as Shakespeare’s “Othello” just with some minor touches. Giving that it is based in today’s time, with drugs and alcohol, some divisive factors from the original story still carry over and that is what makes it a success. Racism and Sex are two major keys of the story that keeps the ball rolling to have such a traumatic ending that still occur today. Shakespeare is very relevant to any situation upheld today, it just needs a little modification to fit into terms with society today, which Tim Blake Nelson and Brad Kaaya did very well.

 

 

"O" is rated R (Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian) for violence, strong language, drug use

 

O

Directed by Tim Blake Nelson; written by Brad Kaaya, based on Shakespeare's "Othello"; director of photography, Russell Lee Fine; edited by Kate Sanford; music by Jeff Danna; production designer, Dina Goldman; produced by Eric Gitter, Anthony Rhulen and Daniel L. Fried; released by Lions Gate Films. Running time: 91 minutes. This film is rated R.

WITH: Mekhi Phifer (Odin James), Josh Hartnett (Hugo Goulding), Julia Stiles (Desi Brable), Martin Sheen (Coach Duke Goulding), Andrew Keegan (Michael Casio), Rain Phoenix (Emily) and Elden Henson (Roger).

Othello: Act 5

1. At the end of this scene we witness the murder of several characters. Did this ending satisfy you? Why or why not?

 

Yes, in a way, because in the end, Iago gets caught and gets what he deserves, Othello finally realizes the truth, and even though so any innocent people die, to me, true justice is served.

 

2. This play is considered to be one of the greatest tragedies of all time. Why is it so tragic (avoid the answer: they all died).

 

It is so tragic because of the manipulation carried throughout the story. This story shows true character of some people in this world, which is really tragic. People cheat on their loved ones, people are greedy, people are selfish, people lie to horrid extents, and people kill. To me, that is some of the most tragic things in life.  

 

3. What does the handkerchief symbolize?

 

The handkerchief, to Othello, symbolizes loyalty and love to Desdemona from him, and when he finds out that she has given it away, to him, he feels like her love for him has faded, and she has turned his love for her into something useless. The love is no more.

 

4. Examine Othello's last words. What do these words show us about him?

 

That is a true man who owns up to his mistakes even though it has ruined him. He admits to being a fool who trusted too much and was naïve to what was going on around him. Othello is ashamed for not understanding what trick that was being pulled on him, but he owned up to being such a fool.

Othello: Act 4

1. In Act 4 we learn the character of Desdemona. Choose two quotes that you believe best illustrate her character.

-I’d never do such a bad thing, not for the whole world!
  Desdemona is shown as a honest woman in my opinion, and she is truthful to admitting she would never be a "whore" and she believes it is a truthfully bad thing.
-That’s not what I wish. I love him even when he’s harsh and mean—Help me unpin this, would you? I love even his stubbornness, his frowns, his bad moods.
  This quote shows that she is a loyal woman to Othello, and sticking by their marriage by dealing with him when he is mean and rude sometimes.

2. How is Othello changing in Act 4? What is the effect of his public humiliation of Desdemona by slapping her?

He is becoming more bitter at heart and turning evil to get revenge on Desdemona and Cassio. He does not care about his reputation anymore because he thinks it is already ruined so why not express how he feels inside? So he acts out and feels betrayed.

3. At the end of Act 4 we get a glimpse into the private world of women. How does Shakespeare portray this world?

 

The women are curious, and talk about other women they think are less valuable than them, and wondering how some women could do such a thing. Shakespeare has portrayed them to be very emotional, and they want to fix everything that is going on in their life.

 

4. Analyze "The Willow Song". What is the literal meaning of this song? What does this song symbolize?

 

In the song, the woman's husband has cheated on her, and she is sad and crying; saying that she deserves this punishment. This song symbolizes the feelings that Desdemona feels inside from the situation that is going on.

Othello: Act 3

1. What is a tragic flaw? What do you believe is Othello's tragic flaw? What is your tragic flaw? Explain.

A tragic flaw is something a person has about themselves that can bring them harm. Othello's is that he is very naïve and very oblivious. My tragic flaw is that I am very gullible. I always feel bad for someone and take them in and always avoid conflict and help a person out, when in the end, I end up getting tore up and just used.

2. Below is the Shakespearean and modern version of Othello. Examine the quote about a good reputation. What does Iago mean through this quote? How valuable do you believe a reputation is? What is your reputation? What kind of name do you have amongst others? 

"A good reputation is the most valuable thing we have—men and women alike. If you steal my money, you’re just stealing trash. It’s something, it’s nothing: it’s yours, it’s mine, and it’ll belong to thousands more. But if you steal my reputation, you’re robbing me of something that doesn’t make you richer, but makes me much poorer."

"Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,

Is the immediate jewel of their souls.

Who steals my purse steals trash. 'Tis something, nothing:

'Twas mine, ’tis his, and has been slave to thousands.

But he that filches from me my good name

Robs me of that which not enriches him

And makes me poor indeed."

