MND Logs

Requirements

1.     Each log should be dated, annotated and titled with the Log Entry #.

2.     Log entries should be AT LEAST one page long, typed double spaced, or two pages long handwritten (front sides only!).

3.     Include a cover sheet and a table of contents.

Log Entries

Log Entry #1:  Summarize the mechanicals scene analyzed in class.  Identify the major points analyzed within your partnership. Which mechanical interested you the most and why? Where de we expect to see the mechanicals next?

Log Entry #2:  Make a list of the characters introduced in I.i. What does each character want (what is their objective)?  Be as specific as possible (use text evidence to support your answer). 

Log Entry #3:  Egeus, Hermia’s father, does not like Lysander and tries to stop him from seeing Hermia. If you had a friend of whom your parents did not approve, what arguments would you present to change their minds? What arguments does Hermia present to her father, if any?  Do you think Hermia could have done a better job?  Explain.

Log Entry #4:  List the tricks played by Robin (Puck) as well as the kindnesses he performs for the humans. What does this say about Puck as a character? What is his idea about humans?  How do you know? Explain.

Log Entry #5:  Midsummer has several references to dreams; the word itself appears 16 times in the play.  In 2.2.1-163, Hermia dreams of a snake, then wakens to find that Lysander has abandoned her.  In what ways can this dream be symbolic? Describe a weird dream you have had.  Did this dream useful or predictive in any way? Could you relate the dream to anything that happened in your life?

Log Entry #6:  In Act I, Helena says, “Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind;/ And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind”.  There have been several examples of blind love in the play. List as many as you can and explain how they constitute blind love.  Be careful; there are more than you think!

Log Entry #7:  Bottom is stubborn, bossy, and vain, but he is valued by his friends. Describe a “Bottom” in your life.  Draw parallels between the person you know and Bottom in the play. Use text evidence to support your assertions about character.

Log Entry #8:  Hippolyta appears in three scenes but says very little. From reviewing the text and considering what she does and doesn’t say, what conclusions can you reach about her? Use text evidence to support your ideas.

Log Entry #9:  With “Pyramus and Thisbe” Shakespeare wrote a funny ‘bad’ tragedy within a well written romantic comedy. What makes “Pyramus and Thisbe” bad and MND good?  Consider characterization, plot, and language in your answer.

Log Entry #10:  Look at Robin’s last speech (V.i.440-455). Where else have you seen the theme of plays and players? What does this speech have to do with the rest of the play? In what ways is this a satisfactory conclusion to the story? Explain using text evidence.