LO 1: Describe a theme and explain how the author develops this theme throughout the text.
Theme is a claim of understanding. It is an opinion of an issue, which may be a message or moral, but it doesn't have to be.
Complete the Theme chart (below) for 1-2 themes and complete one other activity. Do this in your google doc.
Theme is not:
A statement about a character in a story.
A lesson a specific character learns in a specific story.
Able to be explained in one word.
Always a message or moral.
Clearly stated in a text.
Theme is:
- A claim of understanding conveyed by an author.
- A statement of an idea. This idea may be a message or a moral, but it may also be an opinion.
- Universal. It can be conveyed through a range of texts and is relevant to most people.
- Often a reflection on an aspect crucial to the human condition, about what it means to be human and/or interact within a society.
- Conveyed by an author/director through a range of methods.
For example, the following are not themes:
A theme of Unwind is control.
A theme of Unwind is Lev's internal conflict.
A theme of Unwind is Connor becoming a better person.
The following are themes:
- Transformational quest - Walter goes in search of the negative, and finds himself on the way!
- Pursuit of happiness - making positive change, being in a supported environment where we can follow the path we choose, rather than the one life sometimes chooses for us.
- Be present in your life - Mindfulness, being present in each moment to experience the good and bad. Not living in daydreams of consuming ourselves with "what if".
Your objective here is to be able to describe a theme and then explain how the author gets this theme across. Pick an option from the list below. To check you have completed this objective try writing an introduction and a paragraph to one of these essay questions. If you can do this you have completed the objective.
- - Describe at least ONE idea that was worth learning about in the text(s). Explain why the idea was worth learning about in the text(s) as a whole.
- - Describe at least ONE idea that was memorable in the written text(s). Explain why the idea was memorable in the text(s) as a whole.
- - Describe at least ONE idea that is relevant to people in today’s society in the written text(s). Explain why the idea, as shown in the text(s), is relevant to people in today’s society.
- - Describe at least ONE important idea the writer developed throughout the written text(s). Explain how this idea helped you to understand an important message for teenagers.
Themes are developed by authors through the following ways:
- What happens - key events.
- Characters - character qualities, character actions and how characters respond to situations may all relate to theme.
- Character development - the ways characters change, and the lessons they learn indicate themes for the reader.
- Conflict - what causes conflict and how it is resolved links to theme.
- Relationships - the qualities which the novel shows are important for strong relationships may relate to themes.
- Dialogue and internal character thoughts - characters may say or think something which directly relates to a theme.
- Setting - how the society acts, the values of a society, the societies which are presented as evil and good indicate themes.
- Setting - some settings are symbolic, which means they represent emotions, ideas and people. What is represented might relate to a theme.
- Symbolism - symbols often relate to themes.
- Structure - the contrast between the beginning and the end can help you understand a theme. Also, focus on the ending or climax of the story. If the hero succeeds the theme is probably positive, if they lose it is probably negative, if it is a bit in between the theme probably offers up a positive and negative view of people and society.
Visual activities
Complete a theme chart (attached below)
Create a mind map (screen shot simple mind free) which shows how the theme is developed. Write the theme in the centre of the mind map and each strand is one of the ways author develops theme. Then attach examples and quotes to each strand.
Create a prezi. (See Prezi link above)
Create a powerpoint - each slide focuses on a different aspect of theme.
Reader/Writer activities
Complete a theme chart (attached below)
Write a series of paragraphs. Write one paragraph for each method the author uses to develop their theme. Make sure you provide evidence in the form of specific details and quotes.
Kinaesthetic activities
Create a prezi. I have created a template here you can copy and use: https://prezi.com/o7p1otcxgfun/theme-analysis/
Create a powerpoint - each slide focuses on a different aspect of theme.
Create a set of flash cards. Have the name of a method on one side of the card and on the reverse side of the card bullet point ways the author uses this method to develop the theme.
Film an interview in which you (or a friend) are the author and you (or a friend) interview the author about the main theme of their novel and how they developed it.
Film a "book club" discussion about the book with friends in which you take turns discussing the theme, the most important way it is developed in the book, and how this theme relates to each of you on a personal level. (You should really prepare what you are going to say a little bit. Or else it will be awkward. But, also have a general discussion, too)
Aural activities:
Podcast/aural recording of you discussing the theme. By yourself or with others.
Create a prezi and then add a voice recording over it. Make the notes on the prezi quite brief as your recording is going to expand on the notes. I have created a template here you can copy and use: https://prezi.com/o7p1otcxgfun/theme-analysis/
Film a "book club" discussion about the book with friends in which you take turns discussing the theme, the most important way it is developed in the book, and how this theme relates to each of you on a personal level. (You should really prepare what you are going to say a little bit. Or else it will be awkward. But, also have a general discussion, too)
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LO 2: Describe a character in-depth and explain how various aspects of the character relate to other elements in the film. In this objective you will be examining how the author creates their characters, what personal connections you can make with the characters and how the characters serve a wider purpose in the novel by looking at their importance to theme.
