Hello!
Welcome to my English final. If you are interested in the project itself, click on the "The Project" link below. If not, here is the general plan: I am going to read the last of Shakespeare's works (his last sonnet*, comedy** and tragedy***) and try to find a motif that ties them all together. Motifs have been a big motif in my high school literature curriculum--thus, it is only appropriate that I stick with what I know (motifs and Shakespeare). And so, without out any further ado, ladies and gentlemen, Caitlin H in The Final Motif...
Please control your applause.
*154
**The Tempest
***Coriolanus
And for my last act (as a high school senior), I will read(and analyze)Shakespeare's last sonnet, comedy and tragedy to find his final motif. The motif most on the Bard's mind before he bit the big one. What was good ole' Will thinking toward the end? Let's find out...
William Shakespeare
So that he can watch over us...
The Last Sonnet (154)
The little Love-god lying once asleep,
Laid by his side his heart-inflaming brand,
Whilst many nymphs that vowed chaste life to keep,
Came tripping by, but in her maiden hand,
The fairest votary took up that fire,
Which many legions of true hearts had warmed,
And so the general of hot desire,
Was sleeping by a virgin hand disarmed.
This brand she quenched in a cool well by,
Which from Love's fire took heat perpetual,
Growing a bath and healthful remedy,
For men discased, but I my mistress' thrall,
Came there for cure and this by that I prove,
Love's fire heats water, water cools not love.
Laid by his side his heart-inflaming brand,
Whilst many nymphs that vowed chaste life to keep,
Came tripping by, but in her maiden hand,
The fairest votary took up that fire,
Which many legions of true hearts had warmed,
And so the general of hot desire,
Was sleeping by a virgin hand disarmed.
This brand she quenched in a cool well by,
Which from Love's fire took heat perpetual,
Growing a bath and healthful remedy,
For men discased, but I my mistress' thrall,
Came there for cure and this by that I prove,
Love's fire heats water, water cools not love.
The Tempest
Click on the image to read the play...
Coriolanus
Click on the image to read the play...
See how it is done...
The PROJECT...
- Caitlin AP English
- 1. You will write an explication the use, effect, and meaning of the motif in at least three literary works. In a concluding section arrive at a bold, nuanced insight by comparing and contrasting the use of the motif in the three works. (1000+ words) 2. You will write a careful, insightful explication of how another work of art -- film, painting, sculpture, song, etc. -- makes use of the motif in a significant, relevant way. (As well as explicating the use of the motif within the single work, consider meaningful similarities and differences between its use in the non-literary work and its use in the literary works.) (300+ words). 3. You will create a work of art of your own that makes use of the motif. The work of art must be accompanied by a paragraph that discusses the use of the motif in the work you have created.