On Monday I introduced Shakespeare and the Elizabethan Era to my classes. It was fun. They had an entire list of questions. One girl said her arm was in the air for so long that it turned numb. But I don't call on students who raise their hands every two minutes; it's a hard lesson in patience and a lesson on being polite to speakers who are trying to teach you something. Take that, Arm Raiser!
So far it's been a rough go with Act I of Midsummer. Students are excited to read parts and test their Shakespearean acting chops, but when twelve year-olds bellow phrases like "made love to Nedar's daughter" it's like pressing play on a soundtrack titled Smirks, Giggles, Snorts, and Chortles. I don't blame them though. When I was twelve, I would've done the same, or worse. (I'm a preacher's kid. While growing up, that was good enough reason to wind up in the principal's office.) Anyway, at least the kids are having fun. And when you're twelve, reading Shakespeare should be amusing and experiential in more ways than a mischievous little goblin can complicate a good love story.
So be it.
That's what I keep telling myself.
So be it. So be it.
I've been down this undulating dirt path (like the one Shakespeare walked to London) before. By the middle of Act II the snorts and chortles vanish and they begin to see the mastery of Shakespeare's words as they "act" on them. And when that time comes, I say, "See, I told you so."
My favorite lines from Act I (abridged version):
Hermia: I frown upon him, yet he loves me still.
Helena: Oh, that your frowns would teach my smiles such skill!
Hermia: The more I hate, the more he follows me.
Helena: The more I love, the more he hateth me!
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Reading: The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate - a little slow, but great prose!
Writing: still going on BMS (see to the right)
Running: hibernating for the winter (that's my excuse)
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