English Literature Homework

Write a dialogue between two people that is two to four pages long (reread the two person scenes in The Importance of Being Earnest as examples). You need to begin with some conflict and decide what the setting is. Be sure that you give names to the characters. Think about how the setting might affect the speakers--where, when, time of day, situation.

For example, two rivals for the same man or woman try to assert their dominance over the rival or  they contest the rival's claim. (At a coffee shop, at a movie theatre in the snack line, in school)

Two people begin a conversation about politics. Both have opposite points of view. (Friends at a barbecue, in a museum).

A parent and teenager argue over an issue that they disagree on (not being able to go somewhere, being grounded). (In the kitchen, doing laundry)

The possibilities are numerous.

Be sure that there is a sense of completion at the end of the scene, and think about how you might build to a crescendo or climax in the scene.

Homework: Read the excerpts from The Diary of Samuel Pepys. Write a diary for  each day of the weekend.

What is the purpose of a diary? What makes a diary interesting? Expressing one's feelings is often the purpose of writing a diary, though it can be simply the recording of the day's events. Clearly, honesty is a desired characteristic of a diary, but are people always honest with/about themselves? And what is worthy of recording in the diary? Brushing one's teeth can hardly classify as something one would be interested in recording or reading! So. The goal is to be honest. If you do not want to write your own diary, then create a fictional one!

Also, reread "Ode on a Grecian Urn," Ozymandias," Tintern Abbey," and "Elegy on Churchyard." Bring all of your poems to class on Monday.