I will add the journal assignment for each class period immediately AFTER I've given that assignment, so if you miss class you can check here to find out what your journal question will be. I'll put the most recent entry on top, so expect to find these in reverse order. Remember that each journal entry earns you a maximum of four points: 1) On time; 2) Answers the question; 3) Uses direct reference to the text (page numbers, specific incidents, line numbers, etc.); 4) Fills up an entire 8.5x11" notebook page (or the equivalent).

32. (Due Friday, Dec. 5)  How is Adam's fall different from Eve's fall? Is one "worse" than the other?

31. (Due Wednesday, Dec. 3) Compare/contrast Satan's soliloquy in Book IV ( lines 32-113) to his soliloquy in Book IX (lines 99-178). Has his attitude shifted in any way?   

30.   (Due Monday, Dec. 1)  Discuss the nature of the unfallen relationship between Adam and Eve.

29. (Due Wednesday, Nov. 26)  Discuss the scene in Book III that is similar to the offer by Satan in Book II.

 28 (Due Monday, Nov. 24) Describe the four plans presented at the parliament in Hell.

27. (Due Friday, Nov. 21)  Discuss the tactics Satan uses to inspire his troops.

26. (Due Wednesday, Nov. 19)  Do a character sketch of Satan.

25. (Due Monday, Nov. 17) Discuss what author from your list writes most like Donne, and why you came to that conclusion.

24. (Due Friday, Nov. 14) Pick one of Donne's religious poems and explicate it.

23. (Due Wednesday, Nov. 12) Discuss Donne's attitude toward love in these poems.

22. (Due Monday, Nov. 3) Do you think Hamlet is justified in what he does to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?

21. (Due Friday, Oct. 31)  Do you think Hamlet's plan to test the honesty of the ghost actually works? Explain why or why not.

20. (Due Wednesday, Oct. 29) Discuss the ways characters use deception to find out the truth.

19. (Due Monday, Oct. 27)  List and discuss all of the problems that Hamlet has to face by the end of Act I.

18. (Due Friday, Oct. 17)--What do you think of Petruchio's "taming" techniques?  

17. (Due Friday, Oct. 10--changed to Wednesday, Oct. 15)  In your opinion, should Kate marry Petruchio? Explain your reasoning.

16. (Due Wednesday, Oct. 8) In your opinion, at what point is it too late for Dr. Faustus to be saved?

15. (Due Monday, Oct. 6)  Do a character sketch of Dr. Faustus.

14. (Due Friday, Oct. 3)  Look up the definition of "allegory" in the glossary of your book, then talk about how Book I Canto I of the Faerie Queene works as an allegory.

13. (Due Wednesday, Oct. 1)  Focus on just one sonnet, and write a full-page explication.

12. (Due Monday, Sept. 29) Pick two sonnets; write half a page about each.

11 (Due Friday, September 19) Read the selections from Morte Darthur (pp. 296-313).  In your journal, discuss the portrayal of courtly love in this work (and refer to the website page on courtly love if you need help understanding it).

10.  (Due Wednesday, September 17)  Discuss how The Nun's Priest's Tale might serve as a hidden sermon aimed at the Prioress.

9. (Due Monday, September 15)  What is the true moral of the Wife of Bath's Tale? Does she understand the moral of her tale?

8. (Due Friday, September 12) Do a character sketch of The Wife of Bath.  How much sympathy do you have for her?

7. (Due Wednesday, September 10)  From the General Prologue, pick one character you believe to be genuinely good, one character you believe to be evil, and one you think is morally ambiguous, and defend your estimation.  Do NOT use any of the characters we discussed during Monday's class.

6. (Due Monday, September 8)  Do a character list for the pilgrims who appear in the General Prologue of the Canterbury Tales.  Include a brief characterization of each.

5. (Due Friday, September 5)  What is the test that Sir Gawain faces?  Does he pass?

4. (Due Wednesday, September 3)  Talk about ways in which the civilization in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is both similar to and different from the civilization described in Beowulf.

3. (Due Monday, September 1)  As you review Beowulf's last battle, do you think he has succeeded in living up to the heroic ideal?  Be sure to support your answer with specific details.

2. (Due Friday, August 39)  As you read the battle between Beowulf and Beowulf's mother, write of the portrayal of women in this civilization.  Why do you think Beowulf ends up having so much trouble with Grendel's mother?

1. (Due Wednesday, August 27): As you read the descriptions of the leaders of the Danes and the Geats, try to figure out what characteristics seem to be admired in the leaders of this civilization. Discuss those characteristics, and comment on how they are similar to or different from what we currently expect from our leaders.