Reading & Reaction Response Posts

Readings

• Act II of Macbeth (+ Reaction due at the beginning of class)
• Meter & Rhyme Section in "Elements of Poetry"
• In Production: Macbeth Through the Years in the Macbeth Sourcebooks & Other Periodical Articles folder (have read by Wednesday/Thursday)

"This is Just to Say" Adaptation (Reminder)

Everyone must try his or her hand at the This is Just to Say Adaptation discussion post.  I announced this weeks ago but forgot to remind you in class, so submit this by Monday (2/4). This will allow you a little creative license, but it will also help you understand the relationship that a writer has with a text that they are reacting to (e.g. Shakespeare and the history of Macbeth).  There are some useful links in the instructions that will aid you in creating your own poetic apology.

Pick a Favorite Set of Adaptations

With Act I of Macbeth under your belt and Act II on the horizon, check out various video adaptations in the Class Video/Adaptations folder.  Although you can use whatever criteria that you want to pick from the choices of Macbeth adaptations, you need to have some justifiable reason for why they are your favorites.  Act I Scene iii is likely a great scene to focus on for issues like setting, culture, dialogue, fate vs. free will, performance, characterization, tone, atmosphere.  It 1) deals with  the first thing you see in the play--the witches (many versions START with Scene iii), 2) introduces Macbeth and Banquo (Banquo and Macbeth), and 3) gives the prophecy and its first fulfillment.  A lot of information to assess whether you like one version over another (think of the examples we covered in class this week).  This will be relevant for an out of class assignment for next week.

Appointment Slots for Conferences Up

The appointment slots to schedule a 30 minute conference to discuss your diagnostic essay are up and ready to go.  Based on the survey results when most people were available (17 people have yet to complete the survey that was due over a week ago, so obviously you were not included in the mix), beginning Monday, February 4th and running through February 21st , there are presently 78 slots for 67 students. Only three people (David Shingleton, Robert Cappuccio, and Brooke Corbett) indicated in the survey that they would not be available during these times, so I can work with you to schedule an alternative date.

It is first come, first serve, so to avoid losing points, schedule early. However, make sure you schedule during a time when you can make it.  A no-show keeps others from using the slot, wastes my time, (and tries my patience); so cancel at least 48 hours before your appointment AND send me an email so I can open the slot back up.  Scheduling a second appointment after a no-show should only be done with direct permission from me (i.e. no double-dipping).