Unit
Four - Script Analysis
Module 2: Text
Lesson 3 - "Much Ado About Nothing" and Subtext
Introduction:
The purpose of this lesson is for students to be able to find
the meaning behind the lines.
Activities:
Activity 1 - Viewing and Reviewing
Before beginning, read and discuss "Looking
at Plays", Appendix B of the Drama 30 Curriculum. (40
min) View the video Much Ado About Nothing, directed by
Kenneth Branagh. (2hrs, 20 min.) Stop frequently to discuss the
events and characterization in the video.
Print
the pdf Reviewing
assignment, and complete the written review. (2 hours)
Activity 2 - Finding Subtext
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Key
Idea - Subtext is what the character is means when saying
his or her lines. For example, when someone says, "My,
what an unusual color!" he or she is really saying, "That
color is ugly". Finding subtext is the art of finding
the truth under "little white lies" or other misleading
statements. |
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A.
Conduct
a talking circle to discuss the use of subtext in our everyday
lives. Each person should give an example of his or her
use of subtext in "real life". Discuss when you
are most likely to have heavy subtext in your conversation.
B.
Read this short, witty passage where Beatrice and Benedict
are insulting each other. Try to find the subtext under
what they are saying. Why do they pay so much attention
to each other constantly?
C.
With a partner, you should look at the sample subtext lines
as an example. Then you should rewrite the scene, substituting
the subtext for the real lines. After practicing the scene
several times using the subtext, you should try the real
lines again, but keep hints of the subtext in your work.
Then perform your work for the class.
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Download
and Print
Much
Ado
about
Nothing
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Activity
3 - Journal
Write in role as either Beatrice or Benedict about why you
hate the other character so much.
Your journal must be at least half a page in length. |
Good
links for the Shakespeare based activities are found in the Links
page.
Evaluation:
Your teacher will tell you how you will be evaluated.
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