What's the Point?

When faced with reading Romeo & Juliet, many teenagers bemoan that the literature is antiquated and out-of-touch with their lives. What common themes or similarities do the characters in the play share with our current society? How might the teenagers of today relate to the teenagers in Romeo & Juliet? Explain.

The Past or the Present

Knowing what you know about Shakespeare's England from the Library Stations or the research project, in which time period would you want to live? The past or the present? What are the advantages to living in both time periods? What are the difficulties? Explain your choice.

How in the heck do I do this?

First, respond to a posting, using the guidelines below.

Then, pick a different post. Use the guidelines below. Read it and read what a classmate wrote. Piggyback on his/her comment. Mark, I agree that...because....OR Catherine, I thought your point was interesting because....

Guidelines aka Blog Requirements:

• Content—say something original. If you agree or disagree, use a different reason why. No credit will be given for unoriginal responses or responses that don’t possess credibility.
• Reponses should be at least (or around) 80 words.
• Academic tone—keep it professional and friendly.
• Grammar & mechanics—Keep in mind this is English class, not a gathering for text-messagers. Spellcheck and proofreading are always in style.
• Due by midnight of the day due—Any post that is put on later will be given NO credit; I give you more than enough time to do this--so do NOT wait until the last minute. The library is open before and after school. Study hall is a great time to use a research pass.
• Must include an author name. I’m not psychic.

Modern-Day Heroes vs. Ancient Heroes

How do modern-day heroes measure up against ancient heroes? Explain using examples.

Everyday Heroes

What's the first thing you think of when you hear the word "Hero"?

Who is considered a hero in our modern-day society? Why do we emulate the people that we do?

What do we value as a society?

Who is your hero?

What qualities make someone a hero? Who is your hero? Explain using examples why.

Should the Odyssey Be Required Reading?

In high schools across the country, and in many parts of world, the Odyssey is a required read for students. Should the Odyssey be required for students to read? Explain why or why not.

Bullies

Why do people often side with bullies? Explain.

Have you ever witnessed an example of a person or a group of people who went against the norm of siding with a bully? Explain.

Questions

You can use this space as a forum to ask each other questions about readings. It doesn't count as a blog post; it's just a way for you to communicate with each other.

Directions for Blogging

Don't forget the word requirement and correct format for blogging.

Each time you have a blog, I will give you 2-3 topics from which to choose. You are to:

• Post an original, insightful, relevant, well-written 80 word (minimum) statement.
• Reply to another student's post (it can be in another category). Responses should be at least 60 words and follow typical formatting guides.
• This only needs to be done for ONE of the blog choices PER unit / blog assignment.
• You will only receive credit for one original post and reply; however, feel encouraged to discuss more if you like.

Connections to other literature, film

What similar settings, themes, or characters have you seen in other literature, film, etc, that mirrors Lord of the Flies? Explain the similarity.

Piggy's Nickname

Why does Piggy even mention his nickname to Ralph if he doesn't want to be called it anymore? Explain.

A Leader or a Follower

Do you consider yourself a leader or a follower? Explain why.
Additionally, if you were on the island, which character(s) would you most likely befriend? Why?