Choose a Fictional Family from any of the sources below:
1.Analyze one of the following depicting an actual or fictional family:
a.A full length fictional novel: such as Full Circle, Kaleidoscope, or others; The Deep End of the Ocean, The Joy Luck Club, A Man in Full, Angela's Ashes, Rise and Shine.
b.A full length biography: One written by Irving Stone, for example, on historical figures; novels on the Roosevelt family such as Eleanor and Franklin; biographies of Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, studies of famous women such as The Kennedy Women; Katherine Graham; The Color of Water, James McBride would be appropriate. Avoid current sensationalist mini-novels by Hollywood figures. If in doubt, discuss your selection with your instructor.
c.A full-length play: This may be a play that you view live or on television or merely one that you read. If you view the play, you should also refer to the written text afterward to check dialogue, character, relationships, etc.
Some of Shakespeare's plays, such as Macbeth, Hamlet, King Lear and others would be appropriate; some of Eugene O'Neill's such as The Iceman Cometh; some of Neil Simon's, such as Barefoot in the Park or Brighton Beach memoirs; others include Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Long Day's Journey Into Night, Death of a Salesman, Raisin in the Sun, The Little Foxes, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, etc. (Most of these are available as movies too).
d.A movie: Either in the theatre or on videotape/DVD (the latter is preferable for extensive analysis); these would include some of the works listed under plays or novels that have been made into movies; others include, Ordinary People, Pleasantville, Beloved, A Thousand Acres,
The Color Purple, October Sky, My Girl, The Thing About My Folks. Avoid science fiction, horror, or "way out" spoofs that do not reflect real life situations.
e.Television dramas or sitcoms: If these are serial watch four half hour segments or two one-hour segments in order to determine patterns in family relationships. Some possibilities include: Mad About You, Frazier, Party of Five, Providence. (many are released on DVD) Avoid using science fiction, horror, or spoofs for analysis.
f.If you have another favorite movie or book that depicts the complexities of family relations, then please email your instructor for approval.
2.Your review should include at least the following:
a.Short summary about your choice. You should write 2-3 paragraphs that summarizes the main characters and overall situation.
b.An analysis of the family as a system, using at least three concepts from your text.
c.An analysis of the degree of adaptability and cohesion in the family system.
d.An analysis of the meanings and rules in the family.
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