A Valediction Forbidding Mourning

A few thoughts on the peom...

In John Donne's poem, "A Valediction Forbidding Mourning," a man says goodbye to his lover who he is about to leave. He uses metaphysical conceits to soften the blow by comparing their love to a noble man's death, the planets, and a drawing compass. In my opinion, this poem shows an excuse for the narrator to abandon his supposed love. Not only does he leave her, but also, he wants her to remain faithful and be excited when he returns. If the narrator actually loved this woman, then he would have never left her in the first place.

John Leskow

A Valediction Forbidding Mourning

The Things They Carried

For the inventory that we started in class of all the stuff we had on us, I know we are supposed to type it up, but should it just be a list or in paragraph form like the story?

-Paul Derickson

Hamlet Test Tomorrow!!!

As I hope you all know the Hamlet test is tomorrow. To go along with what Paul said, and because of what Mr. Lazarow said today in class, the essay will be a quotation from a source outside from Hamlet, and we have to compare the theme of the quote to a theme in Hamlet. The main themes in Hamlet are Honor, Pride, Appearance vs. Reality(sane/insane), and Life and Death. Make sure you have examples of how each of these themes is used and seen throughout the play to assure yourself that you will be prepared for the test.

John Leskow

Essay questions for the Hamlet test

What does everyone think is going to be the essay for the test?

Since honor and pride are two of the major themes, I think they are going to be the main topic. The question might be about whether it was right for Hamlet to say to defend honor at all costs when he saw Fortinbras going to fight in Poland.

-Paul Derickson

Notes Act 4, Scene 5... 4/2/09

Claudius diffused the angry mob situation by asking Laertes progressively harder questions. This forced Laertes to use logic and calm down. After three questions he was thinking and not as driven by emotion, this makes him easier to reason with and greatly benefits Claudius in the end. Claud then goes on to complimenting him on what a good son he was and the like. After getting Laertes full attention, he went on to claiming his innocence of the accused crime. Later, he offered his aid in finding the real murderer and bringing him to justice.

Laertes also sees Ophelia in her crazy state of mind, and is devastated of what happened to his sister.

Ophilia's Flowers

These are the flowers that Ophelia hands out in order, along with the meaning and who she was most likely to hand them to.

Flower Meaning Possible Person Given

Rosemary......Remembrance......................... #1 choice:Laertes or #2 possible:Gertude

Pansies..........Thoughts...................................#1 choice:Laertes or #2 possible:Gertude

Fennel............Flattery and Deceit.................Claudius

Columbines..Disloyalty/ingratitude...........#1: Claudius or #2: Gertude

Rue...................Sorrow/Repent......................Ophelia, Gertude/ Claudius

Daises..............Infidelity/unrequited love...Gertude

Violets.............Faithfulness............................NO ONE

-Michael Singh

I was wondering that maybe Ophelia was playing crazy like Hamlet to possible give herself leverage to get revenge on Hamlet?? Thoughts on this theory ?



Sean Bronczyk

Class Notes 4/1/09 John Leskow

Act 4: Scene 5

• Hamlet is gone until Act 5: Scene 1
• Ophelia has gone mad because the death of her father and the loss of Hamlet's love. Ophelia starts singing songs about love and death, she is insane.
• Claudius and Gertrude are deeply disturbed by Ophelia's actions. Ophelia demands to talk to Gertrude immediately, and then she sings "mad" songs to her mother.
• "Owl is a bakers daughter." This is refering to an old story, and makes Gertrude believe that she may be responsible for Ophelia's madness.
• Why do they say Laertes shall be king? Claudius is still nervous about people finding out who killed Polonius, and of Hamlet's departure. Claudius is trying to get on Laertes good side, because there needs to be a new heir to the thrown.
• Claudius stands his ground against Laertes's accusations and displays remarkable courage. Claudius and Laertes talk alone.
• Claudous stops the Mob. Gertrude jumps in to "save" Claudius! Because she wants Hamlet to kill Claudius for BLOOD VENGEANCE
• CLaudius tells Gertrude to GET OUT OF THE WAY! Because it is embarrassing.

John Leskow