Essay

Amanda Farrish
Ms. Hayden
ENG 3Cc
March 24, 2010
Cartoon Mentors
Through high school, students learn to read and interpret Shakespeare’s plays. They usually get a dose of it in grade nine but don’t start to delve in it until around grade ten. All over the expansive world and also in different languages, people can read and learn about Shakespeare’s famous plays; now there is an easier, shorter, more visual way to read Shakespearean plays. It is called a graphic novel.
Many people are ‘visual learners’. Visual learners use images, pictures, colour, and other visual media to help them self learn more easy and efficient. By using graphic novels people will get a more sense and visual recognition on what is happening throughout the play. Graphic novels encourage reading for entertainment and are an excellent way to get reluctant readers to understand and begin to get interested books. When reading just the original play text of Shakespeare many children don’t understand what is going on, but when reading graphic novels the children can look at the pictures with the dialogue. When doing this teachers can ask what the student’s think is going on and why and most of the time they can have an accurate answer because of the expression and scenes of the pictures. Teachers can also discuss words and vocabulary and how they are drawn because many graphic novels use different fonts and sizes for different characters, for emphasis, and for different situations. Using graphic novels will help the school population to learn easier because now they can connect with the characters on another level of understanding.
The major setback to teaching with graphic novels is that most graphic novels can never get the whole story point across. Trying to tell a whole Shakespearean play shortened down into a graphic novel is quite a feat, yet there have been very, very few that have accomplished it. Shakespeare uses many literary devices in his work, authors try to work them into their graphic novels but it has changed so much that it often leaves out the more important details to the play, which in turn may confuse the student who is trying to compare the original to the graphic. Graphic novels are a condensed version of the original with pictures in them, because they have to condense it, not all ‘old English’ words or sayings may be used. In doing this to help conserve the story line, graphic novels are taking out the learning experience of the real Shakespeare style. Everything comes down to money in the end. If schools are going to start teaching with graphic novels they will have need to pay for as much novels as they need but also keep it to the bare minimum to conserve as much money as they can, and not all schools can afford such changes and will end up keeping to the original versions.
To the question of if schools should start teaching grade 12 college level students Shakespearean plays through graphic novels the answer is yes; only if it works. Teaching with graphic novels should first be put on trial to see if student’s grades improve. There are many advantages teaching with graphic novels that will help students later in life with explaining what they see and what they interpret. Graphic novels are also easier to read for students because they can interpret the expressions of the characters faces and teachers can talk with them after reading an act or scene. Graphic novels should be taught in schools so that students have a choice to experience a learning method.

My Story Is On YouTube!!

I found a video on 'Youtube' of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and it is a cartoon.
I find it appaling because they make me look and sound HORRIBLE, but I think they did Oberon very well. The story line is clear and to the play but wprds are changed so that the younger audience may understand.
They obviously had a low budget income also because of the poor quality and the over size lips they gave me!


Part One-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCZndWMALOo
Part Two-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqGEQ-832rI

From Titania, To Oberon

To my dearest Oberon,
When I read this poem I immediatly thought of you.

"My Blessing In Life"
By: Jessica L. Newsome
Every morning I wake up and see,
The most handsome man lying next to me.
He's the one I cherish and love,
A blessing sent from Heaven above.
I will love him as a faithful wife should,
And do everything for him I could.
I would let him know everyday,
That I love him more than words can say.
For the two children we have together,
And the love for God in each other.
It will keep our love for each other strong,
And the Lord will guide us away from all wrong."

From your loving wife, Titania

Titania ☼

Finally Someone To Relate To!

As Queen of the Fairies I barely have any time to 'relax' but recently I have been watching more television and of course I like to watch what mortals believe fairies are like. I found an interesting movie called "Ferngully: The Last Rainforest" and I was pleasantly surprised when I noticed how similar it was to fair Hermia's situation.

It is similar because the lead character, Chrysta, seems to like the human she accidently shrunk, Zak, but Pips (another fairy) seems to want Chrysta all to himself and doesn't like Zak.

A Movie About Me!... and the others.

Recently I saw this movie about the time I was in Athens for my dear Theseus' wedding. It has barely any truth to sustain any of it. The only references even close to the true happenings is when the actors are in the forest. Also the setting is is Monte Athena, ITALY!! Wrong country completely! But all in all it was a very well done cinema comedy I suppose, and I like who they hired to portray me; she is quite handsome.

In the production it gets confusing when the setting is at first around the 1930s-1940s. You have to pay attention because when they go into the forest it is almost like they went back in time to Athens. That is where my lovely character comes into play. Instead of giving away the whole movie I will just say that it is very well done considering the actors and the acting, and also with the props and scenes they use. A warning though this is not actually how it originally 'went down'. If you wish to knwo the true story you can read the play we had a Mr. William Shakespeare write for my book memoirs.

