Discussion 1- Your thoughts on Act 1 of Hamlet

The foundation of Hamlet is laid in Act 1.
I would like to know what you think is the most interesting aspect of Act 1.

Considerations:

• Language
• Plot
• Dramatic devices
• Characterization
• Anything of considerable importance that you've noticed

Please use MLA citations, and the formal paragraph structure that I have given you in class. Make sure you have a clearly stated thesis from which you argue your opinion(Yes, your opinion ... yes, you can use 'I', judiciously).

This may be a good time to read the Writing section of the website.

Discussion 1 - You say solid, I say sullied

You have 3 choices for this weeks blog. The first choice is for students who enjoy historical context and politics. The second choice allows for you to stretch your close reading muscles. The third choice allows you an opportunity to form a personal opinion, and defend it.

1. Read the entire article for The Prince at Wikipedia. The article is here. How do the ruling characters in Act 1 of Hamlet act in accordance with the principals set forth by Machiavelli?
2. What does the Hamlet's first soliloquy reveal about the him? How does it affect the mood in Act 1? How does this effect you? I am looking for a close reading. If your next question is "close reading?", please read this. It will help. Be careful of the sources that you find explaining close readings; they can be discouraging.
   
3. Poetry is living language. Find lines that speak to you in Act 1. Quote them fully and explain them as best you can. Why do you love these lines? What do they reveal about the characters that speak them, what do they reveal about you- the person that likes them?

All blogs for this semester, unless otherwise stated, are due by Sunday at midnight.

Discussion 2 - You say solid, I say sullied

You have 3 choices for this weeks blog. Please respect the limit if 10 replies per topic as explained in the blog's instructions.

1. Read the entire article for The Prince at Wikipedia. The article is here. How do the ruling characters in Act 1 of Hamlet act in accordance with the principals set forth by Machiavelli?
2. What does the Hamlet's first soliloquy reveal about the him? How does it affect the mood in Act 1? How does this effect you? I am looking for a close reading. If your next question is "close reading?", please read this. It will help. Be careful of the sources that you find explaining close readings; they can be discouraging.
   
3. Poetry is living language. Find lines that speak to you in Act 1. Quote them fully and explain them as best you can. Why do you love these lines? What do they reveal about the characters that speak them, what do they reveal about you- the person that likes them?
   

Discussion 4 - Your thoughts on Act 1 of Hamlet

The foundation of Hamlet is laid in Act 1.
I would like to know what you think is the most interesting aspect of Act 1.

Considerations:

• Language
• Plot
• Dramatic devices
• Characterization
• Anything of considerable importance that you've noticed

Please use MLA citations, and the formal paragraph structure that I have given you in class. Make sure you have a clearly stated thesis from which you argue your opinion(Yes, your opinion ... yes, you can use 'I', judiciously).

This may be a good time to try some of the rhetorical devices I have given you.

This blog cannot exceed 500 words.
The due date has been extended to Wednesday March 28.