| AP Literature & Composition-Unit Three |
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| Essential Questions: 1. Consider the endings of Oedipus the King, Hamlet, and Death of a Salesman. Are the characters irredeemable? 2. Is the tragic mode archaic? Is it archetypal to the point that it is a paradox to have a ‘modern’ tragedy? 3. To what extent is the male figure foolish, heroic, or fated in these plays? Is it more tragic that the father figure suffers or is the real tragedy what the women/mothers must endure? 3. To what extent does personal dignity drive us and blind us? Has this desire changed over time in society? 4. Do we have a strong desire for order because we fear the unknown, or do we desire order for a higher moral purpose? 5. Are the sacrifices one endures/suffers truly a measure of man and how he lived? |
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| Unit Vocabulary |
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| Reading Selections Oedipus the King (Sophocles) The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark (William Shakespeare) Death of a Salesman (Arthur Miller) |
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| Writing Process 1. Write your initial reaction to Freud’s ideas on the Oedipal Complex. How does the King align himself with the women in his life? Does he experience some kind of spiritual awakening, jealousies, or separation issues? (repeat for Hamlet & Death of Salesman) 2. How does Freud’s view of 'tragic character' differ from Aristotle’s? 3. Aristotle says that characters should be “lifelike”, but he also points out they should be “handsomer…than they are in reality”. Is it possible for a tragedy to be expressionistic or can/should they only demonstrate verisimilitude (reality). Respond comparing Oedipus and Death of a Salesman. 4. Agree/Disagree: after completion of the exercise for Hamlet, choose 1 statement & write an extended paragraph arguing why you agreed or disagreed with it. Provide textual evidence for support. Writing Focus: Critical Analysis |
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| Tools |
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| Author Focus |
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| IMAGES: "Death of a Salesman." No date. On line Image. Death of a Salesman. 10 Aug. 2008 <brainstorm-services.com/.../deathsalesman.jpg>. "Hamlet." No date. On line Image. Alternative Film Guide. 10 Aug. 2008 <www.altfg.com/Stars/h/hamlet-48.jpg>. "Oedipus the King." No date. On line Image. 10 Aug. 2008 <http://edweb.tusd.k12.az.us/ktully/images/Oedipus,%20Antigone/Alter%20Ego%20by%20Robert%20Crockett.jpg>. |
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| Last Updated On: Aug 10, 2008 |
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| Classic & Modern Tragedy |
| Unit Vocabulary Reading Selections Writing Process Tools Author Focus |
| Concepts |
Terms |
| *Morality/Mystery Play *Thesis/Problem Play *Tragedy Tone Imagery Metaphor Allusions Symbolism Irony Paradox Syntax |
Protagonist Antagonist Aside Soliloquy Monologue Hamartia Tragic Flaw Hubris Catharsis Crisis/Reversal Recognition Dramatic Irony Suspense Subplot |
| Oedipus the King |
| Excerpts from Aristotle's Poetics |
| Theatre History Power Point |
| Tragedy vs. Comedy Power Point |
| Tragedy (video segment) |
| "Tragedy and the Common Man" |
| Critical Analysis Essay Handouts |
| Author Biography |
Author Links |
| Sophocles |
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| William Shakespeare |
In Search of Shakespeare |
| Arthur Miller |
