1. What kind of role do the witches play in Macbeth?
2. How does Lady Macbeth and Macbeth change throughout the course of the play?
3. What does Macbeth's "Tomorrow" speech mean?
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Macbeth Act 1 Questions
Note: Miss Kelly, my keyboard lags so I apologize for any weird spelling or space bar errors.
SCENE 4
1. How would you paraphrase Duncan's 11. 13-16
He means you can't see what's in someone's mind on their face. He is talking about the Thane of Cawdor's betrayal.
2. Lines 55-60- what is happening to Macbeth's thinking? How would you paraphrase or understnd his thinking in 11. 57-58 and then 59-60? How is there in his thinking a kind of ambivalence toward or dread of ambition? Also, in what terms or images is he sensing ambition?
He is beginning to think murderously. He starts thinking of ways of how he can become King. He is going to hide his desires. He is also thinking that he does not need to do anything. He's thinking about letting the events ply out. He is debating whether to let the events play out or to make his fate come true himself. He is sensing ambition through kingship.
SCENE 5
3. Lines 18-23- what distinctions does Lady Macbeth make between opposing aspects of Macbeth's thoughts and actions?
She states that Macbeth is too full of human guilt and feelings to get what he wants. She states that he could be great if he would ignore human emotion.
4. Line 48- what may Lady Macbth mean by "unsex me here"?
By saying "unsex me here" she is telling the spirits to give her the strength of a man so she may be strong for herself and Macbeth.
5. Lines 73-78- what is Lady Macbeth observing about Macbeth's face? What does she desire in his countenance and behavior?
She observes that her husband's face is like an open book where people can easily read his mind. She tells him to act normal and greet the King jovially and to leave the rest to her.
SCENE 6
6 Lines 4-12- how are Banquo's lines descrbing the bird's ("martlet's") behavior in opposition to Lady Macbeth's thoughts and impulses (1.5.48, 54-7; 1.7.62-67)
He goes on about how the Lady makes the castle sweet and how it is a pleasant castle. This is in oppositon to Lady Macbeth's thoughts because she is planning to murder the king and take the crown for her husband.
7. Are Lady Macbeth's thoughts and impulses in keeping with the natural processes and value of Nature or are they unnatural perversions of Nature? Explain your reasoning.
Unnatural perversions of Nature because she is thinking murderous thoughts and she is even planning on how to get away with murdering the King.
SCENE 7
8. What do the repetitions of "If" and "but" suggest about the nature or processes of Macbeth's thinking? How are "if" and "but" approprite for Macbeth's kind of thinking in this soliloquy, 11. 1-28?
Macbeth is always torn. He always thinks about both sides and the consequences that his actions would result in. In his soliloquy he is thinking about murdering Duncan. He often says "if" and "but", this exemplifies his nervousness and anxiety about the matter.
SCENE 4
1. How would you paraphrase Duncan's 11. 13-16
He means you can't see what's in someone's mind on their face. He is talking about the Thane of Cawdor's betrayal.
2. Lines 55-60- what is happening to Macbeth's thinking? How would you paraphrase or understnd his thinking in 11. 57-58 and then 59-60? How is there in his thinking a kind of ambivalence toward or dread of ambition? Also, in what terms or images is he sensing ambition?
He is beginning to think murderously. He starts thinking of ways of how he can become King. He is going to hide his desires. He is also thinking that he does not need to do anything. He's thinking about letting the events ply out. He is debating whether to let the events play out or to make his fate come true himself. He is sensing ambition through kingship.
SCENE 5
3. Lines 18-23- what distinctions does Lady Macbeth make between opposing aspects of Macbeth's thoughts and actions?
She states that Macbeth is too full of human guilt and feelings to get what he wants. She states that he could be great if he would ignore human emotion.
4. Line 48- what may Lady Macbth mean by "unsex me here"?
By saying "unsex me here" she is telling the spirits to give her the strength of a man so she may be strong for herself and Macbeth.
5. Lines 73-78- what is Lady Macbeth observing about Macbeth's face? What does she desire in his countenance and behavior?
She observes that her husband's face is like an open book where people can easily read his mind. She tells him to act normal and greet the King jovially and to leave the rest to her.
