I so much enjoyed hearing everyone's thoughts about their literary choices, in our Book Club.
It was so valuable to really LISTEN to opinions about books we may all have dismissed, had we not taken the time to pay attention to each other. I would not have considered reading a fantasy, or a Vampire book, for examplel, but after listening to Lucinda, Lyndel, Rosie and Georgia, I'll reconsider. And the amount of publicity over The Horse Whisperer flashed warning lights for me, but now perhaps I must read it also!
Wouldn't it be good to have a Book Club if we had the time next year? But, life will get in the way. So let's just say that we'll continue to read and pass on our thoughts to whoever will listen!
I'll attach the list of all our novels. And one final task:
I'd like everyone to select a book was discussed in our Book Club, and read it over the summer break. Be brave. Give something new a go. And I will to.
Thanks for a great year. JC
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
SWPL and more
http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com
Hello,
This is the link to the site we were talking about today.
There is a tab at the top labelled "Full List of Stuff White People Like". Scanning down it, I found that #99 is "Grammar". I couldn't resist reading this post, and yes, there I was , reading bout people like me who are bothered by incorrect punctuation and poor grammar. And I am proud of it!
We're drawing to an end of our blog, aren't we? Makes me a little sad. JC
Hello,
This is the link to the site we were talking about today.
There is a tab at the top labelled "Full List of Stuff White People Like". Scanning down it, I found that #99 is "Grammar". I couldn't resist reading this post, and yes, there I was , reading bout people like me who are bothered by incorrect punctuation and poor grammar. And I am proud of it!
We're drawing to an end of our blog, aren't we? Makes me a little sad. JC
Saturday, October 16, 2010
The Cannon
Hello everyone,
Have you heard the term "cannon" applied to books, or authors? It means a list of books which are generally accepted , or considered, to be worthy of reading for generations after they were first published, beacuse they remain relevant. They are referred to as "Literature" in inverted commas. Sometimes the definitions lead to a kind of snobbish attitude, which everyone generally tries to avoid. The qualities of works in the literary cannon are that they are stylistically interesting, they have something to say beyond the plot, they are re-read over and over.
Read the article at the link below.
Go to the link at the Harold Bloom appendix reference within the article. This has the entire list of the books Harold Bloom ( a very well known writer, academic and critic), considered should be in a literary cannon. There are many lists. Go to the Great Britain, America and Australia lists. Have you read any of the novels he lists? Have you heard of any?
Why would certain groups or people argue with the lists?
http://www.suite101.com/content/return-of-the-literary-canon-a52968
JC
Have you heard the term "cannon" applied to books, or authors? It means a list of books which are generally accepted , or considered, to be worthy of reading for generations after they were first published, beacuse they remain relevant. They are referred to as "Literature" in inverted commas. Sometimes the definitions lead to a kind of snobbish attitude, which everyone generally tries to avoid. The qualities of works in the literary cannon are that they are stylistically interesting, they have something to say beyond the plot, they are re-read over and over.
Read the article at the link below.
Go to the link at the Harold Bloom appendix reference within the article. This has the entire list of the books Harold Bloom ( a very well known writer, academic and critic), considered should be in a literary cannon. There are many lists. Go to the Great Britain, America and Australia lists. Have you read any of the novels he lists? Have you heard of any?
Why would certain groups or people argue with the lists?
http://www.suite101.com/content/return-of-the-literary-canon-a52968
JC
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Wait a minute Mr Postman...
OK, I wonder who knows where that line is from? (Ask your parents if they're over 40)
We've all been considering the art of letter writing recently. Coincidentally, I am reading a delightful novel called "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society". It is a novel told completely in letters, from a series of characters who become known to the reader through their correspondence with each other. Initially the reader knows only Janet and her literary agent, but we are introduced to a broad range of characters, all via correspondence. It is also an insight into the German occupation of the Channel Islands during WWII, which is fascinating in itself. It is set in post-WWII London, 1946. All correspondence, such as arranging a dinner date, is via letter, often several brief notes of just a word or two, sent throughout a day - very similar to how we text message today!
What would be the benefits of corresponding in this way? It seems quaint and charming, and I wonder what the drawbacks are - I can't think of any!
Hope you're all well and enjoying Spring, despite the RAIN.
JC
We've all been considering the art of letter writing recently. Coincidentally, I am reading a delightful novel called "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society". It is a novel told completely in letters, from a series of characters who become known to the reader through their correspondence with each other. Initially the reader knows only Janet and her literary agent, but we are introduced to a broad range of characters, all via correspondence. It is also an insight into the German occupation of the Channel Islands during WWII, which is fascinating in itself. It is set in post-WWII London, 1946. All correspondence, such as arranging a dinner date, is via letter, often several brief notes of just a word or two, sent throughout a day - very similar to how we text message today!
What would be the benefits of corresponding in this way? It seems quaint and charming, and I wonder what the drawbacks are - I can't think of any!
Hope you're all well and enjoying Spring, despite the RAIN.
JC
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
So much to do, so little time..
Wasn't the Orchestra wonderful? I think it is so interesting to watch the precise movements of the musicians, and the conductor. The smallest note - the "ting" of the triangle, the plucking of a violin string - can have such a big impact! It makes me aware of the score in every film I watch, and to consider the music with much more importance than I used to.
And the galleries are places of real magic, aren't they? It would have been great for us to spend more time in both galleries, and visit the costumes and glass and sculptures, and spend a long time lying down under the Leonard French Windows. Ah well, maybe everyone will make a point of visiting the Ian Potter or NGV one day over the next holidays. The gift shops are wonderful, too.
That show about the food from other eras is on SBS, and it's called "Supersizers Go..." Last week they ate like Edwardians, from the early 20th century. I worry for their health, as all the meals seem like a plate of heart attack followed by a dish of clogged arteries, with a side serve of liver disease and fat. But, it's very amusing and the hosts are very funny.
