Today in class: WHY DOES SCHOOL EXIST AND WHAT DOES SHAKESPEARE HAVE TO DO WITH IT?
· What is LANGUAGE?
o It is not only WHAT we think, but HOW we think. It is the way we navigate the universe, construct meaning and understanding, and build our sense of self. We listened to a part of a radio show on language and its relationship to understanding. It’s a cool program: you can find it here: http://www.radiolab.org/2010/aug/09/words-that-change-the-world/.
· Studying Literature is a DISCIPLINE. What is a discipline?
o It is a WAY OF THINKING that allows one to detect PATTERNS
§ In the discipline of HISTORY, one examines patterns in past events
§ In the discipline of GEOMETRY, one examines patterns in shapes
§ In the discipline of PHYSICS, one examines patterns in motion/stasis
§ In the discipline of CHEMISTRY, one examines patterns in chemical actions/reactions
§ In the discipline of ECONOMICS, one studies patterns in markets
§ In the discipline of ANTHROPOLOGY, one studies patterns in human behavior
§ You get the idea…
· Literature is the study of patterns in language to create meaning
o The questions that then follow are;
§ What kinds of patterns?
§ What kinds of meaning?
· Why do we study PATTERNS?
o Because that’s how our brain creates understanding—in any discipline. We use language to create patterns as well as discern them. With every new piece of information, our brain seeks to connect that information with something else. “What does this remind me of?” is the brain’s very first question. If the answer is “nothing,” the response is fear and thus, often, rejection.
o Discipline is required to conquer that impulse so our brains grow, our lives become richer and more interesting and we become more interested in the world around us.
· Why do we study Shakespeare?
o Because his work is particularly rich fodder for discovering patterns, thus growing your skills in the discipline of literature. (And once those skills are better honed, Shakespeare just keeps on giving and giving and giving, which is why he has been continuously read and performed for over 500 years. Just sayin’…)
§ Patterns in sound
§ Patterns in rhythm
§ Patterns in grammar
§ Patterns in word construction
§ Patterns in sensory appeals
§ Patterns in simile and metaphor
§ Patterns in structure
§ Patterns in character development
§ You get the idea…
· And just in a brief study of Act I; scene I, we see that the witches do not speak in the traditional rhythm of iambic pentameter, suggesting their unnaturalness as well as the need to consider their words carefully. Patterns, folks. Amazing things.
YOUR HOMEWORK:
Finish your argument paper, if you haven’t.
Bring Macbeth AND your vocabulary book tomorrow
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