Some blogs are easier to begin then others...just as some of Shakespeare is easier to get through than others. When I have so much to say I find it hard to begin. I'm looking over my notes, scribbles, haphazard ideas and can't find a starting point. This predicament leads me to wonder about how my peers came up with such eloquently versed term papers. The presentations from Thursday were of no exception. Shelby points out in her blog post on "Mis-Mything Shakespeare" that the simple recognition of subtle quality of Shakespeare probably catapults us beyond those who would readily say they are familiar with SP. And although we find qualities to admire in Ashley's blog and entries that others have made this semester it is okay to be satisfied with gaining any knowledge and not letting intimidation control our pens.
There appeared to be a sense of accomplishment and confidence in our speakers Thursday. Perhaps they were simply basking in intellectual glory because they had an extra week to prepare their papers and presentations, but I doubt that it true. The connections my peers made were not ones that could be developed in a late night paper making session, but ones that have been developed all semester through their personal learning and reflection. What is most exciting about having the opportunity to write a term paper on a limitless amount of topics is that is allows the author to present a unique concept that is personal to them, while allowing the reader or audience to stare directly into the mind and soul. Is this how mind babies are conceived?
Although it has been spoken of briefly throughout the semester, the topic of performance is one that has provided a constant source of reflection for me as I enter into student teaching this fall. I am sure it is of no surprise that Jennifer's amazing performance of the song, "If I do Young" was one that not only entertained me, but sent my mind into a flurry of thought, appreciation, and awe. It was not just a "simple country song" because what is simple about the emotions that music inspires? I think they the bullseye was hit straight on by incorporating such a beautiful melody to perpetuate thought about the symbolism of the pearl.
The methods that have been used to present topics have been much appreciated by my feeble mind as I attempt to expand my own horizons of thought and presentation. Craig's screenplay was a unique idea to portray what he has learned and reflected on throughout the semester. The many sonnets that were created by my peers have not failed to excite me. Poetry, although lovely, has never been a creative avenue I've felt comfortable taking. It feels as forced as walking down Rodeo Drive without my cowboy boots and Carharts. Mythology also felt unfamiliar and uncomfortable to me much of this semester, and although I know I am not the only one I am amazed at how many people incorporated mythology into their papers. Thursday we heard Riley speak about Iago and Prometheus, Lauren Scull elaborated on Poseidon, Andromeda, and Perseus, while Rachel K concluded that Shakespeare himself is a myth-maker.
Albeit I appreciate everyone's insight and intelligence, I must admit that I have a particular fondness for Spencer's idea that everyone in Cymbeline "swaps hats" during the final act of the play. A few weeks ago I posted a lesson plan that I used this semester with my sophomores that involved Shakespeare's language and fun hats. The students placed hats on their heads in order to perform the parts they were analyzing in order to get a better understanding of the language. This idea of swapping hats also takes me back (once again) to Nick's paper about identity...essentially, we don't know who we are until we are wearing a particular hat, but why not have an entire collection of hats to choose from and where them like we mean it.
Another topic I like to let my mind wander to is about language and Lauren T. gave us beautiful insight about the language of Othello being anything, but beautiful. Since it is often thought that Shakespeare's language is gorgeous and respected in the same way that Cleopatra respected her own beauty (I just love to make fun of her) it is refreshing to illuminate language that isn't nearly as aesthetically pleasing on the ear.
Brian, Shelby, and Joe are the last speakers I want to reflect on. I suppose it has been most difficult for me to put words down on the page because their ideas excited and confuse me all at once. Although I've shared classes with Brian, I have not yet experienced his thoughts and words. I find it interesting that he chose Hamlet and Henry IV to discuss considering we weren't required to read into Henry...essentially, I salute you for branching off into the unknown and what was not required. Joe's continual exploration of "nothing" is one that I am happy to have been apart of. Through reading his blogs, listening to his ideas in class, and now by hearing more from his presentation and term paper I am excited that he chose a topic so large and made it his own. I felt a sense of calm when he said that SP is addressing a basic myth that all myths share...and that we can all participate within this myth and exist in the realm of possibility of what has and can occur. Last, but not least, everyone should read Shelby's paper. The evolution of thought in her blogs are just as exciting. While Shelby was giving her presentation my ears were in love with the language she used, such as "aesthetic dignity" and "beauty and sublime". Again, my lust for language was fulfilled.
Bravo fine students!
No comments:
Post a Comment