1. Absent work for English 12 Thursday, 2/26/15 Complete the following two assignments on notebook paper. There is an example of what your chart should look like on the back board in the classroom.

2. PLAYING ON POLONIUS To show Rosencrantz and Guildenstern how they are treating him, Hamlet does the same to Polonius. He plays upon him like a recorder, making him say anything that he, Hamlet, chooses. So Polonius is made to say he sees the imaginary shapes Hamlet suggests are in the clouds. Some directors and critics challenge this view of Polonius as a silly old man humoring someone he thinks is a lunatic. They argue that Polonius replies in a dignified and tolerant manner, showing that he knows that Hamlet is trying to make fun of him. And certain critics have tried to show that camel, weasel, and whale are symbols for certain themes in the play.  Use No Fear Shakespeare to review lines 3.2.319 (“oh, the recorders!”) to 3.2.362 (Polonius exits). (page 15 in the online version)  On a piece of notebook paper, create a chart that shows how you work out an explanation of how camel, weasel, and whale could have significance in the play. What are potential explanations for the mention of these specific animals? Use details from the text to support your ideas.  It would be wise to do a little research on how these animals are traditionally symbolic.  Since you weren’t in class, your ideas need to be well explained!

3. “I WILL SPEAK DAGGERS TO HER BUT USE NONE”  At the end of 3.2, Hamlet says he will speak daggers to his mother, but not hurt her.  He is horrified because she has married Claudius, but does he suspect her of anything else?  Brainstorm a list of all things he is likely to accuse her of when he speaks to her. List at least four ideas.

4. ABSENT MONDAY, 3/2 If you were absent Monday, 3/2, please complete the assignment on the next slide

5. 3.4 ASSIGNMENT Using No Fear Shakespeare, review the conversation between Hamlet and his mother. 1.Start reading where Hamlet says, “Now mother, what’s the matter?” (3.4.8, Act 3, Scene 4, Page 1 online). 2.Make sure you know and understand the answers to these comprehension questions: A.What did Hamlet accidentally do? B.How does he feel about the loss of Polonius? ASSIGNMENT: Focus on Hamlet’s comparison of King Hamlet and Claudius (starting on line 54; page 3 of the online text, and reading until the Ghost enters.). Then:  On a piece of 8.5x11 white paper, create an illustration of each (King Hamlet, Claudius) and decide how to show Gertrude’s reaction.  Your illustration should demonstrate comprehension of Hamlet’s words. How are the two men different? What qualities do they have? You should communicate their traits and qualities with symbols in your drawing.  Make sure you show how Gertrude feels at the end of this comparison.  Your illustration must be full color with NO white space on the page. This means your drawings should be BIG.  Goal: finish and turn in today. Otherwise it’s HW due at the start of class tomorrow. This is not a partner assignment. You need to KNOW this, NOT write it down on your assignment. Put your name on the BACK

6. ABSENT WORK MARCH 4 (4 TH ONLY)  If you were absent from class on Wednesday, March 4, please complete the assignment on the next slide.  This assignment is required for 4 th period only.

7. A JUST EPITAPH? When Polonius dies, Hamlet says, “wretched, rash, intruding fool.” Would Ophelia and the queen accept this as an appropriate epitaph for Polonius? Write the four words each of them would substitute for Hamlet’s heartless dismissal. Then write four words of your own to describe Polonius. ASSIGNMENT: Take a piece of white paper. Draw four gravestones for Polonius.  1. The words Hamlet used  2. The words Ophelia would use  3. The words Gertrude would use  4. The words YOU would use Your work should demonstrate comprehension of the play and analysis of each character’s perspective. FILL the page. No white space. This is not a partner assignment.

8. COMIC RELIEF 3/17/15  The inclusion of a humorous character, scene, or witty dialogue in an otherwise serious work, often to relieve tension.  Shakespearean Examples:  The Nurse in Romeo and Juliet  The Porter in Macbeth