March 5th:

1. Today we start Shakespeare! We have just finished the Epic poem of Beowulf, and now we move on to our next genre, TRAGEDY!

2. Read and take notes on the Aristotle and Tragedy PPT found HERE: Aristotle and Tragedy PPT

Aristotle's definition of TRAGEDY:
A tragedy is the imitation of an action that is serious and also, as having magnitude, complete in itself; in appropriate and pleasurable language;... in a dramatic rather than narrative form; with incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish a catharsis of these emotions.

3. We will be discussing techniques of How to Read Shakespeare... reviewing over Act 1. Scene 1. of Macbeth. 
How to Read Shakespeare- Handout

Discussion questions (1.1)

What is the purpose of opening the play with the witches?  Shakespeare makes this choice very deliberately; therefore, to gloss over his decision is to miss how he is setting up the play.  Therefore, consider the role of the witches in terms of their role with the battle, their introduction to themes and characterization, and their significance in terms of feminine perceptions/feminism. Why is it good for Macbeth not to appear first?

For Tuesday: Please read Act 1. Scene 2 of Macbeth for class. Take notes and annotate your text.

Class Schedule for the next two weeks:

Monday, March 5th-
Tragic conventiions
How to Read Shakespeare
Act 1. Scene 1 of Macbeth

Tuesday, March 6th-
Have Act 1. Scene 2 read of Macbeth
Beowulf exam prep.

Thursday, March 8th-
Have Act 1 finished of Macbeth 

Friday, March 9th-
Watch first act of Macbeth 

Monday, March 12th-
Have Act 2 finished of Macbeth. 

Tuesday, March 13th-
Have Act 3 finished of Macbeth. 

Thursday, March 14th-
Oral Commentaries- Beowulf 

Friday, March 15th-
Oral Commentaries- Beowulf