October 24-28

Macbeth

1. One critic has observed that part of Macbeth's tragedy is the fact that many of his strengths are also his weaknesses. Exlain this apparent contradiction. What are Mabeth's strengths? Which ones also work against him?

2. What modern figure, real or fictional, had a downfall, like Macbeth's, that came after an attempt to gain great power? How is this modern figure like Macbeth, and how different? Would this modern figure make a good tragic hero?

3. One of the themes of Macbeth centers on evil, which Shakespeare saw as a force beyond human understanding. Do you think Shakespeare also saw evil as stronger than the forces of good?

4. What is your favorite quote from the play? Discuss.

October 10-14

Keats

1. St. Agnes is the patron saint of virgins. How does learning this change your interpretation of the poem "The Eve of St. Agnes"?

2. Keats based his poem on the superstition that if a young girl performed a certain ritual on the eve of St. Agnes, she would see her future husband. If you could see into your future, would you? Explain.

3. Keats based "Ode to a Nightingale" upon the tranquility and joy he felt in a nightingale's song. If you could write an ode to an element of nature, what would you choose to honor? Animal? Plant? Place? Describe and explain.

4. Keats knew he was dying of tuberculosis when he wrote "Bright Star." Does this change your interpretation of the poem? Why or why not?

October 3-7

1. In "Those Winter Sundays," analyze the repetition of "What did I know?"

2. The most arresting feature of "The Fish" is its imagery. Which image stands out the most to you? Explain/discuss.

3. In Whitman's "I Sing the Body Electric" Whitman lists a number of body parts: do any of them tend to stand out or to form any sort of unexpected patterns?

4. Find a poem that speaks to you in the Bedford. Recommend it to the other bloggers on this site and explain why we should read it.