For each character you choose to focus on you will need to, at least, examine the following aspects: (Each activity has you create notes on these aspects a different way, some activities requiring further explanation) For each aspect you will need to explain your ideas in detail and provide evidence from the novel which proves your ideas are correct.
Included are a list of ways of showing you have achieved this objective. Some objectives have attached resources at the bottom of this page. Others have links for you to follow for examples and further information.
Once you have finished this objective you can test how well you have completed it by attempting one of these essay questions:
Mind Map - You will need a large piece of paper and a series of felts for this. (or you can do it online) In the center of the mind map, write the characters name. Have one branch spreading out for each of the aspects. Attached to each strand, include notes which prove your points and quotes if possible. Include illustrations to add meaning.
Chart - Open the attached 'Character Chart' file and complete.
Sociogram - A sociogram is a visual way of describing and explaining the various relationships and conflicts in a story. Necessary resources are at the bottom of this page. Here is an example to the left.
For each character you choose to focus on you will need to, at least, examine the following aspects: (Each activity has you create notes on these aspects a different way, some activities requiring further explanation) For each aspect you will need to explain your ideas in detail and provide evidence from the novel which proves your ideas are correct.
- Admirable qualities: The personality traits which you look up to, think are the best to have.
- Flaws: Their personality traits which are weaknesses.
- Conflicts & relationships: Who they like/dislike and what this reveals about them.
- Values: What qualities does the character believe are the most important? E.g: loyalty, power, sympathy, compassion, justice, right and wrong, being good, respect etc
- Attitude/opinions: What are the strongest opinions the character has? E.g: about morality, about what we should do with our life, about the Unwind programme, about people in general.
- How the character develops the themes you are focusing on.
Included are a list of ways of showing you have achieved this objective. Some objectives have attached resources at the bottom of this page. Others have links for you to follow for examples and further information.
Once you have finished this objective you can test how well you have completed it by attempting one of these essay questions:
- Describe at least ONE important character the writer developed throughout the written text(s). Explain how this character helped you to understand an important message for teenagers.
- Describe at least ONE character or individual in the written text(s) that helped you to understand an important message. Explain how the character or individual helped you to understand this message.
- Describe a key relationship between two or more characters or individuals in the written text(s). Explain how the relationship helped you to understand these characters / individuals.
- Describe at least ONE important decision that a main character or individual had to make in the written text(s). Explain how the decision affected the character / individual OR events throughout the text(s).
Mind Map - You will need a large piece of paper and a series of felts for this. (or you can do it online) In the center of the mind map, write the characters name. Have one branch spreading out for each of the aspects. Attached to each strand, include notes which prove your points and quotes if possible. Include illustrations to add meaning.
Chart - Open the attached 'Character Chart' file and complete.
Sociogram - A sociogram is a visual way of describing and explaining the various relationships and conflicts in a story. Necessary resources are at the bottom of this page. Here is an example to the left.
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LO 3: Express your opinion about the issue you want to focus on for your study and infer what the author’s opinion is about this same issue.This is the first learning objective because it focuses your attention on theme, which is what the whole study will be based around.
There are three steps to completing this objective:
- Creating essential questions
- Inferring the author's answer to these questions by examining various aspects of the text - like character and conflicts
- Creating a set of theme statements related to each question.
Other aspects of the study will keep returning back to these theme statements. For example, the character objectives will, ultimately, lead you to explaining how the characters help the author develop the themes. This level of thinking - of connecting literary elements - and keeping the author's thematic purposes at the forefront of your mind - will provide you with ideas which will be at Merit and Excellence level.
The attached file includes all the activities and resources needed to complete this objective.
The pursuit of Happiness:
One of the main issues in The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty is concerned with the concept about what makes a fulfilling life. Your job is to attempt to explain what Stiller says regarding the notion of what makes a good life. Think about:
One of the main issues in The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty is concerned with the concept about what makes a fulfilling life. Your job is to attempt to explain what Stiller says regarding the notion of what makes a good life. Think about:
- The characters – their character development, attitudes and opinions, relationships, conflicts and how they resolve their conflicts.
- The plot – key events and moments from the book
- Setting
- Symbolism
- Language use
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File Size: | 26 kb |
File Type: | docx |
LO 4: Character development is an important aspect of literary studies, which is why it has its own learning objective, separate to the previous one about character. The development of a character - how they change, what they discover about themselves and others, lessons about life they learn and how they end the text - as heroes or villains, successes or failures - goes a long way to revealing the themes of the author and the purpose behind the composing of the text.
