This month, we did our second reading of Death of a Salesman. With this second reading, I found that I enjoyed it more the second time. The second time around I picked up on more symbolism and minor plot points that I missed. The sign that something is truly great is when you watch/read something the second time, that it is even better the second time around. One example is Apocalypse Now. While Death of a Salesman might not be one of my favorites, I respect its literary prowess and its interpretation of the American Dream.
Later, we wrote another practice essay, this time on Death of a Salesman. I felt better about this one. Matt edited my essay and provided me with good feedback. I'm slowly working my up to a five (hopefully). I need to work on timing as well.
Lastly, we began to read Hamlet. So far, I am really enjoying Hamlet. I really enjoy Shakespearean tragedies. I was not the biggest fan of Twelfth Night or Much Ado About Nothing. The flawed characters in plays like Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet are a joy to read. I especially enjoyed Romeo and Juliet because as a teenager, I realized that teenagers make a lot of dumb mistakes. It was pretty eyeopening, like when I read The Catcher in the Rye. Ms. Holmes selected me to be the ghost, and I love the role. Having a ghost come back to motivate Hamlet to kill people is interesting. I hope that I enjoy reading Hamlet!
Hi Nick,
ReplyDeleteI agree that reading these plays for a second time definitely makes it easier to understand them. For me, I find it challenging to figure out what is happening with the plot the first time I read through the pieces we have read in class. I can't even begin to think about DIDLS. I remember in the beginning of the year, I thought that reading things twice was a bit of an overkill, however, now I see that why it is necessary.
I also really like how you mentioned the other Shakespearean tragedies we have read in school. How do you think Hamlet compares to the other plays? Do you enjoy Hamlet just as much?
Hello Nick,
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with enjoying Death of a Salesman more the second time than the first. Watching the movie and then reading it really got you to see more points or symbols that were hidden. I really like your connections you made, they were great connections to the past. I agree with you, I love reading Hamlet too. I do love tragedies however at the same time I don't because i like the happy endings lol. Overall this is a great post :)
Yo Nick,
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree with you that reading things the second time around makes it much more easy/enjoyable to read. It seems like you can pick up on so much more the second time you read a piece. I like the connections you made to other Shakespearean plays that we read in Brit Lit. Do you like Hamlet as much as Macbeth? I know I'm not there with you so it probably makes the experience less enjoyable doesn't it? Anyways, nice post. Keep up the good work.
Allysa