Thanks for the poems, Zoe and Mrs Dr Who. The Harpur poem had me curious, so I researched him - he was born in Australia in the eraly 1800s, so was a very early Australian Poet, writing before Pretty Dick and M Caloche were written! And the poem Invictus is inspiring, isn't it? Nelson Mandela used to recite the poem to his fellow prisoners, and those final two lines always make me draw breath, they are so powerful. The poem initially had no title, it was called Invictus at a later date. Invictus means "Unconquered". I think if that was the mantra you lived by, it would help you to feel in control of your life and your destiny.
JC
And the galleries are places of real magic, aren't they? It would have been great for us to spend more time in both galleries, and visit the costumes and glass and sculptures, and spend a long time lying down under the Leonard French Windows. Ah well, maybe everyone will make a point of visiting the Ian Potter or NGV one day over the next holidays. The gift shops are wonderful, too.
That show about the food from other eras is on SBS, and it's called "Supersizers Go..." Last week they ate like Edwardians, from the early 20th century. I worry for their health, as all the meals seem like a plate of heart attack followed by a dish of clogged arteries, with a side serve of liver disease and fat. But, it's very amusing and the hosts are very funny.
Thanks for the poems, Zoe and Mrs Dr Who. The Harpur poem had me curious, so I researched him - he was born in Australia in the eraly 1800s, so was a very early Australian Poet, writing before Pretty Dick and M Caloche were written! And the poem Invictus is inspiring, isn't it? Nelson Mandela used to recite the poem to his fellow prisoners, and those final two lines always make me draw breath, they are so powerful. The poem initially had no title, it was called Invictus at a later date. Invictus means "Unconquered". I think if that was the mantra you lived by, it would help you to feel in control of your life and your destiny.
JC
Friday, August 6, 2010
Poetry websites - so many to choose from!
Hello fellow poetry lovers,
Sarah, thanks for sharing your poetry information with us.
The best Poetry website to start with is www.australianpoetrycentre.org.au
Apart from anything else, it's a very smartly-designed, fun and interesting website.
There are links there to other sites (cordite is a very good poetry website), including literary magazines and journals (Heat, Meanjin), links to Students resources, writers, competition, links to poets both AUstralian and International, as well as the most recent and invigorating poetry.
What poets have you discovered recently? What Australian Poet can you find on the website mentioned above, and what poem strikes a chord with you?
Looking forward to some interesting, poetical discussion!
Here's my fave for today, by the amazing Les Murray, from 2002
The Meaning of Existence
Everything except language
knows the meaning of existence.
Trees, planets, rivers, time
know nothing else. They express it
moment by moment as the universe.
Even this fool of a body
lives it in part, and would
have full dignity within it
but for the ignorant freedom
of my talking mind.
Sarah, thanks for sharing your poetry information with us.
The best Poetry website to start with is www.australianpoetrycentre.org.au
Apart from anything else, it's a very smartly-designed, fun and interesting website.
There are links there to other sites (cordite is a very good poetry website), including literary magazines and journals (Heat, Meanjin), links to Students resources, writers, competition, links to poets both AUstralian and International, as well as the most recent and invigorating poetry.
What poets have you discovered recently? What Australian Poet can you find on the website mentioned above, and what poem strikes a chord with you?
Looking forward to some interesting, poetical discussion!
Here's my fave for today, by the amazing Les Murray, from 2002
The Meaning of Existence
Everything except language
knows the meaning of existence.
Trees, planets, rivers, time
know nothing else. They express it
moment by moment as the universe.
Even this fool of a body
lives it in part, and would
have full dignity within it
but for the ignorant freedom
of my talking mind.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Further study - a well-timed article
Hello there, This blogger has received and enquiry about undertaking further study in Literature. There is a wealth of information, advice, and many sounding boards at your beck and call at school, as you know. In yesterday's Age Education section there is also an article titled "Doing it By the Book", briefly discussing a BA with a Literature major.
Perfect timing!
Link is here www.theage.com.au/national/education/doing-it-by-the-book.
If it doesn't work, head to Theage.com.au/education, and there is a link on the right hand side of the page.
JC
Perfect timing!
Link is here www.theage.com.au/national/education/doing-it-by-the-book.
If it doesn't work, head to Theage.com.au/education, and there is a link on the right hand side of the page.
JC
Sunday, July 25, 2010
The lost art of letter writing
Hello fellow bloggers,
Mrs Doctor Who has declared that she has grown some brain cells as a direct result of her literature studies. Could this be quantified? How many brain cells? What was there before? Is there a direct correlation between growth of said cells and Pride and Prejudice? Hmmm... much to ponder.
Even more interesting to ponder, and I'd like your thoughts on this, is the way we all communicate with each other. Regularly, there will be an article in the papers or magazines, lamenting that people no longer write letters - really write, pen to paper. JC still does, but I fear I'm in the minority.
What are the pros and cons of letter writing? Why do people not write letters any more? How do we relay important information? What forms of communication do you use? Do you choose different forms for different purposes? What form of communication do you use to sympathise with a friend if you have heard bad news; to let a friend know of a change in plans; to exchange casual news about your holidays; to let someone know they have offended or hurt you? How did the characters in P+P communicate news?
There are a couple of very well known letters in the novel, but I think you'd be surprised at how many letters there are!
Over to you for your thoughts. Frosty, what will we do without Little Dorritt in our lives? Jonathan Creek is back on ABC at 8:30 tonight - for those of you who have never watched this wonderful crime show , it's worth a look. It's funny, quirky, puzzling, and the mystery is intricately woven.
JC
Mrs Doctor Who has declared that she has grown some brain cells as a direct result of her literature studies. Could this be quantified? How many brain cells? What was there before? Is there a direct correlation between growth of said cells and Pride and Prejudice? Hmmm... much to ponder.