Complete as many of the following activities as you like. Necessary resources are attached at the bottom of the page and links to further information or examples are included for some activities. Regardless of what activity you choose you must consider the following elements of character development:
Personality trait changes - e.g: How they become better or worse as a person, what they discover about themselves that the previously didn't realise.
A flaw that gradually disappears or becomes a strength.
An opinion or attitude change, which may include a change to their values.
A lesson the character learns.
Conflict and/or relationship which changes and what this reveals about the character.
You will also need to explain how the character development relates specifically to how the author uses this character to convey the theme(s) you are focusing on.
I recommend you complete the 'Character Chart' regardless of what activities you choose to do.
You can test how well you complete this objective by attempting a paragraph or whole essay for any of the following essay questions:
- Describe at least ONE character or individual in the written text(s) that helped you to understand an important message. Explain how the character or individual helped you to understand this message
- Describe at least ONE important conflict in the written text(s). Explain how this conflict helped you to understand one or more characters or individuals in the text(s).
- Describe at least ONE event that was a turning point in the written text(s). Explain why the turning point was important in the text(s) as a whole.
- Describe at least ONE character or individual who changed in the written text(s). Explain how the change helped you to better understand the character or individual.
TASKS:
- Prezi: Use the canvas aspect of prezi and create a presentation which goes through the character development. Construct a prezi which moves along like a timeline, or up and down, or in an arc and include notes along the way regarding how the character begins the novel and how the various elements of character development happen, what causes the change etc. Include evidence for each point.
- Cards: Create a set of flip cards. Each card has a set of notes which covers one aspect of the character development on one side and on the other side a bullet point, key word or image related to this aspect. It would be a good idea to have each element of character development relate to a different colour. To use this as a study tool your goal is to lay the cards out so they go from beginning to end of the novel and to be able to know the notes so well so that just the point/key word/image side is enough to spur your memory into recalling what is on the other side. You can this turn the cards into a game you can play against other people or to use for other people to test you.
LO 5:
Describe at least one setting from the film and explain the importance of the setting. Setting is where the narrative takes place and includes the following aspects:
- Physical locations of the story.
- The historical period.
- The time of day and season.
- The society of the setting.
- Symbolic aspects of the setting. E.g: the setting representing specific characters, groups or ideas.
When discussing setting you should focus on these ways the director may have included the setting:
- The camera shots used to describe the setting. (establishing, ELS, LS, Wide)
- How characters interact with the setting.
- How the setting influences characters or events.
- What characters think about the setting. (POV, Shot reverse shot)
- How the setting changes.
- Any aspects of the setting which may be symbolic. (Volcano)
- How realistic or imaginative the setting is.
To test whether you have explored setting in detail attempt a plan or a paragraph for one of these following essay questions:
- Describe at least ONE important setting in the written text(s). Explain how the setting helped you to understand one or more characters or individuals in the text(s). Note: Setting is the time, place, and circumstances that form the background against which characters or individuals live and act.
- Describe at least ONE important setting in the written text(s). Explain how the setting helped to show the writer’s idea(s). Note: Setting is the time, place, and circumstances that form the background against which characters or individuals live and act.
Visual
- Draw a map of a setting from the novel. Label important places. Also, label the setting with notes about how it influences/changes/reveals aspects of character. An alternative to drawing the setting is to find images which reflect what the setting looks like, or create a collage of appropriate images.
- Complete a venn diagram in which you compare and contrast a setting from the novel with your own world. Remember to focus on all five aspects of setting.
- Use SOLO thinking hexagons (blank template attached in the files section). Write physical details and other literal details about the setting on individual hexagons. Then write ideas about how characters act or develop within the setting. On a third go write the values of the setting. Then see how many of the hexagons you can link up. Explain the connections.
Reader/Writer
- Makes notes which answer the following questions:
- How has the director made the setting believable?
- Why is the setting important to the film?
- How does the way the setting looks, and how shots are used, represent aspects of characters and/or theme?
- Complete a venn diagram in which you compare and contrast a setting from the film with your own world. Remember to focus on all five aspects of setting.
Kinaesthetic
- Create a prezi which analyses the setting. Use this link and make a copy of the prezi if you like: https://prezi.com/tal4qni4wxjs/copy-of-setting-analysis-guide/
- Use SOLO thinking hexagons (blank template attached in the files section). Write physical details and other literal details about the setting on individual hexagons. Then write ideas about how characters act or develop within the setting. On a third go write the values of the setting. Then see how many of the hexagons you can link up. Explain the connections.
Aural
- Find a shots, image(s) that reflect what the setting looks like and create a slide of pictures. Record yourself talking over the powerpoint slides, explaining how the setting is described and its importance to the novel.
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File Size: | 114 kb |
File Type: | docx |