New York Times

First, I do believe that Shakespeare does deserve the credit that he has been bestowed hundreds of years after his death. It certainly must take a lot of talent and determination to write a play or collection of poems, let alone composing really good ones. Especially since they are still referred to in this day and age.
Second, I think that Shakespeare could have survived in today's high-tech world. It is with frightening ease that we can send and recieve information, even on a global scale. It would be much easier for his plays to be heard about, shown and praised with the internet and other media that we have today.
Third, I am not 100% confident that a 20th or 21st century author could come up to par with The Bard. Writing styles of this day are different than they were when Shakespeare was alive. The world has undergone some growth. The language that we write and speak, though fundamentally the same, has changed as well. So, no, I don't belive that any modern writers could compare with Shakespeare because they are so different already that it would be unfair to compare the two.

NY Times Response

Yes I read Romeo and Juliet in ninth grade, but other than that I really don't know a lot about Shakespeare. I absolutely loved Romeo and Juliet, however, so I can say that from my experience, I think he earned and deserved it. I'm not sure if he became popular during his own time or not, but I have a feeling though maybe he was known during his time, his real popularity and respect came much later.

To respond to him being as popular today with the internet and such, I think it could happen. But, just like it was back then, I don't think he'd be extremely respected until later after his death. I only think this if he had not existed before, though. Knowing him now, I don't think there's anyone now who could replace him or even "out do" him in his level on the "FANTASTIC LITERATURE" (hhahaha) scale. I can't make up my mind though, because from another angle, he might be even bigger than he was then because of the internet. Information spreads like wildfire now, so maybe he would be known and respected even quicker!

I don't know too much about him, like I said, so I don't have a very intelligent response, but that's what I have :)

Reponse to Shakespeare :)

Okay. So I just typed my whoooooole response...and it's gone. I don't know where it is. Somewhere in the world wide web...this is unfortunate.

I guess I really don't have a choice but to retype it :(

As for the first question, I do believe that Shakespeare deserves the popularity that he earned. I mean, he EARNED it. He wrote great literature and worked very hard and people love it, so yes he does deserve it.

I don't think another Shakespeare is possible. If it is, it will be very difficult. Shakespeare changed English literature and made a huge impact. I don't think anyone will ever be able to do that.

My previous answer also kind of answers the third question about there being any comtemporary writers like Shakespeare. And again, I don't think there are. I don't read very much "hardcore" literature, but I have heard that John Donne and John Milton are VERY good writers, but still not as good as Shakespeare.

So I hope this post went as it was supposed to...I wasn't really sure how long it was supposed to be but I think this should cover it :)

*excitement*

I just wanted to say how excited I am to read King Lear with everyone!!! It's one of my more favored Shakespearean dramas and I hope you will enjoy it as I have. Now I just have to make sure I keep my mouth shut so I don't give away the ending! :) Plus I've never read it with a group before so it will give the story a whole new dynamic. Yay reading! ^.^

Would the Bard Have Survived the Web?

There is an interesting op-ed piece in The New York Times today about whether or not Shakespeare would be as popular in a world where internet piracy, eBooks, and file sharing are as common place as status updates.

As we start our journey with King Lear in the next unit, I'd like to hear your thoughts on Shakespeare. Does he deserve the popularity he has earned as an influential poet and dramatist? Do you think another Shakespeare is possible in a world where writing and internet communication have become accessible to everyone and not just the "learned"? Are there any contemporary authors (think 20th and 21st century) that could earn a place alongside Shakespeare and other well-known writers of literary history? A little 'food for thought' as we set sail for the kingdom of Lear.

I'd like to see a response from each of you before next Thursday, February 24. We'll be launching into Lear then and I'd like to get a feel for your views on Shakespeare and his influence.

Lions, tigers, and $@&%, oh my!

AP warriors-

A question has been posed about the selection of songs with colorful
language in the lyrics. As long as the song doesn't rely on the naughty bits as the main theme, a bleep or three are fine. Example: Cee-Lo's "Forget" You" is out.

Any concerns, drop me an email or ask in class.

Rock on, warriors, rock on!

MCC

Irony

Where was this video when we were discussing irony during the poetry unit? Check out the other What You Ought to Know videos on YouTube. Great stuff!

CATCH-22!?!

Remember in the summer when Mrs. Conklin told us it is everywhere? Well, IT IS. Though all of us have talked about how many Catch-22 situations there are in every day life, I'm still shocked every time I hear it. Last night I went to the Economic Growth Alliance meeting at the beach house, and the presenter made a reference to it. I wanted to scream! There were no AP Warriors to understand what I was going through hahah :)

Blog Bam

Just racking some participation points! Who's excited for the Dubliners test?!?!
Oh but a real discussion: did you guys think that Dubliners was a wholly pessimistic book like the question suggested? I thought no but i wanted to hear your thoughts!!!
happy hunting
krysta

Due Dates

I just want to make sure of the due date of the paper. It is on Friday, correct?

Yaaaay for the snowpocalypse!

How is everyone's snow day? I'm actually doing our paper right now, and I've only talked about two stories so far and am at three pages. I didn't think I'd know enough about the stories to even get two pages but now I'm having trouble cutting it down! Maybe I'll make the font smaller? Hope everyone is doing okay with the paper. It's taking a long time but not too hard!

Ivy Day in the Committee Room

I don't understand this story at all as far as epiphany or paralysis go. Does anyone understand it that could explain this to me?

Dubliners Writing Assignment

Hi everyone! I hope you are having a fabulous day off! I am really having a problem with how to address the topics of paralysis and epiphany. I undestand where they are used, but I am not really sure what Mrs. Conklin wants us to write. HELP ME!!

I have started reading Dubliners also and for the people who havent started reading it yet: Dont jump right into the story. Read the notes that are in the book before the actual stories start. This helped me a lot. It helped me understand what I was going to be reading and what to look for in the stories. Hope this helps!

Two Gallants

I've gone through each story a few times, trying to figure out the paralysis or epiphany. The Two Gallants doesn't make any sense to me, what is Joyce talking about?