Pentameter

For today's class, we spent the hour on 2 speeches from 4.1 (Edgar's opening) and 4.2 (Albany & Goneril's back and forth) to practice close reading and identifying iambic pentameter. As noted, when Edgar is in a zen-like state of self-awareness, he is spot on with his iambic pentameter. However, when he feels that his father has been unjustly battered, he adds a stressed "thee" to further his denouncement of the world. Furthering iambic pentameter alterations, Albany starts off in complete control of his sentiments, but, alas, falters in his delivery as his wife emasculates him. And, the best part, the iambic pentameter between 2 characters! If you happen to see a line with a sudden stoppage of iambic pentameter, you may want to look at the next character's speech to see if he or she continues the meter. This could show connection, disconnection, or, in the case of our "happily" married couple, a tug of war of control in an argument.

Tomorrow will be more emphasis on Act 4 plus MC passage 2. 

Don't forget to be working on your diary for class. We are moving toward the end of the play, which means diary, psychoanalytic essay, and a poetry test.