For this assignment, there are four steps:
1) First, either write or record a ghost story you or a friend/family member is familiar with. If you choose to videotape your ghost story (or had yours videotaped during class), make sure you know how to embed a YouTube video in Blogger. I can show you how to do this if you need help and/or missed the in-class instructions - just ask me at least one day before the due date. Whether written or videotaped, consider per our in-class discussion what kind of language is needed to DESCRIBE the ghost and why/how the ghost HAUNTS the main character of the story. Remember: if you choose to write your story instead of record it, find an appropriate picture online to accompany your story and include in your blog post.
2) Second, write a brief comparison between your ghost story and what is happening in the opening scenes to Hamlet by William Shakespeare. What are the key similarities and/or differences between the ghost in your story and King Hamlet's ghost? What are the key similarities and/or differences between how the main character is haunted in your story and how the prince is haunted in Hamlet? Remember to include a quote from the play to help your argument with the character and act/scene/line info in parentheses following the quote. Example: “This spirit, dumb to us, will speak to him.” (Horatio, 1.1.186)
3) Third, complete your blog post with two or three open-ended questions related to ghosts, death, and/or Hamlet to ask your classmates, who will be responding to you in the comments section. As discussed in class, open-ended means it encourages the respondent to give their opinion in detail and there is no right or wrong answer. Consider the kinds of questions that help lead an interesting class discussion.
4) Lastly, re-read your post! Double-check the requirements listed above. Do you have everything? Use the spell-check function located at the top-right of the Blogger window, but don't rely on it. If you're satisfied with your work, put your initials in the Labels section and press publish!
Blog posts are due Thursday, September 14th. They should be published to this site no later than 10pm on the due date *with your initials in the Labels section.* If you are having trouble posting, email me at cpolley@gmail.com ASAP.
