Question for October 31: "To His Coy Mistress"

Andrew Marvell's "To His Coy Mistress (pages 1703-04) can be divided into three parts, beginning on lines 1, 21, and 33.  In your own words, summarize these three sections in a sentence each.  Then discuss and explain the meaning of one of the poem's many figures of speech or literary devices (metaphysical conceit, metaphor, simile, personification, connotation, irony, etc.).

Question for October 26: Corinna

Like Donne's "The Flea," Herrick's poem, "Corinna's Going A-Maying" is a famous carpe diem poem. 
1.  What are the major differences between Donne's poem and Herrick's? 
2.  What does the speaker in Herrick's poem seem to be urging Corinna to do, and why?
3.  Do you think Herrick is being playful, or does he have a more serious message in his poem? 
4.  How does Herrick differ in his use of religious terminology?  (You need not answer all of these questions.  Choose one that appeals to you and builds upon the comments of your classmates.)

Question for October 24: "The Canonization"

For Monday, let's continue our practice at analyzing poems by tackling a rather complicated example, "The Canonization," by John Donne.  We can start by recognizing that the poem is a little dramatic monologue, with the speaker of the poem addressing an imaginary listener.  Let's let the the first commenter analyze the first stanza.  The second person to make a comment can agree or disagree with something the first student said, then comment on stanza two.  We can continue this for three more people, the third person explaining the third stanza, the fourth explaining the fourth, and the fifth the fifth.  Subsequent students can choose any stanza and add to the remarks already made.  Remember that you can define words, locate the main subjects and verbs so as to understand what is being said, and try your hand at explaining the metaphysical conceits.

Question for October 21: Lyrics of John Donne

In class tomorrow, we will practice annotating poems.  Get us started by choosing one stanza from "The Flea," explaining any annotations you would make, and analyzing the meaning of that part of the poem.

Question for October 19: King Lear, Act 5

"As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods; / They kill us for their sport."  4.2.37-38.  Gloucester speaks these words after he is blinded, cast out, and betrayed by his son.  By the end of the play, both good and bad characters have died.  In the world of the play, is the universe indifferent to matters of good and evil?  Is there just punishment for evil?  Is virtue rewarded?  What do you think, based upon your reading of King Lear?

Question for October 17: King Lear, Act 4

"O, matter and impertinency mixed!  Reason in madness!" says Edgar in 4.6.171-72, in response to a speech Lear makes after he has indured the storm of the previous night.  In his torment, Lear has gone mad (in the sense of insane, not angry).  The play is filled with characters who are foolish, or mentally deranged--or who pretend to be.  The Fool is "foolish," but speaks with wisdom.  Edgar pretends to be insane to escape the insanity of a world which has put a price on his head, although he has done no wrong.  What about Lear?  Why has he gone mad?  Are there any benefits to being "mad"?  What does Lear lose by being mad?  What does he gain?  Comment upon Lear and his madness, as seen in Act 4.

Question for October 14: King Lear, Act III

It could be argued that Lear's command, "Saddle my horses," near the end of Act I summarizes Lear's discoveries in Act I.  By the end of the first act, Lear has an inkling that he has made a big mistake by trusting in the love of Goneril and rejecting Cordelia.  He must ride away from the daughter he earlier believed would take care of him.  In the same way, the commands of Regan and Cornwall to "Shut the doors," and lock Lear out, at the end of Act II, summarize what happens in that act.  Lear is shut out not only from the warmth of Regan's castle, but also from the possibility of any warmth in the hearts of his two oldest daughters.  What lines do you nominate from Act III that serve a similar summarizing function?  Explain your answer.

Question for October 12: King Lear, Act II

For Wednesday's blog, let's consider the subplot of the play, Gloucester and his relationship with his two sons, Edgar and Edmund.  How does Gloucester resemble Lear?  How do the sons' motivations parallel those of Cordelia, Goneril and Regan?

Question for October 10: King Lear, Act 1

In Act I, Lear and his favorite daughter have a terrible quarrel.  What does Lear want and why doesn't Cordelia give it to him?