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.
Objectives:
-
to
convey relationships with other characters in a scene
-
to express
ideas and emotions appropriate to particular characters
-
to
use a process like "Looking at Plays" in oral and written
response to dramatic presentations
-
to
attempt script
analyis (not a curriculum objective)
Resources:
Much Ado about Nothing video, Looking At Plays (appendix
B, Drama 30 Curriculum) , video
review assignment, scene from Much Ado about Nothing
CELs:
TL, C, CCT
Components:
Cultural/Historical, Critical/Responsive, Creative/Productive
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. |
|
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.
(10-15 min.)
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? (5 min.)
C.
With a partner, students should look at the sample subtext
lines as an example. Then they should rewrite the scene,
substituting the subtext for the real lines. After practicing
the scene several times using the subtext, they should try
the real lines again, but keep hints of the subtext in their
work. Groups should perform their work for the class. (45
min. plus performance time)
|
 |
|
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. (7 -
10 min.) |
Good
links for the Shakespeare based activities are found in the Links
page.
Instructional
Strategies: Role play, directed questions, reflection, discussion
Evaluation:
Teachers will need to tailor evaluation of the review to the depth
with which they cover the process recommended in "Looking
at Plays". Writing style, content, writing process, use of
time, mechanics and drafting should be evaluated.
On-line
Activity Alternatives: Discussions and talking circle may
be conducted via a streamed chat. The finished assignment and
journal may be e-mailed to the teacher.
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