SCENE 6
6 Lines 4-12- how are Banquo's lines descrbing the bird's ("martlet's") behavior in opposition to Lady Macbeth's thoughts and impulses (1.5.48, 54-7; 1.7.62-67)
He goes on about how the Lady makes the castle sweet and how it is a pleasant castle. This is in oppositon to Lady Macbeth's thoughts because she is planning to murder the king and take the crown for her husband.
7. Are Lady Macbeth's thoughts and impulses in keeping with the natural processes and value of Nature or are they unnatural perversions of Nature? Explain your reasoning.
Unnatural perversions of Nature because she is thinking murderous thoughts and she is even planning on how to get away with murdering the King.
SCENE 7
8. What do the repetitions of "If" and "but" suggest about the nature or processes of Macbeth's thinking? How are "if" and "but" approprite for Macbeth's kind of thinking in this soliloquy, 11. 1-28?
Macbeth is always torn. He always thinks about both sides and the consequences that his actions would result in. In his soliloquy he is thinking about murdering Duncan. He often says "if" and "but", this exemplifies his nervousness and anxiety about the matter.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Oedipus Questions 1-7-11
1. Jocasta enters carrying garlands ( a uppliant's branch) on p. 211. Explain what her actions and words communicate about Oedipus' waning leadership abilities.
She places a branch on Apollo's altar to pray to him. She states: "Oedipus is beside himself. Racked with anguish, no longer a man of sense, he won't admit the latest prophecies are hollow as the old-he's at the mercy of every passing voice if the voice tells of terror" (211). She's praying to Apollo to make Oedipus to see reality because he is only worrying about the prophecies and not the plague that is killing the people.
2.Examine the exchange between Jocasta and Oedipus on pp.222-224. Why doesn't Jocasta want Oedipus to seek out the shepherd who took him from Laius' house? What's significant in Oedipus' reponse to her fears?
Jocasta is a wise person. She knows its best not to know the facts if it is very bad. Jocasta knows that the outcome will probably be very bad and she wants to keep Oedipus safe. Oedipus doesn't want to listen to Jocasta. He thinks she is daft for not wanting to know the truth. This response is like Oedipus because he is clever not wise.
3.How is vision- eyesight-treated in the play? Think about the meanings of blindness and seeing in the play. Pay close attention to the scenes with Teiresias and Oedipus
In the play, eyesight is an important part of the story. Oedipus tells Teireseas: "It does but not for you, old man. You've lost your power, stone-blind, stone-dear senses, eyes blind as stone!" (181). This is not true, however, because Teiresias may be blind but he can see into the future and is wise; while, on the other hand, Oedipus can see, but he is not wise. In the end of the play, Oedipus realizes this and stabs his eyes out in order to "see" things more clearly.
4.What role does the Chorus play? Pay attention to the scenes between Creon and Oedipus and Teiresias and Oedipus. How does the Chorus reflect on these debates? What could they be telling the audience?
The Chorus acts as a narrator. It also acts as a "person" for the lead roles to talk to. For example, Creon talks to the Chorus like he is talking to himself. Creon is talking about how Oedipus has insulted him in public and how immature Oedipus was doing to the Chorus. The Chorus always takes the mediate in the arguments. When Creon and Oedipus are fighting, the Leader of the Chorus tries to cool down the fight.
She places a branch on Apollo's altar to pray to him. She states: "Oedipus is beside himself. Racked with anguish, no longer a man of sense, he won't admit the latest prophecies are hollow as the old-he's at the mercy of every passing voice if the voice tells of terror" (211). She's praying to Apollo to make Oedipus to see reality because he is only worrying about the prophecies and not the plague that is killing the people.
2.Examine the exchange between Jocasta and Oedipus on pp.222-224. Why doesn't Jocasta want Oedipus to seek out the shepherd who took him from Laius' house? What's significant in Oedipus' reponse to her fears?
Jocasta is a wise person. She knows its best not to know the facts if it is very bad. Jocasta knows that the outcome will probably be very bad and she wants to keep Oedipus safe. Oedipus doesn't want to listen to Jocasta. He thinks she is daft for not wanting to know the truth. This response is like Oedipus because he is clever not wise.
