Lesson 1 - Vlog With Mr. P.

Overview and Directions: Please view the above video for my class instructions.

This will be a daily Vlog to help us keep connected as a class during this troubling time. I will always have a poem of the day, and offer daily lessons on our assignments. You will have the opportunity to comment on the blog post, and I can answer you the following day. We can also set-up class time to all be on the blog for an hour and comment together in real time.

I will address long-term assignments and we will begin new assignments together. I am looking to make this work as high interest as possible, which means the more you check-in and comment on the blog, the more input you will have on the work we do.

For now, we need to finish our unit on Ghosts, but I want to extend the deadlines as there is no need to rush.

Act III will be due Friday, March 20th.  The next assignments will be a Q2 and Q3 writing experience. We can easily practice for the exam when we get closer to the date. You can control the writing, and I feel that is the most authentic experience so that is where I want to focus our attention for time being.  Further, we mat not even have the exam this year.

On Wednesday, I will read the play aloud so I can act as an audiobook, and stop periodically like I do in class to add insights for discussion. We will engage in some writing and discussion in the blog space. I have also looked into some ideas for next steps. 

During my daily Vlogs, I will share some of my favorite novels, plays, and accompanying films for you to think about as possible choices.

Today's "Poem of the Day" is from Sharon Old’s Arias, titled, “For You.”

Due Monday, March 23rd - "Ghosts" by Henrik Ibsen - ACT III

Overview and Directions: Please finish reading Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen.  Taking into account the plot points, please comment on the significance of these events in the play, as well as Ibsen's purpose in addressing the audience's reactions to Nora's exit in A Doll House.  Think about the following plot points as you compose your response: Who really burned down the orphanage? How does the insurance come into play?  What do we learn about Engstrand?  Can you see a modern day equivalent to him?  Why is he so dangerous?  What is the name for the sailor's home? What is Regina's reaction to learning her parentage? What is Oswald's true reason for wanting to be with Regina? Why did Oswald really return? What does Ibsen mean by the line "softening of the brain" and "Mother? Give me the sun."  How is the final moment an indictment on the audience who felt that Nora has a duty to her family?  I look forward to your responses.

Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen - Full Text

Quotations

1. And the refuge for wandering mariners shall be called "Chamberlain Alving's Home,” that it shall! And if so be as I'm spared to carry on that house in my own way, I make so bold as to promise that it shall be worthy of the Chamberlain's memory. 

2. Well then, child of joy as he was--for he was like a child in those days--he had to live at home here in a half-grown town, which had no joys to offer him--only dissipation. He had no object in life--only an official position. He had no work into which he could throw himself heart and soul; he had only business. He had not a single comrade that could realize what the joy of life meant--only loungers and boon companions - Your poor father found no outlet for the overpowering joy of life that was in him. And I brought no brightness into his home.

3. Yes, but she was one of that sort, all the same. Oh, I've often suspected it; but--And now, if you please, ma'am, may I be allowed to go away at once? A poor girl must make the best of her young days, or she'll be left out in the cold before she knows where she is. And I, too, have the joy of life in me, Mrs. Alving!

4. Everything you point to you shall have, just as when you were a little child.--There now. The crisis
is over. You see how easily it passed! Oh, I was sure it would.--And do you see, Oswald, what a lovely day we are going to have? Brilliant sunshine! Now you can really see your home. [She goes to the table and puts out the lamp. Sunrise. The glacier and the snow-peaks in the background glow in the morning light.]

5. [Sits motionless as before and says.] The sun.--The sun.