An assignment for the Rhetoric of Epic Narratives.

E309K: Rhetoric of Epic Narratives

Hi, everyone! Hope you had a good, restful break!

****Renaissance additions to the Forum should commence! :)****

Today:

1. ICK Roleplaying to examine Henry V.

The characters of Henry V will be available for questioning today. We're going to talk to them about how they all see their monarch, his duties and responsibilities to the nation and to them as individual citizens. Do not forget the two-fold nature of the monarch...as divinely ordained head of state and as secularly established head of state. How do these things intersect?

Recall what Michael Williams says (V. i.) about the King's responsibilities to each individual during Henry's night walk through the camp. Then reread Henry's extremely curt and opposing answer. Do you agree? How much is an individual responsible for? What if that individual is a common man, what if he is the King? And, how are varying stations and roles positioned in that spectrum of responsibility?

Of course, as a character, feel free to be in role and quote from the text (as if your own) to explain your position. Ask the characters about their own statements and claims to this effect, if you're one of the Late Medieval visitors.

**Who's in Today**

Guest Stars: King Henry V-Kelly

Pistol-Julie

Michael Williams-Stephanie

Archbishop of Canterbury-Cristina

Dauphin of France-Tony

Captain Fluellen-David D.

Montjoy, the herald-Brandy

Princess Katherine-Kelley

These characters are all vastly different and have different places in the scheme of things. If you are a character, take a few minutes to generally reflect on how that character might view what they are responsible for as opposed to others in the social strata.

Try to use the tone and language someone of that station might also use...not just their words, but how they would express it. Language is a key here, of course. :) Several of these characters have *particular* ways of speaking. Try to represent the spirit of *how* they also talk as well as what they say. Ask me if you have any questions. :)

**What to Do**

Log into ICK through MUDDweller, using the character name or your name. You will have to create new characters with passwords. Remember, once in ICK, you are *in role*. Role means you think, have the motivations, understand and act as that person. For all intents and purposes, you are that person and must represent their feelings and understandings of their highly ordered universe. You should act accordingly, but remember to make sure you respond so that your colleagues can learn from you and possibly see where that individual is coming from. Social, cultural, historical and personal constructs are important here to remember!

Please go immediately to ICK, to the Mists, and to the Medieval section of the Realms (get mead). Once there, you might want to explore a bit and get a feel for the period again. We'll meet on the _fields_ near the castle at Agincourt (under construction currently). Be careful of the strewn longbows.

If you are one of the characters, please examine the area rapidly, make it your home...you know as much about this place as anyone.

We'll start after 10-15 minutes of reading and preparing. Have your texts ready!