Showing results by author "Gideon Rappaport" in All Categories

After a decade of teaching writing and literature at the college level, Gideon Rappaport taught high school English for thirty-two years, during which time he was also teaching adult education classes, working as a theatrical dramaturge, and writing. This volume collects in Part I the chapel talks and speeches he gave at the two high schools at which he taught, in Part II his book and movie reviews, and in Part III other writings, including letters to former students and weblog posts.

Professor Mary Holmes called paradox "the natural condition of the world. It is both the working principle and the mystery of life... We are always surrounded by paradox because all of creation is the union of opposites. All energy comes from the union of opposites." Holmes is here tying our experience of paradox to our consciousness of opposites.

In "Appreciating Shakespeare" a master teacher and theatrical dramaturge makes the essentials for deeply appreciating the meaning in Shakespeare's works easily understandable for listeners and playgoers of all ages. Part 1 provides background on Shakespeare's life, language, poetic and dramatic techniques, theatrical context, and historical and cultural background. Part 2 offers short essays on twenty-two plays and one on selected sonnets.