Macbeth #6: Are we done yet???

Almost.  Your final project is to write a two-page essay on the following quote by Lord Acton in 1887:

"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

Do you agree or disagree?  Using quotes and examples from Macbeth, argue or defend Lord Acton’s quote.  (Your paper must be at least two (2) typed pages). 

Macbeth #5: Thanks! That was much better than reading it on my own!

You’re welcome.  Let’s see what you’ve learned.  Choose one of the below projects to demonstrate your understanding.  (Based on projects from Lydia Hallard, Eastdale Collegiate and Vocational Institute, Oshawa, Ontario)

1.  Math/Logical

Create a game based on the actions and consequences of the characters in Macbeth.  This must be type of role-playing game board game, not a “Candy Land” type game.  

2.  Naturalistic

Dunsinane Hill

What is meant by nature/supernature in Macbeth? How should nature be treated, and what happens when nature is mistreated?  Write a two page report, using evidence from the play and illustrations (downloaded or cut out are fine).

3.  Linguistic

Create a cartoon storyboard for one act of the play (not including Act I). 

4.  Musical

Create and perform a song that symbolizes and suits a scene from the play. Emphasize appropriate mood. 

5.  Kinesthetic

Perform a modern interpretation from a scene from the play.  (Hint:  The more action, the better!)

6.  Intrapersonal

Create a  entry for a character from Macbeth.  Provide details about actions, actions, emotions and desires. You must have at least 8 entries to receive full credit. 

7.  Interpersonal

Interview a character from the play EXCLUDING Macbeth or Lady Macbeth. Write down at least ten questions you would ask and ten answers this character would give based on his/her actions in the play so far.

8. Visual/Spatial 

Using stop motion animation, recreate a scene from the play with Lego people (or something similar) recreate a scene from the play.   For more details on how to accomplish this, you may wish to visit http://www.brickfilms.com/community/. 

9.  Artistic

Visit the virtual John Singer Sargeant museum and look at the painting of Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth. Write a short, one-page essay on the character of Lady Macbeth, using the play and the portrait as a reference. 

Macbeth #4: WOW! That was amazing. NOW what?

Now, it’s time to read the play.  Because Shakespeare was meant to be watched and listened to, you will be listening to the play while reading along. 

I.  Grab your copy of the play (or use the "No Fear Shakespeare" text) and download the MP# or real audio files at:  http://www.wiredforbooks.org/shakespeare/

 

II.  At the end of each Act, complete the Macbeth study guide Copy and paste the study guide below into a Word document.  Submit your responses at the end of each Act.

Macbeth #3: Ok…time to read now???

Actually, no.  Let’s watch the movie first.   Go get the movie from Mr. Shelby, grab a snack and beware of ghosts and witches!

Macbeth #2: Now we read, right?

Not yet.  Let’s get to know the characters in the play first so the plot is easier to understand.  

Complete the  Macbeth Character Webquest .  The instructions for the work that is to be handed in is found in the “Process” tab.  Your work will be evaluated using the rubric found under “Evaluation”.

Macbeth #1: How do we Start?

James I, King of England, Scotland, and Ireland,

Macbeth was written during the reign of James I of England (who was, coincidentally also James VI of Scotland!)  It is a tale of power, greed, murder, treason, and the supernatural.  Even today, Shakespearean actors are wary of uttering the name of the play aloud, fearful of the curse of Macbeth!  Through this series of activities, you will come to understand the intrigue behind one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies:  Macbeth.

Before studying Macbeth, decide whether you agree or disagree with each statement.  Copy and paste the following questions into a Word document.  State your reasons why you agree or disagree with the following statements.  

1)     Behind every great man is a great woman (every great man is supported, guided, helped and even pushed by a great woman).

2)     Witches, demons, and evil spirits actually exist.

  

3)     Sometimes it is necessary to do something wrong to get what you want.

 

4)     What goes around comes around.

5)     Human beings are easily tempted by things they want, even if it’s wrong.

6)     If someone feels that the ruler/s of his/her country is destroying the country, that person should try to overthrow the ruler/s.

 7)     There are circumstances or events that justify murdering someone.

 

8)     Success is worth any price you have to pay.

 

9)     Kings are appointed by God, and they rule as His representatives on Earth.

10)Your astrological forecast (your horoscope) is a good indicator of how your day will go.

 11)Traitors should be executed.