Even more interesting to ponder, and I'd like your thoughts on this, is the way we all communicate with each other. Regularly, there will be an article in the papers or magazines, lamenting that people no longer write letters - really write, pen to paper. JC still does, but I fear I'm in the minority.
What are the pros and cons of letter writing? Why do people not write letters any more? How do we relay important information? What forms of communication do you use? Do you choose different forms for different purposes? What form of communication do you use to sympathise with a friend if you have heard bad news; to let a friend know of a change in plans; to exchange casual news about your holidays; to let someone know they have offended or hurt you? How did the characters in P+P communicate news?
There are a couple of very well known letters in the novel, but I think you'd be surprised at how many letters there are!
Over to you for your thoughts. Frosty, what will we do without Little Dorritt in our lives? Jonathan Creek is back on ABC at 8:30 tonight - for those of you who have never watched this wonderful crime show , it's worth a look. It's funny, quirky, puzzling, and the mystery is intricately woven.
JC
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
I wonder what they ate?
In Austen's time, their day was structured very differently to ours. What did they eat, and when, and how was their day puntuated by activities?
Apparently, people did not rise and eat breakfast as we do now. Instead, they would dress for chores, and eat late morning. So, if they rose at 7, they may spend time with the livestock, or working around their house, or garden, and then eat at 10.
Can anyone find out more about the way a typical day ( if there is sucha thing) was structured?
Apparently, people did not rise and eat breakfast as we do now. Instead, they would dress for chores, and eat late morning. So, if they rose at 7, they may spend time with the livestock, or working around their house, or garden, and then eat at 10.
Can anyone find out more about the way a typical day ( if there is sucha thing) was structured?
Monday, July 5, 2010
An Accomplished Woman - a discussion post
What an archaic notion! Or is it?
This term is used in more than one of Austen's novels, and her readers would have understood what was meant.
What do you think this concept of an Accomplished Woman was in Austen's time?
Is this concept evident today? If it is, what attributes would the accomplished woman of 2010 possess? Would you use the term?
What accomplishments in Austen's time would be considered redundant, or unnecessary, today? Are any still worthwhile, or valued?
Over to you. JC
This term is used in more than one of Austen's novels, and her readers would have understood what was meant.
What do you think this concept of an Accomplished Woman was in Austen's time?
Is this concept evident today? If it is, what attributes would the accomplished woman of 2010 possess? Would you use the term?
What accomplishments in Austen's time would be considered redundant, or unnecessary, today? Are any still worthwhile, or valued?
Over to you. JC
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
TwitteringAusten
Hello everyone,
Have read that all the main "Pride and Prejudice" characters are on Twitter! An article in Saturday's "Age" lists their Twitter addresses, and which is the most authentic to follow. If, indeed, a tweet from the early 19th century Lydia Bennet is authentic!
www.theage.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/twittering-austen
Have read that all the main "Pride and Prejudice" characters are on Twitter! An article in Saturday's "Age" lists their Twitter addresses, and which is the most authentic to follow. If, indeed, a tweet from the early 19th century Lydia Bennet is authentic!
www.theage.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/twittering-austen
Friday, June 18, 2010
How the Bard is ever with us...
Hello, it seems we have all had our heads down and are now emerging - to prepare for holidays and to begin the next phase of our literary journey!
On the ABC Radio website, there is a very amusing little gadget you can download. Ringtones for your phone, and they are John Bell reciting lines of Shakespeare! So instead of the usual clamour that assaults your ears, you can instead listen to his mellifluous (WHAT is that word?) tones wondering whether "To be, or not to be".
Posting over the holidays, each of you must contribute, we're all looking forward to reading each others posts.
Bon weekend. JC
On the ABC Radio website, there is a very amusing little gadget you can download. Ringtones for your phone, and they are John Bell reciting lines of Shakespeare! So instead of the usual clamour that assaults your ears, you can instead listen to his mellifluous (WHAT is that word?) tones wondering whether "To be, or not to be".
Posting over the holidays, each of you must contribute, we're all looking forward to reading each others posts.
Bon weekend. JC
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Questions
Hello everyone,
The weather was lovely over the weekend, wasn't it?
I received a lovely card from Lisa Gorton , after I wrote to her thanking her for wonderful insight into Donne. She thanked us for our enthusiasm, and for the warm reception she had from our class. A credit to you all.
Can you please access your email for further information regarding Wednesday.
Mrs Dr Who and RS, can you please email me so I have your addresses, as these were not given to me earlier.
Thanks, hope you're all feeling rested and well.
JC
The weather was lovely over the weekend, wasn't it?
I received a lovely card from Lisa Gorton , after I wrote to her thanking her for wonderful insight into Donne. She thanked us for our enthusiasm, and for the warm reception she had from our class. A credit to you all.
Can you please access your email for further information regarding Wednesday.
Mrs Dr Who and RS, can you please email me so I have your addresses, as these were not given to me earlier.
Thanks, hope you're all feeling rested and well.
JC
After the Play
Hello, great to read that so many of you enjoyed the play.
I thought it was a fine production, and enjoyed thinking about the points of difference. It is always enlightening to read or watch someone elses interpretation. This helps me take stock of my own preconceived ideas and challenge my thinking.
While it is routinely accepted that there were "Two Wicked Sisters" who banded together against Cordelia, the text, in the opening scene, doesn't present us with evidence that they were against her, so it is perfectly plausible that they would have some affection towards her - especially if I consider that they are experts at deceipt and cunning. So whilst I was surprised that the director Marion Potts had them all grasping each others hands, and that G + R were saddened that C had been banished, I can accept the idea - given the written text doesn't contradict this. What a great essay topic that would make, to consider the ways in which the daughters are presented on stage and how the portrayal concurs or contradicts your ideas gleaned from the written text! Feel like putting pen to paper and writing a response to that now!