What Iago means is that when someone ruins your reputation, you lose certain potential that your reputation had you built up to have. You also lose relations with people, and have broken friendships. I, therefore, believe a nice reputation is good to have but it isn't everything, because a reputation is what society views you as, not yourself; and to me, as long as I feel that I am doing what is right and staying true to myself, that is all that matters. I believe I have an okay reputation of myself. People tend to view me as the one who is always out there, and dresses out of the box, and to be creative, and very LOUD. lol

 

3. Connect this quote to another film/movie/book or to your own personal life. 

Ideas can be like poisons. At first they hardly even taste bad, but once they get into your blood they start burning like hot lava.

Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons

Which at the first are scarce found to distaste,

But with a little act upon the blood

Burn like the mines of sulfur.

In my life, ideas have been ran across to me by people, and it is my choice to listen to it and take it to heart, or just shrug it off. But every idea is poison in a way, because it seems to be the potion to cure of how one feels, but it isn't always. In my life, there have been many ideas, but only few have actually been true.

Othello: Act 2

1. Choose one of Iago's soliloquies (end of 2.1 or end of 2.3) and thoroughly analyze it. 

As you analyze think about the following questions:

1. What is Iago saying?

2. Figurative language?

3. How is his rhetoric? His tone?

4. What is he revealing? Revealing about himself?

Iago is discussing to himself how his plan to ruin Othello and Cassio is going to play out; also explaining another motive to keep pushing him to fulfill the evil plan he has created. One example of figurative language in Iago's soliloquy is when he states, " I love her too, not simply out of lust, but also to feed my revenge" which represents a personification because lust cannot feed his revenge. Iago's rhetoric is very persuasive as he exclaims his plan to end Othello and wrath of hate towards him. His tone is carried by bitterness and evil to succeed in his master plan, as well as revealing to the audience how truly sneaky and mischievous he is.

2. In Act II Iago launches his plan to destroy Othello. What is his motive? Jealousy? Racism? Is he opportunistic? A sociopath? All of the above? None of the above? Use TEXTUAL SUPPORT. 

 

Iago's motive to destroy Othello is that not only does he believe he is not worthy to be a general, but he is jealous of him as he is suspicious that Othello has slept with his wife, as well as being a little racist as he does not like that he is black. Iago is also very deranged and a sociopath. He violates the rights of others such as his wife. This behavior is often criminal. He pronounces to Desdemona that, "No, it's true, or if it’s not, I’m a villain. You wake up to have fun, and you start work when you go to bed" about his wife and all women. Iago also disgraces his own wife by saying, "You make yourselves sound like saints when you’re complaining about something, but you act like devils when someone offends you."

 

3. Choose another character (from film, books, etc) that reminds you of Iago. Explain

In the movie, Frozen, a prince who is 12th in line for the throne is impatient to having power, so therefore he tricks prince Anna into marrying him, pretending to be romantically in love with her, then she is near death from an accident, the prince refuses to save her, and wants her to die, so he can ultimately have the power. The prince is related to Iago because he is pretending to be loyal to her, when truly all he wants is power.

3. Create two discussion questions from Act II that you would like to discuss with the class.

 

-Do you believe Iago's master plan will work?

-Do you have sympathy for Iago and think what he wants to do is okay, or are you against it?

No Fear Shakespeare: Act 1

1. What conflicts do you already see beginning to emerge? Choose two quotes from Act I that expose these conflicts. Explain why each quote is significant and what it reveals about the characters. 

 

-That’s how I always do it, getting money from fools.
Iago
He is talking about Roderigo, and how he is tricking him. This shows that Iago is very evil and mischievous. He is going to start very big conflict with the Duke, and many others if anyone finds out about his secret plan to ruin Othello.
-Keep an eye on her, Moor. She lied to me, and she may lie to you.
Brabantio
He is becoming a very bitter man and is not only very upset with Othello at heart, but his own daughter. Since she has lied to him about her loved one, it has caused a change of view towards his daughter. This is already causing conflict with the couple, especially his daughter.

2. Create three discussion questions of your choice based on Act I

-Do you believe Iago's secret plan will pull through and succeed?

-What is your view on Brabantio's outrage, do you believe he should be bitter with his daughter or understanding?

-Do you think that Othello will truly stop the Turks from taking over Cyprus or do you think his wife will distract him?

3. In a paragraph each, analyze the character of Othello and Iago (so far). 

-Othello is a very humble and honest man. He has worked very hard to have the job he has, especially dealing with all the accusations. He is very loyal, seemingly very brave and willing to do whatever it takes to do what is right for Cyprus. He also has a true heart of love for Desdemona, despite the forbidden love that her father disagrees upon, he truly loves her and does not want to lose her. Othello is also slightly blinded to his officer Iago who truly despises him.

-Iago is a conniving, and secretive. He is selfish and set out to only get what he wants which is to have Othello's job. He plans to turn everyone into fools so that he may get what he wants. Iago is also very tricky, faking to care about Roderigo as a friend, and as well as Othello. He plainly hates Othello and pretends to be loyal to him, when truly he could care less about him.