Gulliver's Travels #5: Final Projects

Satire is a form of comedy that is often used in modern entertainment.  But don't just take my word on it, see for yourself:  Additional Examples of Satire in Pop Culture

For your final project for Gulliver's Travels, please chose one of the following topics. As always, do your best work.  I expect proper writing style, grammar, punctuation, etc.  Do your own work!  Sources must be properly cited in proper MLA format using Son of Citation Machine; no plagiarism.  If you choose to work with a partner, you must get permission from Mr. Shelby before you begin. 

Projects will be assessed on content, visual appeal, creativity, difficulty, and neatness.  Written work must be typed!

                                         

All projects must include a work’s cited page.  I want to know where you found your information!

1.  Movie Trailer 
Create a “movie trailer" (rate G, PG, or PG-13 only!) using only music and still images.   Compose music, or use licensed music, to create an appropriate mood for the trailer. The movie trailer should be 30-90 seconds long and must address key events of Gulliver's Travels.  For an great example (do not use this  as your work!), you might like to see this:  Gulliver's Travels Movie Trailer.





2.  Satirical News Skit
Choose an important piece of local or world news and create a Saturday Night Live-type skit.  You must submit a written script as well as a half-page description on why you chose to satirize this particular event and perform it for the class.  


3.  Political Cartoon
Living in California gives us plenty of opportunities to experience both good and bad legislation and political leaders.  Create a political cartoon based on a current 'hot' political topic in California.  Include a half-page description on why you chose to satirize this particular political topics.

4.   Music Video
After listening to the songs of 'Weird Al Yankovich' (See Gulliver's Travels #2: What is Satire?), create your own music video to parody a contemporary popular song.

5.  Shrek, the great satirist
Watch the movie Shrek.  Brainstorm a list of 10 common elements of fairy tales (for example, they all begin with "Once upon a time...") Now, define the 4 types of satire:  parody, reversal, exaggeration, and incongruity.  Now, find an example of each of these 4 types of satire in Shrek.  Create a poster graphically depicting each of the 4 types.  Each type must be labeled and defined in the poster.  (reference:  http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/exploring-satire-with-shrek-810.html?tab=4#tabs)

Gulliver's Travel's #4: The Text and Study Guide

Some prefer reading a text online while others prefer to use books.  If you need a book, please ask Mr. Shelby.  If you prefer to read online, you may use either of the following book links:

• Online Text

 For an online vocabulary guide, please use:

• Vocabulary 

While you are reading, please answer the questions to this study guide.  You may copy and paste both pages of the study guide into a Word document and type your answers.  Be sure to save frequently; you don't want to redo all your work!  When you are finished with the study guide, please submit it to Mr. Shelby. 

• Guilliver's Travels Study Guide
• Spark Notes:  Gulliver's Travels

Gulliver's Travels #3: Who was Jonathan Swift?

The Journey continues:  Who was Jonathan Swift.  

A.   Complete the Jonathan Swift Webquest.

 

B.  Record your responses in a separate Word Document.  When finished, print and submit to Mr. Shelby. 

C.  ***Helpful Hint:  The links are in small font on top of the boxes of          questions.

Gulliver's Travels #2: What is 'Satire'?

Jonathan Swift is known as one of the world’s greatest authors of satire.  Today you will embark upon an adventure unlike any other and explore the world of satirical literature.

Before you begin your journey, it is important to understand what exactly satire is all about.

I.  What is satire? 

Go to this Literary Terms page  and find the entry for satire to answer the following questions in a separate Word document:

          A.  What is the definition of satire?

                                  B.  What is the purpose of satire?

Now that you understand the purpose of satire, you are ready to embark on your journey to discover and understand more about Swift's great satirical novel, Gulliver's Travels.

          A.  Choose one example from each of the categories of listed below to listen to, read, and watch. (You should have a total of three(3) examples when you are finished.  

B.  Copy and paste the below questions three (3) times intothe same Word document you started above.  Use this as a template for each of your choices in part A.  When you have finished, print your paper and turn it in to Mr. Shelby.   

                   Selection Title:                                                                        
                   1.  What topics/issues are being satirized?  Is parody (spoof) used?

2.  Write and/or copy at least TWO specific words/phrases/images that stand out to you as being particularly satirical.  (For example, is there a use of oxymoron (contradictory terms like ‘jumbo shrimp’) or hyperbole (overstated exaggeration like “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse!”) that stands out to you?)

3.  What is the overall meaning?  What theme/idea is the author trying to depict?

(Reference:  http://sites.google.com/site/satirewebquestds/home/task)