Those of you in 11th CP and CP2 BLC may remember when we began Macbeth last semester, I provided you each with a copy of a word cloud formed from the text of the play. We used it to examine the grand themes and big ideas the play might present based on the prominent words in the cloud. Here’s one that was created based on Barack Obama’s inaugural address. Based on the word cloud, what large themes emerge? What’s his message? Feel free to discuss in the comments.
Students in 9th CP2 GCL read 2.3 of Romeo and Juliet in which Friar Lawrence agrees to perform marriage rites for Romeo and Juliet in the hope that their families will mend their feud. Students turned in a comparison/contrast paper about two versions of the famous Balcony Scene in 2.2. We also examined some of the figurative language Shakespeare uses in Friar Lawrence’s speech.
Students in 11th CP2 BLC read 3.1 and began 3.2 of Taming of the Shrew. We also viewed a scene that did not appear in the play — Katherine and Petruchio’s wedding. Shakespeare chose to have Gremio describe this scene instead of staging it on play, and we discussed some of the reasons why. Students turned in their promptbooks for 2.1.
Students in Writing Seminar II continued researching their paper topics. Thesis statements are due Friday, so you should begin thinking about your thesis today.
Students in 9th CP2 GCL, 11th CP2 BLC, and 11th CP BLC all have vocabulary due tomorrow. Please see this post for more information about vocabulary this year. Also, if you are in 11th CP BLC, please see this post for the four questions I asked you to answer as you read 3.2.90-123.
8 responses so far ↓
1
jacob r
// Jan 21, 2009 at 11:13 am
interesting that the two most used words were new and nation. I suppose thats what we can expect from him
2
Chantelle B.
// Jan 21, 2009 at 10:11 pm
I think it’s so cool that someone made a word cloud out of Obama’s inauguration speech. I definitely think a major theme is “new.” It was one of the biggest words on the cloud, and I think it represents the new change recently elected that is hopefully going to bring positive change to our country. An interesting word I noticed that was rather large was “common.” I think Obama being elected indicates that a “common man” can rise to power in a positive light, and that he represents all the common men and women of our country. “Must” was also a word that caught my eye; it exemplifies all the issues America faces and how Obama and we as a country, MUST take the steps to make a change, and MUST do certain things to ensure our existence as a successful country.
3
Mrs. Huff
// Jan 21, 2009 at 10:23 pm
I think both of you made some interesting observations about the speech. Isn’t it interesting to see the patterns that emerge from these word clouds? I think the Macbeth one was fairly accurate, too!
4
Joseph I.
// Jan 25, 2009 at 8:31 pm
On the topic of Barack Obama, I would like to say that his inaugural address was cery inspiring and hopeful. It provided us with a rare sense of optimism that seems hard to come by during these economic times.
5
Alex G.
// Jan 27, 2009 at 7:48 pm
On the topic of the prompt books I would like to say that it along with the other similar discussion topics (like how certain lines can be said and how that changes the ‘mood’ of the scene) have really been helpful and a lot of fun. With Shakespeare’s plays lack specific details there are a million ways that you can change it to fit your own imagination.
6
Ethan T.
// Jan 28, 2009 at 1:33 pm
The term “New” is used a lot. I hope he can change things. The bubble was very interesting.
7
Eli O.
// Jan 29, 2009 at 11:04 am
As several students mentioned before Obama used the word “new” more than any other word. I think that this is Obama using one of the select words that most people recognize and hear over several other words. This is a smart move by Obama and it shows that while he is a political genius, he is equally smart in language and word choice.
8
Mrs. Huff
// Jan 29, 2009 at 1:01 pm
He is often praised for his rhetorical gifts. I have to admit he may be our best presidential speaker since Ronald Reagan, who was so renowned for his speaking skills that he was called “the Great Communicator.” Of course, Ronald Reagan had also been an actor, and that kind of training comes in handy for public speaking. I’m not sure where Barack Obama acquired those skills, but he has an ease when speaking in public. He makes it seem effortless.
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