Remember, the performance is a text too.
Enjoy your weekend and exam prep. Once again there is lots of great reading in the weekend Age, especially the A2 Arts and Culture section - some interesting book reviews. I enjoy reading the reviews, as a well-written review says so much more than whether the text was bad or good, or enjoyable. In Unit 3 and 4 Lit you are required to critique a review, so it's a good idea to get used to the structure and language of a book review.
More on this next semester.
The questions for Wednesday will be posted shortly.
JC
I thought it was a fine production, and enjoyed thinking about the points of difference. It is always enlightening to read or watch someone elses interpretation. This helps me take stock of my own preconceived ideas and challenge my thinking.
While it is routinely accepted that there were "Two Wicked Sisters" who banded together against Cordelia, the text, in the opening scene, doesn't present us with evidence that they were against her, so it is perfectly plausible that they would have some affection towards her - especially if I consider that they are experts at deceipt and cunning. So whilst I was surprised that the director Marion Potts had them all grasping each others hands, and that G + R were saddened that C had been banished, I can accept the idea - given the written text doesn't contradict this. What a great essay topic that would make, to consider the ways in which the daughters are presented on stage and how the portrayal concurs or contradicts your ideas gleaned from the written text! Feel like putting pen to paper and writing a response to that now!
Remember, the performance is a text too.
Enjoy your weekend and exam prep. Once again there is lots of great reading in the weekend Age, especially the A2 Arts and Culture section - some interesting book reviews. I enjoy reading the reviews, as a well-written review says so much more than whether the text was bad or good, or enjoyable. In Unit 3 and 4 Lit you are required to critique a review, so it's a good idea to get used to the structure and language of a book review.
More on this next semester.
The questions for Wednesday will be posted shortly.
JC
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Lots of good weekend stuff
Hello everyone, glorious morning here.
In today's Age A2 section there is, as always, some wonderful weekend reading.
Peter Craven writes about the Bell Shakespeare company, and how it has grown - Craven is always articulate, and strongly opinionated. Then there is a double spread on a new book about "Who wrote Shakespeare" - sounds very interesting.
The Age A2 section should be mandatory reading, or flicking through, if you are interested in what's happening in the world of books, writing and film. It's not high-brow, it's very accessible.
Kate Holden and Robert Drewe write very beautiful, often funny, vignettes on alternate weekends, and they are really pleasant to read - and the writing is very finely crafted. Anson Cameron's TV review pieces on the back page ( under the Leunig) are always worth reading.
I am having a very "cultural" 24 hours, having been to the MSO last night at Costa Hall to listen to Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky ( saw lots of familiar student and staff faces in the audience!), and then off to the Rupert Bunny exhibition at Ian Potter Gallery in Melbourne this afternoon. Lovely!
That will be followed by the more mundane (but still enjoyable) activities such as ironing, baking, and many many hours of marking.
Bon weekend. Those of you out there in the Blogosphere who have not posted for the last week, we are all expecting some evidence of your existance by the end of the weekend.
JC
In today's Age A2 section there is, as always, some wonderful weekend reading.
Peter Craven writes about the Bell Shakespeare company, and how it has grown - Craven is always articulate, and strongly opinionated. Then there is a double spread on a new book about "Who wrote Shakespeare" - sounds very interesting.
The Age A2 section should be mandatory reading, or flicking through, if you are interested in what's happening in the world of books, writing and film. It's not high-brow, it's very accessible.
Kate Holden and Robert Drewe write very beautiful, often funny, vignettes on alternate weekends, and they are really pleasant to read - and the writing is very finely crafted. Anson Cameron's TV review pieces on the back page ( under the Leunig) are always worth reading.
I am having a very "cultural" 24 hours, having been to the MSO last night at Costa Hall to listen to Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky ( saw lots of familiar student and staff faces in the audience!), and then off to the Rupert Bunny exhibition at Ian Potter Gallery in Melbourne this afternoon. Lovely!
That will be followed by the more mundane (but still enjoyable) activities such as ironing, baking, and many many hours of marking.
Bon weekend. Those of you out there in the Blogosphere who have not posted for the last week, we are all expecting some evidence of your existance by the end of the weekend.
JC
Monday, May 17, 2010
Poetry - We could have Donne so much more!
Hello everyone,
I agree with Elisha and Cinda about Lisa's visit to our class today. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have her for a half day, and to discuss all sorts of poetry ideas with her? She is clearly an expert - in the true sense of the word - and I felt so privileged that she came to our class.
I asked her how she first became involved with and interested in Donne, and she said it was not until she was at university, and was studying Elizabethan Culture and History. That lead to her passion for Donne, and she has a wealth of knowledge about broad Elizabethan English society ( the kind of things we were researchin in our background to King Lear).
Wasn't it fascinating to gain that insight into the lives of the poets and artists of the time? The comparison I draw is with bands of today - how some bands and musicians are not interested in chasing big gigs and popular acclaim, but would rather maintain their artistic integrity by playing what they like ( not what record companies tell them they must) to smaller groups of dedicated fans. Donne was like that - he didn't want mass popularity, he was happier being in an elite circle of intellectuals who were satisfied that only the very sophisticated, smart and savvy people "got" their writing. As Lisa said, quite a snobby attitude in some ways. But then everyone who was "cool" knew the other "cool" people, much as it is today.
Mrs Doctor Who, sorry we missed you today. Your contributions with the interesting YouTube links make you our resident guru in that area.
JC
I agree with Elisha and Cinda about Lisa's visit to our class today. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have her for a half day, and to discuss all sorts of poetry ideas with her? She is clearly an expert - in the true sense of the word - and I felt so privileged that she came to our class.