3.How is vision- eyesight-treated in the play? Think about the meanings of blindness and seeing in the play. Pay close attention to the scenes with Teiresias and Oedipus
In the play, eyesight is an important part of the story. Oedipus tells Teireseas: "It does but not for you, old man. You've lost your power, stone-blind, stone-dear senses, eyes blind as stone!" (181). This is not true, however, because Teiresias may be blind but he can see into the future and is wise; while, on the other hand, Oedipus can see, but he is not wise. In the end of the play, Oedipus realizes this and stabs his eyes out in order to "see" things more clearly.
4.What role does the Chorus play? Pay attention to the scenes between Creon and Oedipus and Teiresias and Oedipus. How does the Chorus reflect on these debates? What could they be telling the audience?
The Chorus acts as a narrator. It also acts as a "person" for the lead roles to talk to. For example, Creon talks to the Chorus like he is talking to himself. Creon is talking about how Oedipus has insulted him in public and how immature Oedipus was doing to the Chorus. The Chorus always takes the mediate in the arguments. When Creon and Oedipus are fighting, the Leader of the Chorus tries to cool down the fight.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Oedipus Questions 1-5-11
1. How does Oedipus come across at the beginning of the play? Characterize him briefly, and compare him to Creon.
The first lines of Oedipus the King state: "Oh my children, the new blood of ancient Thebes, why are you here? Huddling at my altar, praying before me, your branches wound in wool" (159). He comes across as a humble man because he asks them why they are at his altar praying for his help. He is also concerned for the well being of his people. Compared to Creon, Oedipus is clearly higher position than he is. There was not much about Creon to compare him fully to Oedipus.
2. Look at the Chorus's song. In what and whom does the Chorus have faith? On what does the Chorus blame the troubles and blight of Thebes? To whom is the Chorus looking for help and relief?
The Chorus says: "Zeus! Great welcome voice of Zeus, what do you bring?" (168). The Chorus clearly depends on all the Greek Gods. Throughout all the Chorus's song, they pray to each of the Gods asking for their help. The Chorus blames the troubles of Thebes to the plague. The Chorus is looking to the Gods to protect them.
3. Look closely at Oedipus's speech in lines 216-175. Since the Greek audience would have known well the story and suffering of Oedipus, how many statements in this speech are examples of dramatic irony? Be sure to cite them and explain them.
The first thing Oedipus says is: "You pray to the gods? Le me grant your prayers." (171). This is an example of Oedipus's hubris and overblown pride. Those two things are his major flaws which are ultimately going to be his downfall. This is dramatic irony because the audience knows this, but Oedipus does not. Later Oedipus states: "Now my curse on the murderer. Whoever he is, a lone man unknown in his crime...let that man drago out his life in agony" (172). Oedipus is talking about the murderer who killed King Laius. This is very ironic because Oedipus is actually the one who killed Laius.
4. Look closely also at Teiresias's words to Oedipus. How does Oedipus respond to Teiresias at the beginning, middle, and end of this episode?
At the beginning, Oedipus is confused as to whom Tiresias is referring because Tiresias does not want to tell Oedipus. Oedipus is also begging Tiresias to tell all of the people: "For the love of god, don't turn away, not if you know something. We beg you, all of us on our knees" (177). During the middle, Oedipus becomes angry with Tiresias because Tiresias isn't telling Oedipus the answers. Oedipus tells Tiresias that he is spurning the city. During the end, Oedipus is in denial when he first hears Tiresias tell him he is the murderer. He begins to get angry at Tiresias and insults him. Oedipus goes on a tirade of how he was the smartest because he figured out the Sphinx's riddle and saved the entire city.
The first lines of Oedipus the King state: "Oh my children, the new blood of ancient Thebes, why are you here? Huddling at my altar, praying before me, your branches wound in wool" (159). He comes across as a humble man because he asks them why they are at his altar praying for his help. He is also concerned for the well being of his people. Compared to Creon, Oedipus is clearly higher position than he is. There was not much about Creon to compare him fully to Oedipus.
2. Look at the Chorus's song. In what and whom does the Chorus have faith? On what does the Chorus blame the troubles and blight of Thebes? To whom is the Chorus looking for help and relief?
The Chorus says: "Zeus! Great welcome voice of Zeus, what do you bring?" (168). The Chorus clearly depends on all the Greek Gods. Throughout all the Chorus's song, they pray to each of the Gods asking for their help. The Chorus blames the troubles of Thebes to the plague. The Chorus is looking to the Gods to protect them.
