Question: Two discussion papers of Henry V Acts 3, 4, & 5 and All Quiet on the Western Front
Discussion papers, 20 points each: For some assigned readings, students must turn in a 400-500 word, typed, double-spaced paper to be used as the basis for class discussion. Bring these to class at 8am on the due dates. NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED. Papers must contain the following elements:
1. 2-3 sentence summary in your own words of the material. What happens at the beginning, the middle, and the end?
2. Choose one of these: A description of your âfavoriteâ character. What does that character fear or desire? What motivates that character? How does your character react to others, to him or herself, to the environment? Whatâs your psychological âdiagnosisâ of that character? What role does the character have in the plotâis your character a mover and a shaker? A stick in the mud? A description of your âfavoriteâ scene. Choose one little scene. Analyze it by âunpacking it.â Take out all the items, one by one, from your scene suitcase. Hold up each item and briefly describe it: Who and what? Where? Language (symbols, metaphors, other figurative language?) OR a description of your favorite concept. What idea really intrigues you, or puzzles you? Why? Is this a new idea to you? Or something familiar? How can you compare this idea to others youâve encountered? Does this idea fit nicely with your worldview, or does it pose a challenge to it? If you were to test this idea, what would likely be some real-world repercussions? Throw this idea in a pond, like a pebble. What sorts of ripple effects do you see?
3. Representation and meaning. How is war represented in this work? Choose a few words or concepts related to war (thatâs analysis). Find words or concepts that are often repeated in the work (finding patterns = finding themes). Use these words, concepts, and themes to help you decide how war is represented, and what war âmeansâ in the work (thatâs interpretation).
4. Ask the author one good question (not âwhy did you write this?â). Choose something specific, about a character or a setting, or an event, or a narrative choice like how item is organized, or a specific symbol or figurative language. OR pose a couple questions youâd like to bring up for discussion.