Monday, October 5, 2009

Macbeth Review for Final Test

5 comments:

  1. So is this test going to be like a socratic seminar, or are we just sort of having intelligent conversation?

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  2. Why are we reading this? I mean what purpose comes out of this blood and struggle for power? How does this effect us?

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  3. Eric, I am under the impression that is part Socratic seminar part intelligent conversation. It sounds like to me that one person will ask a question, and others will answer and discuss it which may lead us to more questions and answers. I was under the impression that we don't have to raise our hands, so that part is more like a Socratic seminar. Also the fact that it is more open seems to indicate more of a Socratic seminar feeling. Does this help?

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  4. Kristen, my guess as to why we are reading it is simply to study Shakespeare. There comes a time in English class where Shakespeare and tragic heros are a big deal. Macbeth is a good choice because it is one of the easier plays to comprehend, but it still has that symbolism and hero's journey steps and all that.

    Sure, I suppose you could take it to a whole new level - the tragic hero relates to so many movies today and we could learn a thing or two from that character but personally I doubt that the English classes are striving to change our lives or something through Macbeth. Through Shakespeare though, possibly.

    And I just thought it sounded like an open discussion. We'll see I guess? I have no idea what kind of preparation to do/should have done, though. I think it's just gonna fall together.

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  5. Thanks that does help, however I was hoping to start a conversation. I think that Mrs. Smith expects us to take the theme of challenging the system to a whole new level. I think she wants us to think for ourselves and go out into the world and challenge systems. I think that she realizes the difference that we can make and through her class she is trying to equip us to make that difference. Yes Shakespeare is celebrated and adored by many teachers but that isn't the only reason why we read Macbeth.

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