B1 - The Taming of the Shrew - Blog # 5

Please respond to the prompts below.  Use quotes when stipulated.


1.  Describe the bet that is made.  Use a quote as support.

2.  Who wins?  Were you surprised?

3.  Is the outcome ironic?  Yes or no?

4.  When we think back about disguises or "facades," how might the conclusion of this play reinforce that concept?

5.  What do you think?  Was Kate tamed?  Was she just "behaving" for the time being?

6.  How might Petruchio be better suited for Bianca and Lucentio for Kate?  Or is this simply crazy talk?

Due: Monday, 11.21

B3 - The Merchant of Venice - Blog # 4

Please respond to the prompts below.  Use quotes when stipulated.


1.  We've talked of antithesis and dramatic irony, how does this scene possibly act as "Dramatic Antithesis" when compared to the previous scene?

2.  Gratiano immediately turns in Bassanio when he is caught giving away his ring.  What does this say about his character?  Would a friend really do this to a friend?  Are they really friends?  Think back to when they first met Antonio.

3.  What is up with the ring thing?  Is it just meant to be playful or comical?  Is it a critical representation of women?  Or is there something larger at play?  How does this portray Nerissa and Portia?

4.  What good piece of news does Antonio get at the end of the play? Use a quote as support.

5.  The Merchant of Venice is a Comedy because of the happy ending.  This makes me ill when I think of Shylock.  What do you reckon?  How would you label this play?

Due: Thursday, 11.17

B1 The Taming of the Shrew - Blog # 4

Please respond to the following prompts in complete sentences.  Use quotes when stipulated.
1.  This is a particularly confusing scene, what with the changing of disguises and revealing of true identities.  How might this stand as a metaphor for marriage itself?

2.  We think of Bianca's courting to be tame and mannerly when compared to Kate.  But when one views this scene, is this true?  How might this foreshadow the end of the play?

3.  If you were Baptista, how would you feel knowing you have been duped?  Would you allow the marriage to take place?

4.  Petruchio asks Kate to kiss him in the street.  Is this a mere trifle?  Or is it symbolic of her being broken?  Or is it illustrative of them actually falling in love?

5.  Cite three literary devices and define them.

Due: Thursday, 11.17 (Before class)

B3 - The Merchant of Venice - Blog # 3

Please respond to the following prompts / questions in complete sentences.  Use quotes when stipulated. 
1.  Do you discern any subtle racism in the treatment of the Moor?

2.  Describe in detail Portia's matrimonial restrictions.

3.  What must the Moor swear to do if he chooses incorrectly?

4.  Is Launcelot the son of an honest man or an honest woman?

5.  What does Launcelot think of Shylock?

6.  How does Launcelot split the proverb "The grace of God is enough" between Bassanio and Shylock?

7.  Is it really clear why Launcelot leaves Shylock to work for Bassanio?

8.  Is Bassanio skeptical of taking Gratiano to Belmont? Use a quote as support.

9.  Who is your favorite character?  Who is your least favorite?

Due: Thursday, 11. 3 (Before Class)

B1 - The Taming of the Shrew - Blog # 3

Please respond to the questions / prompts below in complete sentences.  Use quotes when stipulated.

1.  Where is Petruchio from?

2.  Who does Petruchio introduce to Baptista to instruct his daughters?  Where does he say he is from?  What pseudonym does he use for this man?

3.  Using a quote as support, describe the animosity between Katherine and Bianca.

4.  Who does Gremio introduce to Baptista to instruct his daughters?  What pseudonym does he use for this man?

5.  Describe the dowry Petruchio is to receive for marrying Katherine?

6.  Quote two lines from 170 - 180 that illustrate antithesis in Petruchio's soliloquy on how he will win over Katherine.  Paraphrase the lines you quote.

7.  Identify three literary devices and quote what they reference from lines  185 - 194.

8.  Who does Baptista choose to marry Bianca?

9.  Between lines 205 - 225 there are numerous sexual innuendos.  Please pick one, quote it and paraphrase it.

10.  Which character do you like most at the end of Act II?  Which one do you like least?

Due: Thursday, 11.3