First of all, welcome back to our blog! I know you missed it as much as I did. So, we started Romeo and Juliet. Finally! It was so fun to watch you all act out Act One, Scene One, and I know we have a lot to look forward to as we move through the play.
Blog Post #1 Assignment: All classes respond on this main page
In 1523, Juan Luis Vives wrote a book called A Verie Fruitfull and Pleasant Booke Called Instruction of a Christian Woman. (Yes, they spelled a bit funny back then!) In his book, Vives had a lot to say on the subject of LOVE and DATING. And I know you guys can certainly relate to love and dating. But check out what Vives had to say on the matter. He said, “…it becometh not a maid to talk where her father and mother be in communication about her marriage, but leave all that care and charge wholly unto them which love her as well as her self doth. And let her think that her father and mother will provide no less diligently for her than she wolde for herself, but much better, by the season they have more experience and wisdom.” In the 1500s, it seems the kids had NO say in who they ended up with!
What do you think? Do your parents have more “experience and wisdom” about who you should date? How much of a role do you think your parents should play in your decision to begin dating and who your girlfriend or boyfriend should be?
When you answer the questions, do so on this main page, and try to comment on what others are saying. Come back and check each other’s views often!
And while you’re thinking, here’s yet another video interpretation of the fight scene from Act One, Scene One. This movie was made in 1936, is in black and white, and was quite a production! I’ll let you guys formulate your own opinions about this one, but let me just say there’s a reason we’re watching the Zeffirelli and Luhrmann versions – and not this one! 
I’d suggest fast forwarding to the 3rd minute; that’s when the “good” stuff begins.