I asked her how she first became involved with and interested in Donne, and she said it was not until she was at university, and was studying Elizabethan Culture and History. That lead to her passion for Donne, and she has a wealth of knowledge about broad Elizabethan English society ( the kind of things we were researchin in our background to King Lear).
Wasn't it fascinating to gain that insight into the lives of the poets and artists of the time? The comparison I draw is with bands of today - how some bands and musicians are not interested in chasing big gigs and popular acclaim, but would rather maintain their artistic integrity by playing what they like ( not what record companies tell them they must) to smaller groups of dedicated fans. Donne was like that - he didn't want mass popularity, he was happier being in an elite circle of intellectuals who were satisfied that only the very sophisticated, smart and savvy people "got" their writing. As Lisa said, quite a snobby attitude in some ways. But then everyone who was "cool" knew the other "cool" people, much as it is today.
Mrs Doctor Who, sorry we missed you today. Your contributions with the interesting YouTube links make you our resident guru in that area.
JC
Thursday, May 13, 2010
How much of the Bard can you bear?
Hello everyone,
I have heard a rumour that, perhaps, just perhaps, you are suffering from too much of a good thing at the moment.
Are Macbeth and King Lear giving you Shakespeare overload?
On Friday May 21 ( next Friday), you can use the lesson to complete your Lear text response questions, and hand them up at the end of that lesson. Hope that alleviates any time pressures you may be feeling.
We'll do activities in class over the next couple of weeks, as you have all read the text and have a solid grip on the plot and character details. That will prepare us for the production, too. Very exciting.
We'll definitely set a date for our Literature Soiree, complete with (optional) dress-ups and period style food. I'll pass on the tripe thanks, Elisha.
JC
I have heard a rumour that, perhaps, just perhaps, you are suffering from too much of a good thing at the moment.
Are Macbeth and King Lear giving you Shakespeare overload?
On Friday May 21 ( next Friday), you can use the lesson to complete your Lear text response questions, and hand them up at the end of that lesson. Hope that alleviates any time pressures you may be feeling.
We'll do activities in class over the next couple of weeks, as you have all read the text and have a solid grip on the plot and character details. That will prepare us for the production, too. Very exciting.
We'll definitely set a date for our Literature Soiree, complete with (optional) dress-ups and period style food. I'll pass on the tripe thanks, Elisha.
JC
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Reading Journal
Hello everyone, what a glorious day it has been - all that sunshine! I love the publicity for King Lear - the ad currently circulating has the caption " The Dangers of playing favourites with your children". Very funny.
To clarify the Reflective Reading Journal: You are encouraged to write reflectively about your reading process, and responses, and changing reactions, to your reading. This can be to any books you read, if you wish to include books outside the scope of our Literature studies. However, to achieve a pass in this AOS, your responses to the novels on the Wider Reading List must be included. So, for example, if you have read three books for Semester 1, and you write your Journal responses about those three books, and NONE of them are from the Wider Reading List, that is not meeting the task requirements. The first aim of the task is for you to note your responses to books from the Wider Reading List. Other books of your own selection will round out your reading experience and growth as a reader, and of course it is very valuable for you to reflect on how you respond to these also. It will broaden your knowledge and understanding of context if you read a mixture of Classic novels, poems, Australian authors, short stories, and modern novels as well. But certainly at the end of semester 1 you should have completed 3 books from the Wider Reading list, and that is the minimum requirement for yor Reading Journal. Other novels you read are a binus. If you can mount a case for one of your novels to be included in the Wider Reading List, bring it to me and we'll discuss it.
It is great that so many of you love reading and are passionate readers. As Literature students, though, you must expand your reading choices to gain an understanding and appreciation of literature outside of your usual selection. These reading choices will enahnce your understanding of historical periods, cultural changes, societal pressures at different times, and will allow you to study subtext, values, ideas. The Wider Reading List has not been hastily cobbled together, they are carefully chosen!
Hope that clarifies matters. You'll let me know otherwise.
Have a great remainder of the weekend, be kind to your mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and everyone you know who is a mum! JC
To clarify the Reflective Reading Journal: You are encouraged to write reflectively about your reading process, and responses, and changing reactions, to your reading. This can be to any books you read, if you wish to include books outside the scope of our Literature studies. However, to achieve a pass in this AOS, your responses to the novels on the Wider Reading List must be included. So, for example, if you have read three books for Semester 1, and you write your Journal responses about those three books, and NONE of them are from the Wider Reading List, that is not meeting the task requirements. The first aim of the task is for you to note your responses to books from the Wider Reading List. Other books of your own selection will round out your reading experience and growth as a reader, and of course it is very valuable for you to reflect on how you respond to these also. It will broaden your knowledge and understanding of context if you read a mixture of Classic novels, poems, Australian authors, short stories, and modern novels as well. But certainly at the end of semester 1 you should have completed 3 books from the Wider Reading list, and that is the minimum requirement for yor Reading Journal. Other novels you read are a binus. If you can mount a case for one of your novels to be included in the Wider Reading List, bring it to me and we'll discuss it.
It is great that so many of you love reading and are passionate readers. As Literature students, though, you must expand your reading choices to gain an understanding and appreciation of literature outside of your usual selection. These reading choices will enahnce your understanding of historical periods, cultural changes, societal pressures at different times, and will allow you to study subtext, values, ideas. The Wider Reading List has not been hastily cobbled together, they are carefully chosen!
Hope that clarifies matters. You'll let me know otherwise.
Have a great remainder of the weekend, be kind to your mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and everyone you know who is a mum! JC
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Poetry - what do you like?
Hello everyone,
As we have been writing about poetry, and learning the many ways in which a poem can be read and interpreted, I have marvelled again at how much I gain each time I re-read a poem.