Titania's Review of What Transpired with Oberon

After Oberon, myself, and the rest of the fairies blessed the married couples, we went back to the forest to sleep. With the help of alcohol's sweet nectar Oberon when into a deep sleep, I had his magic flower brought to me and I rubbed the juices on his eyelids. I then had my fairy attendants fetch me a sow to bet set in place before the sleeping Fairy King. I went behind a bush to hide and watch my plan unfold before me. I picked up a small stone and threw it towards him, it landed on his lap and he awoke to stare directly into the sow's ugly face and instantaneously fell under the flower's magic spell. I had giggled in delight when he rushed forward to the sow and she squealed and fell paralyzed in fright. He began to coddle and hug her as if she were his lover! I was proud of myself for about ten minutes and then it dawned on me that I was stooping just as low as Oberon did all because of revenge for taking Mirza away from me. I was disgusted and ashamed at myslef so I ordered the fairies to sing sweet Oberon back to sleep. I rubbed the herb antitode on his eyelids, then went back to my hiding place, and had Peaseblossom se my letter on Oberon's chest for him to read when he woke. It didn't take as long as i had figured for him to awake. He straightwedned up running a hand through his fair hair when the letter dropped from his chest ontot the ground. He picked up and began reading. It did not take him long at all to glare over at me in my bush and come rishing over to confront me. We had a lengthy argument on why I shouldn't have done what I did and why he shouldn't have done what he did in the first place. But like all ruling couples we absolved our problem and decided to share Mirza and have him come with me and him so that we both got to see him. Before we left Athens we even decided that we should be together more for Mirza's sake (but I am sure Oberon only stated that because he misses me, I miss him too). For the first time in a long while the King and Queen of the Fairies travelled together again.

Titania, Queen of the Fairies
Titania ☼

Titania's Oberservations

I have decided to make a list of what I think of everybody I have seen this night.

Hermia- Nice mortal child,a little headstrong. Needs to find her priorities in life. Happy for her that she got to marry her true love,Lysander, not that snake Demetrius.

Lysander- Full of himself, appreciates having Hermia love and happily returns it thankfully. Should not run away from problems but seek away to resolve them before fleeing.

Helena- Needs more confidence in herself, she actually is a very stunning young woman. must be insane to love a man like Demetrius, but happy that we could help him make him love her back.

Demetrius- Disgusting, but now not so hateful that he returns his love to sweet Helena. Needs a haircut though...

Theseus- A very handsome man, very majestic and graceful, a good commander and keeper of the peace. Proud of him for winning the love of an Amazonian woman, Hippolyta.

Hippolyta- A bit jealous that Theseus' loves her. Very stunning in beauty and strength. Worthy of having Theseus' love and lucky that she returns it.

Bottom- Disgusting, vile, full of himself mortal. Lucky that he lived to see another sunrise.

That is all who I have met tonight, except I have already met Theseus but he is so charming that I had to mention him again!

Titania, Queen of the Fairies
Titania ☼

Letter to Oberon

To my dearest Oberon,

I have learned from your faithful lackey (when he was quite inebriated) that it was YOU who decided to use the magic love potion on me. I remember a most embarrassing dream that I had last night and was befuddled when I woke up smelling of ass.....but now I know why. My fairy attendants were too scared to tell me what happened during those twilight hours but they told me the full tale when Puck uttered the truth to me.

I can not believe you would stoop so low to a petty revenge prank because I would not let Mirza be your slave! On a second note do not punish poor Puck for telling me about where the secret flower thrives; I had to entice him greatly before he reluctantly told me the whereabouts. I am happy to report though that this incident did not faulter my excitement for long after Puck told me, I am very happy for Theseus and Hippolyta. As for you though, when you are reading this you are probably smart enough to already deduce that I AM NOT happy with you.

I hope you had as wonderful a time last night as I had when I was under the same illusion.

Yours eternally Titania

Titania ☼

P.S. You have the most amusing expressions when you are reading this letter, and I am hiding in the bush yonder to you. Hello!

A Picture of Titania

In my mind when I read 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' this is exactly what I think Titania looks like. It also reminds me of her because there are flowers all around her and she likes nature and many flowers around her when she sleeps. To me fairies are in tune with nature and animals around them so this pictures really reflects that because of the bird perched on her arm.

Sources Cited

• http://media.photobucket.com/image/fairy%20queen/downinmyheartthereisa/fairyqueen.jpg?o=79

Meeting τέσσερα

Characters of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
The Royalty
Theseus -- Duke of Athens
Hippolyta -- Queen of the Amazons, betrothed to Theseus
In Court
Egeus -- A Nobleman, Father of Hermia
Philosrate -- Master of the Revels
The Lovers
Lysander -- Loves Hermia
Hermia -- Loves Lysander
Demetius -- Loves Hermia, but later loves Helena because of potion
Helena -- Loves Demetrius
The Actors
Peter Quince -- A carpenter
Snug -- A joiner
Nick Bottom -- A weaver
Fracis Flute -- A bellow-mender
Tom Snout -- A tinker
Robin Starveling -- A tailor
The Fairies
Titiana -- Queen of the Fairies
Oberon -- King of the Fairies
Puck -- A mischievous fairy
Peaseblossom -- Fairy attendant
Cobweb -- Fairy attendant
Moth -- Fairy attendant
Mustardseed -- Fairy attendant

