Would a witch by any other name be as wicked?

Notice that the Weird Sisters are referred to as "witches" only in the stage directions. No one sitting in the audience seeing the play will hear the word witch even once. Rather, in the text Banquo and Macbeth call them "Weird Sisters." They, in fact, even refer to themselves by such a title. The word "weird" is derived from the Old English "wyrd," meaning fate or destiny. Thus far in the play, how have the predictions of the Weird Sisters influenced or controlled Macbeth's fate/destiny? Do you believe that their influence is the greatest influence upon him? If so, why? If not, what or who influences Macbeth most? (The deadline to comment on this blog post is midnight, Wednesday, October 12, 2011.)

On the way back from Canterbury

And, the tales continued today with stories from the Skipper, the Franklin, the Friar, the Doctor, the Miller, the Knight, Chaucer, the Yeoman, the Merchant, the Oxford Cleric, the Second Nun, and the Parson. It was a feat of general entertainment and morality. 

On the Way to Canterbury

Today, the Senior pilgrims told their tales on our way to Canterbury.  A great time was had by all--the Yeoman, the Summoner, the Physician, the Oxford Cleric, the Skipper, the Knight, the Manciple, the Franklin, Chaucer, the Reeve, the Merchant, the Prioress, the Monk, the Squire, and the Nun's Priest-- what a great group of people.  AP Scholars of the First Rate!

Looking for a Hero

It seems all societies, no matter how ancient, have sought heroes. Define a hero. Which hero--the Anglo-Saxon Beowulf or the Medieval Sir Gawain--did you find most heroic by your definition?  Why?  (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight Friday, September 30, 2011.)

Be a Pilgrim...

Imagine that you could be a pilgrim on the trip to Canterbury.  What would be the premise of your tales?  What would be your moral?  Why? (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight Friday, September 23, 2011)

Medieval Motley Crew!

Although we have not finished reading about all the pilgrims in The Canterbury Tales, of the ones we have read and discussed, which seems most interesting?  What do you like and dislike about this character?  Make a prediction, based upon his/her characterization, as to what the tale of this character will be?  Justify.  (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight, Sunday, September 18, 2011.)

I Understand

As you are reading your circle/group novels, I will be looking for what YOU UNDERSTAND or FIND in the novel (not something you have gathered from others in your group, internet sources, or other teachers). Share with me something YOU have found/learned/seen in the book that you want to talk about. Make sure you identify which novel you are reading.(The deadline to post to this blog is midnight Monday, September 12, 2011.)