I know that some of you have favourite poets - Keats has been mentioned! I'm curious to know about other poems that you have read in our text, or poets that you have been interested to learn more about. Perhaps you have read a few more of Donne's poems, or read about Shakespeare's sonnets ( there is a theory that some of his love sonnets were addressed to a man instead of a woman). Have you wondered about Ted Hughes's poetry, or maybe Marvells? We will be looking next at Emily Dickinson, and then William Blake. Personally I enjoy reading the poetry of Gwen Harwood - The BarnOwl is a very well known poem of hers; and Les Murray, Bruce Dawe. Robert Frost is also a favourite.
I'd like each of you to contribute your thoughts about a favourite poem, or an interesting poem, or a poet you are enjoying reading. You could find them in the text, or on line, or in a poetry book that you have at home.
I'll start. "The Road Less Travelled" by Robert Frost is a poem I have loved for a long time. So do a gazillion other people, as it's an oft-quoted poem. It captures that feeling of longing for a past time, whilst also being a reminder of how we can choose a path that makes "all the difference" in our life, but we never know what might have been. The regular rhyme and rhythm of the stanzas add to the reflective nature of the speakers musings. I hear it being spoken by an old man, that is the voice that comes to my head. Please google the poem and read it, I hoope you like it too. Remember to read it aloud!
Over to you all now...
JC
As we have been writing about poetry, and learning the many ways in which a poem can be read and interpreted, I have marvelled again at how much I gain each time I re-read a poem.
I know that some of you have favourite poets - Keats has been mentioned! I'm curious to know about other poems that you have read in our text, or poets that you have been interested to learn more about. Perhaps you have read a few more of Donne's poems, or read about Shakespeare's sonnets ( there is a theory that some of his love sonnets were addressed to a man instead of a woman). Have you wondered about Ted Hughes's poetry, or maybe Marvells? We will be looking next at Emily Dickinson, and then William Blake. Personally I enjoy reading the poetry of Gwen Harwood - The BarnOwl is a very well known poem of hers; and Les Murray, Bruce Dawe. Robert Frost is also a favourite.
I'd like each of you to contribute your thoughts about a favourite poem, or an interesting poem, or a poet you are enjoying reading. You could find them in the text, or on line, or in a poetry book that you have at home.
I'll start. "The Road Less Travelled" by Robert Frost is a poem I have loved for a long time. So do a gazillion other people, as it's an oft-quoted poem. It captures that feeling of longing for a past time, whilst also being a reminder of how we can choose a path that makes "all the difference" in our life, but we never know what might have been. The regular rhyme and rhythm of the stanzas add to the reflective nature of the speakers musings. I hear it being spoken by an old man, that is the voice that comes to my head. Please google the poem and read it, I hoope you like it too. Remember to read it aloud!
Over to you all now...
JC
Thursday, April 22, 2010
My favourite website - well, maybe. And a special birthday!
Hello everyone,
Boy do I love Wordspy - it always brings a smile to my face. It lists new words that are entering our lexicon, words that may have been "invented" by an author or journalist, and which have ained currency. Sometimes they are just so apt they quickly become part of our everday language (metrosexual, blogosphere), sometimes they are hybrid words or portmanteau words that seem so perfect I wonder why I haven't thought of them myself ( facepalm, misery-lit). It's a lot of fun, and proof , as if we need it, that our languge is dynamic, ever-changing, and that words are wonderful!
My fave word at the moment? Recombobulate.
http://www.wordspy.com/
BTW - what's a portmaneau word? A word made up of two words added together, such as teapot, treehouse.
Happy Birthday Mr William Shakespeare. 23 April is auspicious for all of us literature lovers, as Shakespeare was born on this day in 1564, and then died on the same date, in 1616.
Boy do I love Wordspy - it always brings a smile to my face. It lists new words that are entering our lexicon, words that may have been "invented" by an author or journalist, and which have ained currency. Sometimes they are just so apt they quickly become part of our everday language (metrosexual, blogosphere), sometimes they are hybrid words or portmanteau words that seem so perfect I wonder why I haven't thought of them myself ( facepalm, misery-lit). It's a lot of fun, and proof , as if we need it, that our languge is dynamic, ever-changing, and that words are wonderful!
My fave word at the moment? Recombobulate.
http://www.wordspy.com/
BTW - what's a portmaneau word? A word made up of two words added together, such as teapot, treehouse.
Happy Birthday Mr William Shakespeare. 23 April is auspicious for all of us literature lovers, as Shakespeare was born on this day in 1564, and then died on the same date, in 1616.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Worth listening to..
Hello everyone,
I've just listened to an audio replay of The Book Show on Radio National today. Ramona Koval talks to an author who has just completed a book about some poets who were suffering in some way, including Syliva Plath. If you click on the "Listen Now" link at www.abc.net.au/rn/bookshow at the "Last Looks Last Books" topic, there's a quick 10 minute interview with the author, which includes discussion about Plath. She continues to be a focus academic writing and research.
I've just listened to an audio replay of The Book Show on Radio National today. Ramona Koval talks to an author who has just completed a book about some poets who were suffering in some way, including Syliva Plath. If you click on the "Listen Now" link at www.abc.net.au/rn/bookshow at the "Last Looks Last Books" topic, there's a quick 10 minute interview with the author, which includes discussion about Plath. She continues to be a focus academic writing and research.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Mrs Greenwood
Hello everyone,
I have thoroughly re-read the Assessment Task sheet, and the Creative Response Template. They are very clear. The instructions are explicit, the task clearly worded. There is no hidden meaning or subtext. You plan your Response by thinking about the original text and how your creative response will relate to and be faithful to the original text. The Creative Response Template ensures you are very thorough and clear in your planning. It is an aid to your writing, you should find that it clarifies your thinking, and forces you to be very concise.
You were given the Creative Template to plan and prepare your response over two weeks ago - a very generous amount of time to prepare!
