Students and Studies

Next week my students turn in their first paper. We're all very nervous. I'm hoping that I've taught them enough; they're hoping that I'm not a tough grader; I know they're doomed to disappointment on that score.

To complicate things, I've just met two of my students for the first time. One of them spent the first few weeks of the semester being ill. He sounds confident and willing to work hard in order to catch up to the rest of the class. The more major issue is the student who has attended two classes out of the seven and has not turned in any of the assignments. He's a senior so this is probably his last semester. Unless he fails my class. Or unless I drop him from the class for excessive absences. Judging from his behavior, I'm feeling more pressure about that than he is.

The MA exam in which I must demonstrate a masterly knowledge of the entirety of British Literature is now only a year away. It's an intimidating thought. As part of my studying it has been recommended, by a past writer and grader of the exam, that I memorize a few poems. Apparently the ability to quote poetry in my answers will be impressive and show dedication. The poem this week is John Donne's Death Be Not Proud. 

Death be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadfull for, thou art not soe,
For, those, whom thou think'st, thou dost overthrow,
Die not, poore death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleepe, which but thy pictures be,
Much pleasure, then from thee, much more must flow
And soonest our best men with thee do goe,
Rest of their bones, and soules deliverie.
Thou art slave to Fate, Chance, kings and desperate men,
And dost with poyson, warre, and sicknesse dwell,
And poppie, or charmes can make us sleep as well,
And better than thy stroake; why swell'st thou then?
One short sleepe past, we wake eternally,
And death shall be no more; death, thou shalt die.