I will post the portfolio check-list on the blog before Monday. I am still thinking about it. We are making great progress in Hamlet in the early English 1A. Presently we are almost at Act 3, Scene 3 (152). In the later class we are in Act 2, Scene 2 (108).

In the earlier class we have been considering arguments posed by the writing. Today we looked at "Hamlet on Love" or "Maternal Affection" and developed the following:

Although Hamlet's mother, Queen Gertrude, remarries quickly after the death of her first husband, the king, this does not mean she loves her dear son Hamlet any less, she's just a woman who knows how the play the game well.

(The "game" is politics.) We talk afterwards about how Gertrude would have been the queen and Hamlet her heir (similar to the situation in England today with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles)if she hadn't married. However, when Claudius married his sister-in-law, she gave him her power. Claudius inherited the position his brother vacated and she by default abdicated. Her action also jeopardized Hamlet's position. Any offspring born to this union could challenge his right to the throne.
Patrick said if would probably come down to who had the stronger army.

Most students have not responded to the cyber-essay. Don't get behind now. Post at the assignment site.

Could someone please send me the other thesis from yesterday so I can post it here along with the question or argument? Thanks!

Announcements
We had fun over at the Don Cheadle and John Prendergast lecture on Dafur. There book: Not on Our Watch is a guide to civil actism on issues of justice.

Please call 1-800-GENOCIDE for current legislation we need the president to act on to stop the killing.