Your Creative Response is exactly as per the Assessment Sheet and Rubric. The task is there, it is imaginative and creative. The criteria for assessing it is outlined in detail. The Areas of Study were given out to you at the start of the year, and we talk about them often in class. You will have studied the Assessment sheet over the break, and have taken advantage of the Easter holidays to practice writing your ideas, haven't you?
There are no surprises. I have not sprung anything on you to be tricky!
See you tomorrow, JC
I have thoroughly re-read the Assessment Task sheet, and the Creative Response Template. They are very clear. The instructions are explicit, the task clearly worded. There is no hidden meaning or subtext. You plan your Response by thinking about the original text and how your creative response will relate to and be faithful to the original text. The Creative Response Template ensures you are very thorough and clear in your planning. It is an aid to your writing, you should find that it clarifies your thinking, and forces you to be very concise.
You were given the Creative Template to plan and prepare your response over two weeks ago - a very generous amount of time to prepare!
Your Creative Response is exactly as per the Assessment Sheet and Rubric. The task is there, it is imaginative and creative. The criteria for assessing it is outlined in detail. The Areas of Study were given out to you at the start of the year, and we talk about them often in class. You will have studied the Assessment sheet over the break, and have taken advantage of the Easter holidays to practice writing your ideas, haven't you?
There are no surprises. I have not sprung anything on you to be tricky!
See you tomorrow, JC
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
SMH link, and ABC Book Club, and what I'm watching and reading
Hello fellow literature students,
Hope you're all having a relaxing, book-filled and revitalising break.
Firstly, I apologise for the Sydney Morning Herald article link not working. This very interesting article can be read by simply typing into your search bar the words: Friends, Romans, Marxists. This is thte title of the piece and the first search result that is listed is the article. I think you'll find it very worthwhile.
Can you all please take the time to look at ABC iView, to watch the First Tuesday Book Club from last night (Tues 6 April). It was a great show, with an interesting panel including Marcus Zusak (Who has read "The Book Thief"? I was astonished to see how young he is, I thought the novel had been written by a much older man.)
Anyway, one of the highlights of the show was a discussion about a book the group had read over the past week, "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde", by RL Stevenson. This is on our wider reading list, some of you have, or are, reading it. It was interesting for me to listen to what the 5 BookClubbers had to say about this (fascinating, lyrical, scary) book. Made me want to grab it and read it again! To access iView you just follow the link from the ABC.net.au website, got to iView, then programs, and The Book Club is under the Arts and Culture section.
Enjoy the rest of the sun. What are you all reading on your break? What are you watching? I have watched the DVD of "Sunshine Cleaning", with Amy Adams and Emily Blunt, the DVD of "The September Issue", the documentary about the September Issue fo American Vogue - quite fascinating, especially if you have read "The Devil Wears Prada", and the DVD of "The Informant", with a very fat, balding, Matt Damon - a funny, film with a protagonist that keeps you guessing. Saw "How to Train Your Dragon" - beautiful. I have read "When You Reach Me", by Rebecca Stead - loved it, it won many fiction prizes last year, aimed at young teenagers; and am now reading David Almond's "Skellig". Have been listening to downloads of Ramona Koval's "The Book Show", on ABC Radio National, that I always miss as it's on at 10am each weekday. But mainly reading the weekend Age, which has a weeks worth of reading; and of course, am reading school work.
Looking forward to reading what you're all reading and watching too. Let us all know!
JC
Hope you're all having a relaxing, book-filled and revitalising break.
Firstly, I apologise for the Sydney Morning Herald article link not working. This very interesting article can be read by simply typing into your search bar the words: Friends, Romans, Marxists. This is thte title of the piece and the first search result that is listed is the article. I think you'll find it very worthwhile.
Can you all please take the time to look at ABC iView, to watch the First Tuesday Book Club from last night (Tues 6 April). It was a great show, with an interesting panel including Marcus Zusak (Who has read "The Book Thief"? I was astonished to see how young he is, I thought the novel had been written by a much older man.)
Anyway, one of the highlights of the show was a discussion about a book the group had read over the past week, "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde", by RL Stevenson. This is on our wider reading list, some of you have, or are, reading it. It was interesting for me to listen to what the 5 BookClubbers had to say about this (fascinating, lyrical, scary) book. Made me want to grab it and read it again! To access iView you just follow the link from the ABC.net.au website, got to iView, then programs, and The Book Club is under the Arts and Culture section.
Enjoy the rest of the sun. What are you all reading on your break? What are you watching? I have watched the DVD of "Sunshine Cleaning", with Amy Adams and Emily Blunt, the DVD of "The September Issue", the documentary about the September Issue fo American Vogue - quite fascinating, especially if you have read "The Devil Wears Prada", and the DVD of "The Informant", with a very fat, balding, Matt Damon - a funny, film with a protagonist that keeps you guessing. Saw "How to Train Your Dragon" - beautiful. I have read "When You Reach Me", by Rebecca Stead - loved it, it won many fiction prizes last year, aimed at young teenagers; and am now reading David Almond's "Skellig". Have been listening to downloads of Ramona Koval's "The Book Show", on ABC Radio National, that I always miss as it's on at 10am each weekday. But mainly reading the weekend Age, which has a weeks worth of reading; and of course, am reading school work.
Looking forward to reading what you're all reading and watching too. Let us all know!
JC
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Evil women?
Well, after our lesson today I've been thinking about the wonderful array of characters we have read about in just one term! The cast of women include the brave Betty, smart and savvy Jennifer; Esther, Joan, and tough but fair JayCee, and Mrs Greenwood, and Dodo Conway; John Donne's love who forever draws him back to her, Shakespeare's Mistress who is a very earthly and earthy woman; Marvell's reluctant Coy Mistress ( I wonder if she gave in?). Soon we will add Cordelia and Regan and Goneril.