Lysander Loves Hermia, and Hemia loves Lysander back. Helena loves Demetrius: Demetrius used to love Helena but now loves Hermia and wishes to marry her. Egeus is Hermia's father and has decided to choose Demetrius as Hermia's husband and not Lysander. Egeus enlists the Aid of Theseus (Duke of Athens) to enforce Hermia to his wishes. According to Athenian Law Hermia must do as her father wishes or be put to death. Theseus gives Hermia three choices; marry Demetrius, be put to death, or become a nun for the rest of her life. Hermia is given four days to choose which is also on the day of the Duke's marriage to Hippolyta. After everyone is gone Hermia, ever defiant, decides to escape with her lover, Lysander, into the surrounding forest on the way to his Aunt's house. Helena is told of the secret and tells Demetrius of the lover's plan, he gets furious and goes to follow them with Helena dotingly follows.
Complications arise that night in the forest. Oberon and Titania are the King and Queen of the Fairies, and they are having a dispute over who should have the Indian boy Titania adopted after her servant died giving birth to him. Oberon wants him as one of his attendants while Titania wants him to never grow up but be by her side forever. Oberon instructs his servant, Puck, to bring him a magic flower. When the flower's juice is dropped onto some one's eyelids they instantly fall deeply in love with the first creature they see when they awaken. He plans to use this flower as revenge on Titania. Meanwhile, Helena and Demetrius have also fled into the woods after Lysander and Hermia. Oberon, overhearing Demetrius' criticism of Helena, takes pity on her and tells Puck to place the magic drops upon the eyelids of Demetrius as well, and to make sure that she is the first he sees when he awakens so that he may fall in love with Helena. Puck makes the mistake of putting the drops on the eyelids of Lysander instead. Helena stumbles over Lysander in the forest, thinking he is dead or hurt she rushes over to him. When Lysander awakens he sees Helena first and falls deeply in love with her. Lysander now loves Helena and renounces a stunned and hurt Hermia.
In the midst of the chaos, a group of craftsmen are rehearsing for a production of 'Pyramus and Thisbe' , to be played at the Duke's wedding. Puck impishly casts a spell on Bottom to give him an ass' head. The other craftsmen flee and Bottom is left wondering what was wrong. Puck had dropped the magic drops on Titania's eyelids and now she awakens to see Bottom with an ass' head first and instantly falls in love with him. Bottom ends up being lavishly kept by the Queen of the Fairies. Oberon enjoys this, but is less amused when it becomes apparent that Puck has botched up the attempt to unite Demetrius with Helena. Oberon himself anoints Demetrius with the love potion and ensures Helena is the first person he sees. However, Helena understandably feels that she is now being mocked by both Demetrius and Lysander.
Finally, Oberon decides that all good sports must come to an end. He puts the four lovers to sleep and gives Lysander the antidote to the love potion so that he will love Hermia again when they all wake up. Next, Oberon gives Titania the antidote too, and the King and Queen reconcile. He also returns Bottom his original head. Theseus and Hippolyta then discover Lysander, Hermia, Helena, and Demetrius asleep in the forest All return to Athens to make sense of what they think is a strange dream. Likewise, Bottom returns to his player, and they perform their play at the wedding feast (which has become a weeding of three couples; Theseus/Hippolyta , Lysander/Hermia, and Demetrius/Helena). As everyone retires, the fairies perform their blessings and Puck delivers a concluding speech.

Meeting τρία -- Act Three

1. Comic Commentator
   1. The creator use silhouettes to show the whole group arguing, it makes an impact on how their stances are and how they feel towards each other.
   2. The story is told using both the dialogue and graphic conventions. It uses enough of both to make the reader understand and know where each character is coming from.
   3. I like how the creator uses the position of the mouth, eyes, and eyebrows together to show the expression of the character. I also like how the right amount of boxes to get all of the points into the act.

Meeting δύο -- Act Two

1. Discussion Director
   1. Who did the text make you think about as you read?
   As I read the text it made me think of the passage and because of the vivid details I conjured up a thorough picture of this scene.
   2. What do you think this passage was about?
   I think this passage was about how even though people may love each other there are still going to be arguments when they are at odds.
   3. Predict what you think will happen next and why.
   Since Titania won't give Oberon the Indian boy he will obviously want revenge. Lysander is now 'in love' with Helena but she thinks he is making a mockery of her and she runs away, so I think Lysander will try to follow her. Demetrius will find Hermia.
   4. What was the most important change in this section? How and why did it happen?
   Lysander is now in love with Helena, this has happened because Puck sprinkled the love potion on the wrong Athenian man and Helena was the one to wake him up because she thought he was hurt.

Meeting ένα -- Act One

Connector
This passage reminds our group of a high school drama, an example is a parent not liking the person their son or daughter is dating, and they have a more preferable choice in mind.
Theseus and Hippolyta are getting married and with it they want all of Athens to be happy. An example of this in real life is a couple getting married and they want both sides of their families to get along and be happy with it.
Act One: Scene Two is about the actors who are putting on a play for the Duke's wedding and they are coming up with ideas. This reminds our group of our drama club in our school and how they all meet and come up with new and exciting plays for our assemblies.