October 3

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "I Spy (TV Theme)" by Earle Hagen; "Our House" by Madness; "You Call It Madness" by Nat King Cole]
Although madness is typically synonymous with insanity, it also serves as a metaphor of freedom from emotional or intellectual constraint. Many have observed the fine lines between genius, inspiration, intense emotion and madness. Consider this quote from Jack Kerouac:
"The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow Roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes, 'Awww!'"

How do you interpret the concept of madness? By your definition, is Hamlet mad? Support your point with the text of the play.

AGENDA:
1. Journal/check literature analysis books
2. "We Have A Winner!" (scholarships, college apps & personal statements)
3. Review/discuss Act I
4. Begin reading/taking notes on Act II

HW:
1. Finish reading/taking notes on Act II
2. Begin memorizing Hamlet's "To be, or not to be" soliloquy (Act III Scene i)