That's just the A-List of women, and only in our set texts! There are also the times and places (ie social and historical contexts), and the men and the relationships. And the language. And so much more in your own wider reading. No wonder we're all feeling a little exhausted ( but much much wiser!)
Have just read an old (2004) but interesting article from the Sydney Morning Herald on the dangers of studying Shakespeare by placing a reading over the play which in effect limits the linguistic fetures, the message, the original beauty of the writing. I've attempted to hyper link it here, who knows if that will work. If it doesn't, it's at www. smh.com.au/articles/2004/09/27, and it's titled "Friends, Romans, Marxists..."
Happy Break, hope Easter Bunny leaves you something - perhaps a book rather than chocolate? Now that would be lovely. JC
That's just the A-List of women, and only in our set texts! There are also the times and places (ie social and historical contexts), and the men and the relationships. And the language. And so much more in your own wider reading. No wonder we're all feeling a little exhausted ( but much much wiser!)
Have just read an old (2004) but interesting article from the Sydney Morning Herald on the dangers of studying Shakespeare by placing a reading over the play which in effect limits the linguistic fetures, the message, the original beauty of the writing. I've attempted to hyper link it here, who knows if that will work. If it doesn't, it's at www. smh.com.au/articles/2004/09/27, and it's titled "Friends, Romans, Marxists..."
Happy Break, hope Easter Bunny leaves you something - perhaps a book rather than chocolate? Now that would be lovely. JC
Friday, March 12, 2010
Marvell.
Hi everyone, and thanks Elisha and Rosa for your posts - I'll wait for your classmates to respond to you!
There is another link I've added to the list, this one is the link to Virtual Lit and specifically the section on "To His Coy Mistress". It's interesting to read these ideas and analysis, but don't think of them as the definitive "answer" to a poem. Sometimes they serve to limit the scope of, and one's reading of, a poem, so read them with an open mind. Read and consider them for how they can expand and compliment your understanding of the poem. Having said that, the detail here is wonderful.
Bon weekend, enjoy the sunshine.
There is another link I've added to the list, this one is the link to Virtual Lit and specifically the section on "To His Coy Mistress". It's interesting to read these ideas and analysis, but don't think of them as the definitive "answer" to a poem. Sometimes they serve to limit the scope of, and one's reading of, a poem, so read them with an open mind. Read and consider them for how they can expand and compliment your understanding of the poem. Having said that, the detail here is wonderful.
Bon weekend, enjoy the sunshine.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
A blog for you to browse in your idle moments
Hi,
I've just read an interesting article by Michelle Smith in today's Age, about the latest incarnation of Alice, courtesy of Tim Burton. There was a link to Michelle's blog and her website - what a great find!
There are links to dozens of other related literary sites, largely based around girls' literature and the representation of girls and women in literature. Much of the writing is on Victorian fiction. The illustrations reproduced are fascinating. Hope you enjoy it - let me know what you find there, or what you think! The link is listed on the Blog list here.
JC
I've just read an interesting article by Michelle Smith in today's Age, about the latest incarnation of Alice, courtesy of Tim Burton. There was a link to Michelle's blog and her website - what a great find!
There are links to dozens of other related literary sites, largely based around girls' literature and the representation of girls and women in literature. Much of the writing is on Victorian fiction. The illustrations reproduced are fascinating. Hope you enjoy it - let me know what you find there, or what you think! The link is listed on the Blog list here.
JC
Friday, March 5, 2010
The Bell Jar resource
Hello, There is one copy on the Clonard library shelves of "The Bell Jar" analysis and chapter summaries, by Barry Spurr. I also have a copy.
This is useful especially for looking at recurring themes, and language.
Although the text is always your main resource, please keep your eye out for criticism and analysis. Don't forget that, up until about 10 years ago, all reviews, analysis, criticism and discussion was published and on library shelves, not accessed on the internet! So there's stacks of academic writing out there.
JC
This is useful especially for looking at recurring themes, and language.
Although the text is always your main resource, please keep your eye out for criticism and analysis. Don't forget that, up until about 10 years ago, all reviews, analysis, criticism and discussion was published and on library shelves, not accessed on the internet! So there's stacks of academic writing out there.
JC
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Welcome...
to our year 11 blog about all things literary. Not only about the books we're reading, but the authors, their society, related movies, criticisms, newspaper articles, radio programmes - anything that we can share to enrich our literature studies. Of course, this does not exclude the trivial and frivolous detail that we all find as we trawl the net, wander through bookstores, watch the tele, and pore over poetry books, texts, and magazines.
Please use this blog to alert all your fellow literature classmates of anything of interest you see, read, hear. Most importantly, please contribute your thoughts and opinions about our current texts. Ask questions, seek clarification, comment on where you're at!
I will be posting and will require you to respond at least once a week - not to me specifically, but you must be accessing this blog and contributing. This is a social classroom, so, just as in class, we all need to hear each otehrs voices!
This site is not for you to answer questions I pose (that will happen occasionally), but for all of us to share what we learn, and how we learn, and what we love, and what we - um - maybe don't love but hopefully find interesting nonetheless!
Please post a comment to let everyone know that you've visited your 11 Blog About Lit.
Happy reading, and blogging, JC
Please use this blog to alert all your fellow literature classmates of anything of interest you see, read, hear. Most importantly, please contribute your thoughts and opinions about our current texts. Ask questions, seek clarification, comment on where you're at!
I will be posting and will require you to respond at least once a week - not to me specifically, but you must be accessing this blog and contributing. This is a social classroom, so, just as in class, we all need to hear each otehrs voices!
This site is not for you to answer questions I pose (that will happen occasionally), but for all of us to share what we learn, and how we learn, and what we love, and what we - um - maybe don't love but hopefully find interesting nonetheless!
Please post a comment to let everyone know that you've visited your 11 Blog About Lit.
Happy reading, and blogging, JC
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