Shakespeare in the Movies, "Remeo and Juliet", "The taming of the shrew"

Shakespeare in the Movies

Write a well-developed and tightly focused essay answering one of the following questions. Be sure to use lots of specific supporting details (quotes from the plays, descriptions of scenes, etc. from the films). Organize the essay defending a thesis statement that is clearly stated in your introductory paragraph; underline your thesis statement. The development paragraphs should relate directly to your argument; they should be unified, coherent, and specific.Do not write a concluding paragraph.

1. Each play we read poses challenges of interpretation that may be addressed in performance (in this case film). For instance, is a particular character evil or simply impulsive? Is one character attracted to another? Is a particular event dictated by fate, chance, or bad choices? Do not feel obliged to limit yourself to these particular questions; feel free to generate your own. In your essay make sure to take a stand on whether or not you agree with the filmmaker's interpretive decisions.

2. In both literary texts and films, important themes are often reflected in patterns of imagery or motifs. Examining the texts and their film versions, select a pattern, relate it to a theme, and compare its treatment between the two media. Among the patterns you might choose are: light, dark, sacred, profane, fire, water, clothing, animals, etc. Feel free to choose patterns that are not listed, or to combine them as pairs.