Class Notes 2-5

*Clarification(?): I have missed 2 days of school – Nov 22^nd and 23^rd, so I looked at other people’s notes for those two days’ notes; and also this is why I upload my note so late.*

Class Notes

AP Multiple Choice Questions

Types of Questions:

1.      Rhetorical Function

• Need you to explain purpose of a sentence/ stanza/ paragraph

• Try to ask yourself what the selected part of the passage or poem does

2.      Context

• This type of question asks meaning of a word in the context of a passage

• Need to identify the meanings of the words correctly (in the way the author uses it)

3.      Antecedent

• This type of question asks you to identify the meaning of a word used in the context of a passage

• “EXCEPT” questions!

4.      Style

• This type of question asks you to consider style choices the author has made

• If the answer combines two answers in one, make sure both of them are correct

5.      Tone

• This type of question asks you to identify the tone of the passage

• If there are two parts in one answer, make sure both of them are correct

Things to Remember:

1.      Read the questions slowly

2.      Read the whole passage first and then work on the questions

HAMLET

Background:

• Based on a Norse legend by Saxo Grammaticus in Latin around 1200 AD

• Amleth is Hamlet’s original name

• In Saxo’s Hamlet, “Claudius” murders “Old Hamlet” to marry “Gertrude,” but later “Hamlet(Amleth)” revenges and becomes a rightful new king

Seneca:

Aristotle Tragedy -> Tragic error

Seneca -> Tragic flaw(more free will)

             ->Revenge

The plot of the Senecan tragedies can include:

• hero’s hesitation

• hero’s insanity

• hero’s contemplation of suicide

• multiple levels of intrigue

• able scheming villain

• abundance of philosophic soliloquies

• sensational murder on stage/ exhibition of bodies

Audience encounter

• the offense; can be maximized by injuries

• antagonist

• clarification of strategy and marshaling of resources

• series of delay; anything to retard momentum

• some unforeseen development that almost thwarts the scene

• the showdown- revenge carried out

• intensified form is called “tragedy of blood”