Hamlet (etc.) Assignments

English 12IB Bowen

 

Aspect Discussion Groups: Responsible for detailed study and discussion of the daily reading, and presenting findings to whole class.  Group may break assigned text into sections for each member to assess in detail.

 

Character Group will assess:

Facts, history, personality, relationships, attitudes, beliefs, changes

Plot Group will assess:

Character actions

Events on AND off stage

Conflict/problem and resolutions

Setting Group will assess:

Immediate environs (on & off stage)

Larger context (of story AND author:  geographic, historical, social, economic

Theme Group will assess: 

Recurring ideas & issues  in

individual scenes AND play as a whole

Dramaturgy Group will assess:

Production values:  set, props, costumes, lighting, sound, stage directions, blocking (Aristotle's "spectacle")

 

1)  Aspect analysis: notes in Compo                                             Due daily

As you read each assignment, assess your individual section of the text for the aspects assigned to your group, and record observations in Compo using Act.Scene.Line numbers (Act 4, Scene 3, Lines 6-10 = IV.3.6-10 or 4.3.6-10).  

Everyone is responsible for:

Relationships among the aspects

Style and literary devices (beeeeg category!!)

WHAT was achieved, and HOW did Shakespeare achieve it?

 

2)  Hamlet Criticism                                                  Due Monday 1/15/07      

Locate an authoritative analysis of some aspect of Hamlet.  (Article  500+ words long.)  Write a personal response to the article that extends  and/or contests the analysis using additional text evidence and your own commentary.  Response 500-800 words, typed, double-spaced.  Bring original article AND your response on due date.

 

3) Literary Terms Test                                      In-class Tuesday 1/16/07

Identify and analyze literary techniques.

 

4)  Video production:  One Minute Hamlet                Due Wednesday 1/17/07

Choose a cutting from the play (except final scene) to perform and produce as VHS or DVD.  Length = 1 min. per person (quality, not quantity!):  group of 2 = 2 minutes, etc.    First come first serve on choice of scenesÑsee Ms. B. to reserve your section.  Memorize (or give appearance thereof).  Soliloquies are appropriate for solo performers;  partner/group scenes should have a reasonable balance among characters' lines.  Interpretation is paramount!  Make every word count.  Pay special attention to audio:  no A's for murky sound  Costumes/props encouraged.  Alternative schema entertained on a case-by-case basis;  make proposal.

 

5) Semester Exam (if not exempted)                            In-class Friday 1/19/07

"Paper One" style exam:  unseen passage commentary