Themes & Motifs
The Metaphysical
![]() Metaphysical literature originally referred to poetic works from the 17th century and defined intellectually challenging poetry. Its objective was to incorporate the incorporeal, (lacking physical presence or body, focusing on spiritual components, the human soul) or the transcendent spirit to explore the meanings of life and traditions outside of accepted norms (of religious beliefs).
Just who are we? What is the meaning and purpose of life? Is there a larger force in charge? According to philosophers such as Nietzsche and Kant, nothing can be known about noumenal (something known without the use of the senses; instinctual or rudimentary) reality, not even that it exists. Yet, throughout the ages, humankind has striven to express the notion of soul, the fervor and truth accompanying vision and revelation, the divinity that speaks from within to us all, or those who believe in an afterlife or the human soul. Did you Know?
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Paired Readings
![]() "The Pardoner's Tale" Chaucer
Shakespearean Sonnets: My Mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun (130) Let me know to the marriage of true minds (116) Sonnet VI - Ezra Pound Death be not proud, though some have called thee - Donne To One Who has Been Long in City Pent - Keats Father and Son - Kunitz Short Stories: "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" - Ursula K. Le Guin Perrine's p. 321 "Hills Like White Elephants" - Hemingway Perrine's p. 283 "The Destructors" Graham Greene Perrine's p. 111 The Cask of Amontillado" E.A. Poe. Project: Due at the end of the play
![]() You will characterize Hamlet as a tragic hero by using Aristotle's Poetics
Elements of Hamlet
As we read Hamlet, record events of each of the following subplots: · Hamlet’s and Ophelia’s relationship · Revenge-include ALL involved / effected in or by the plot Elements of Drama
![]() There will be a quiz on pp. 1020-1028.
Terms to know: soliloquy; aside; realistic vs non-realistic drama; physical effects of drama--effects of lighting, audience...; didactic; melodrama, farce; static vs dynamic characters... |