class evaluation

Which texts had the most relevance to me? The "Maus" series was incredible in the way that it told a horrific story, but was readable because of the carefree illustrations. Everyone knows basic facts about the holocaust, but these two stories, told from the survivor's son, was a different perspective and worth contemplating.
I don't know that I made personal connections with any of the texts. That's not to say that I couldn't appreciate the stories, but most were so dark....
I was probably most impacted by the books on the holocaust. I don't think it's possible to become desensitized to that horror. It was disturbing to realize the evil that we humans are capable of, but rewarding to see, in the face of that horror, what we can overcome.

I am not a fan of graphic novels, but can certainly appreciate the creativity and brilliance of the author/illustrator. My issue with this particular class was that this genre was overused. I would have appreciated a broader range of literature. It was worthwhile to have it introduced, and to learn how to study the visuals as well as the text, but over half of the books we read were graphic novels! Enough already!

I feel the primary way that I grew as a reader and interpreter of literature was learning to close read. This idea was somewhat new to me because I have a habit of reading very fast and "skimming" the text. I actually enjoyed the process of slowing down and discovering the meaning of each individual word. I will use this technique, not only in other classes, but for personal reading as well.

The text that I found to be most challenging personally was "Blankets". I think there was a combination of reasons: I don't enjoy graphic novels, reading about winter in the dark of winter, and especially the way it brought back memories of my own adolescence. Also, having teenagers of my own, It made me want to protect them from certain hurts.
Ironically, the paper that I am most proud of writing centered around this novel. Perhaps because it was a cathartic measure and brought closure to my issues with this book.

Titania and Oberon

Titania and Oberon are a unique pair in the play, "A Midsummer Night's Dream".  They seem to have a love relationship, and yet bicker at the same time.

Titania's language seems dreamy and flowery, some of the most beautiful in the play:

 "Sleep thou, and I will wind thee in my arms.  O, how I love thee!  How I dote on thee!"

Oberon's language, too, seems that of a lovesick boy are times:

"Now my Titania, wake you, my sweet queen."

graphic novel - Romeo and Juliet

I've chosen "No Fear Shakespeare" to explore the Romeo and Juliet story.  Page 43 details the meeting of the two young lovers at a masquerade ball.  The illustrations are black, white and gray and the characters are drawn as homely people, not beautiful as one would envision teens in love.

The focal point on this page is the large drawing of Juliet outside of any panel.  Her face has a sweet expression, and yet the pen and ink illustrations give a rough edge to the drawing.  Romeo is illustrated with a mask, and is made to look more like Pinnochio with his long nose.  The text is completely edited from the original work.

As a whole, I found it to barely resemble Shakespeare.  The illustrations and text did nothing to draw me in or make me want to explore Shakespeare further.  In my opinion, the name of Shakespeare shouldn't even be in on the cover.

"playing" with Shakespeare

I would argue that it is ok to revise and edit traditional works of Shakespeare for the purpose of gaining an understanding, and also for pure entertainment.  Since his work can be difficult to decipher, contemporary versions make it relatable and relevant.  Also, his plays were originally meant to entertain an audience, so if "remakes" of his work do the same, then the spirit of Shakespeare isn't lost.

Contemporary versions of Shakespeare find an audience that the traditional works might not.

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