3. Look closely at Oedipus's speech in lines 216-175. Since the Greek audience would have known well the story and suffering of Oedipus, how many statements in this speech are examples of dramatic irony? Be sure to cite them and explain them.
The first thing Oedipus says is: "You pray to the gods? Le me grant your prayers." (171). This is an example of Oedipus's hubris and overblown pride. Those two things are his major flaws which are ultimately going to be his downfall. This is dramatic irony because the audience knows this, but Oedipus does not. Later Oedipus states: "Now my curse on the murderer. Whoever he is, a lone man unknown in his crime...let that man drago out his life in agony" (172). Oedipus is talking about the murderer who killed King Laius. This is very ironic because Oedipus is actually the one who killed Laius.
4. Look closely also at Teiresias's words to Oedipus. How does Oedipus respond to Teiresias at the beginning, middle, and end of this episode?
At the beginning, Oedipus is confused as to whom Tiresias is referring because Tiresias does not want to tell Oedipus. Oedipus is also begging Tiresias to tell all of the people: "For the love of god, don't turn away, not if you know something. We beg you, all of us on our knees" (177). During the middle, Oedipus becomes angry with Tiresias because Tiresias isn't telling Oedipus the answers. Oedipus tells Tiresias that he is spurning the city. During the end, Oedipus is in denial when he first hears Tiresias tell him he is the murderer. He begins to get angry at Tiresias and insults him. Oedipus goes on a tirade of how he was the smartest because he figured out the Sphinx's riddle and saved the entire city.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Books 14 &15 Question Response
How does Eumaeus show an understanding of hospitality?
Eumaeus shows an understanding of hospitality by taking Odysseus, who is disguised as an old beggar, in.First he scatters the dogs from Odysseus. He, then, offers him bread and wine and his own bed to rest upon. Eumaeus states : "It's wrong, my friend, to send any stranger packing-even one who arrives in worse shape than you. Every stranger and beggar comes from Zeus and whatever scrap they get from the likes of us they'll find it welcome," (303).
Why does Odysseus see Eumaeus as one of his trusted slaves?
He sees Eumaeus as one of his trusted slaves because he is loyal. For example, throughout the chapter he is called "the loyal swineherd" Also, Eumaeus displays his loyalty to Odysseus by talking highly of Odysseus and his son Telemachus. He tells the "beggar" about his great master and how kind he is and what a beautiful wife he has. He also talks about how rich his master is. Eumaeus also constantly expresses his wish for his master's (Odysseus) return. He also expresses his disgust about the suitors.
Eumaeus shows an understanding of hospitality by taking Odysseus, who is disguised as an old beggar, in.First he scatters the dogs from Odysseus. He, then, offers him bread and wine and his own bed to rest upon. Eumaeus states : "It's wrong, my friend, to send any stranger packing-even one who arrives in worse shape than you. Every stranger and beggar comes from Zeus and whatever scrap they get from the likes of us they'll find it welcome," (303).
Why does Odysseus see Eumaeus as one of his trusted slaves?
He sees Eumaeus as one of his trusted slaves because he is loyal. For example, throughout the chapter he is called "the loyal swineherd" Also, Eumaeus displays his loyalty to Odysseus by talking highly of Odysseus and his son Telemachus. He tells the "beggar" about his great master and how kind he is and what a beautiful wife he has. He also talks about how rich his master is. Eumaeus also constantly expresses his wish for his master's (Odysseus) return. He also expresses his disgust about the suitors.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Book 9 Questions
Book 9: Discussion Questions
- Why does Odysseus say they sacked the city of the Cicones?He says this because it is important to his later on journey. When he sacks the city of Cicones they kill all the men and take the riches. When Odysseus wants to move on, his men have become drunk with power and continue to sack Cicones. However, Cicones' allies come and attack Odysseus' men. They depart quickly, but they had lost many men in the struggle. So now he has a significantly less amount of men.
- What effect does the lotus have on anyone who tastes it?It makes the eaters forget their purpose, and continue to eat it. When Odysseus and his men reach the island of the lotus eaters, he sends out two men to explore the island and find people. They find the lotus eaters who eat the lotus, a sweet honey fruit. Soon the men didn't want to leave and didn't want to travel back home. Odysseus, in the end, drags the reluctant men back to the ship.
- What was unusual about the island that lies near the island of the Cyclops?The island has a thick wood where many wild goats breed and eat. What's unusual is, there are no men, no hunters and no lands plowed or with wheat. The island, if someone live there, would be good because it has fertile soil and clear land for plowing. It also has a fresh spring.
- What is the occupation of the Cyclops?The cyclops is a herder. He herds lambs, sheep, goats and rams. All of the animals are very large.
- What does Odysseus take with him when they go to investigate the Cyclops' cave?The skin of irresistible wine, which he earned from saving a priest of Apollo, Maron, and his family. Maron gave Odysseus many other gifts as well including: seven bars of gold, a mixing bowl of silver and the 'secret' and 'rare' wine of the gods.
- How many men does the Cyclops eat each time he eats?He eats two men at a time.
- Why doesn't Odysseus just kill the Cyclops?While the Cyclops sleeps, Odysseus thought about taking out his dagger and killing the Cyclops. However, he realizes that that is a bad idea. He realizes that he and his men could not push back the great stone, which blocked the doorway.
- How does Odysseus trick the Cyclops with his name?When the Cyclops asks Odysseus' name, Odysseus replies that he is 'nobody' After, Odysseus offers the Cyclops the skin of wine which gets the Cyclops drunk. The Cyclops says he will do Odysseus a favor and eat him last. When the Cyclops passes out, Odysseus wounds the Cyclops, the other Cylcops come out to see what's wrong. The Cyclops cried, 'nobody is hurting me!' thinking Odysseus is 'nobody' In return, the others go back to their homes.
- How is Odysseus able to blind the Cyclops?He finds a big piece of olivewood. He chops part of it off and rolls it to his men and orders them to shave it down smooth. Odysseus makes a very sharp stabbing point. Then he and his men turn it towards the fire to make the tip hard. After Odysseus gets the Cyclops drunk, Odysseus pokes the eye out with the great piece of wood.
- What boastful act does Odysseus do which could set up his suffering later?He taunts the Cyclops He calls the Cyclops weak a coward. He tells him Zeus and the other gods have paid him back. He continues to mock the Cylcops despite his men's pleas for him to stop.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Book 6 and 7
Book 6:
Why does Athena appear to Nausicaa in a dream?
Athena goes to Nausicaa to chastise her about her clothes about her room. Athena tells Nausicaa it is shameful for her to leave her good clothes on the floor. She tells Nausicaa that she will be married soon and she should be dressed in her finest. Athena, then, tells Nausicaa she will help her in the morning. Athena tells Nausicaa all this to get Nausicaa to go down to the shore where Odysseus lay on the shore. She knows that Nausicaa will probably take pity on Odysseus and will help him.
What details indicate the wealth of Arete's and Alcinious's palace?
As Odysseus walks to the palace he sees many sights that indicate that Arete and Alcinious are very wealthy. First he sees how large the palace is. Also he sees that the walls are plated in bronze, and the doorposts are silver with golden handles. He also sees statues of 'guard dogs' in gold. He also sees Phaeacian lords in gold drinking and dining. Outside the courtyard he sees a large orchard with beautiful trees, including olive trees.
Why does Athena appear to Nausicaa in a dream?
Athena goes to Nausicaa to chastise her about her clothes about her room. Athena tells Nausicaa it is shameful for her to leave her good clothes on the floor. She tells Nausicaa that she will be married soon and she should be dressed in her finest. Athena, then, tells Nausicaa she will help her in the morning. Athena tells Nausicaa all this to get Nausicaa to go down to the shore where Odysseus lay on the shore. She knows that Nausicaa will probably take pity on Odysseus and will help him.
What details indicate the wealth of Arete's and Alcinious's palace?
As Odysseus walks to the palace he sees many sights that indicate that Arete and Alcinious are very wealthy. First he sees how large the palace is. Also he sees that the walls are plated in bronze, and the doorposts are silver with golden handles. He also sees statues of 'guard dogs' in gold. He also sees Phaeacian lords in gold drinking and dining. Outside the courtyard he sees a large orchard with beautiful trees, including olive trees.
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