The Role of the Outsider in the Shakespearean Tragedy/Unit Plan
Time and Duration: Five Weeks/90 Minutes/A/B Day Schedule
Unit Summary and Rationale:
To foster the concept of intertwining themes, the role/archetype of the outsider synthesizes with that of the Shakespearean epic form in prior academic year and supports the concept of the dangers of discrimination, isolation, racism and the inescapability of one’s fears. This unit combines drama, poetry, pop-culture, prior literature, and embraces rich discussion of current events,thematic concepts and literary devices. The anchor text is William Shakespeare's Othello. This unit serves as an introduction to the analysis and evaluation of the epic form transformation from ancient Greek Aristotelian model to Shakespeare's model. The unit culminates in a Fire vs. Ice activity anchored in the text and launched by Robert Frost's poem of the same name. This activity uses a grid to outline choice and control for learners to create, communicate, collaborate and think critically. Students demonstrate knowledge through a team challenge Fire, Iago, vs. Ice, Othello, which is judged by the pit, peasants from the famous Globe Theatre, to determine which character contributed more dimensionally to the tragedy of Othello.
Unit Connection College and Career Ready Descriptions: These are the descriptors that must be included to ensure the unit is fully aligned to the CCSS and relevant to the college and career ready student.
To foster the concept of intertwining themes, the role/archetype of the outsider synthesizes with that of the Shakespearean epic form in prior academic year and supports the concept of the dangers of discrimination, isolation, racism and the inescapability of one’s fears. This unit combines drama, poetry, pop-culture, prior literature, and embraces rich discussion of current events,thematic concepts and literary devices. The anchor text is William Shakespeare's Othello. This unit serves as an introduction to the analysis and evaluation of the epic form transformation from ancient Greek Aristotelian model to Shakespeare's model. The unit culminates in a Fire vs. Ice activity anchored in the text and launched by Robert Frost's poem of the same name. This activity uses a grid to outline choice and control for learners to create, communicate, collaborate and think critically. Students demonstrate knowledge through a team challenge Fire, Iago, vs. Ice, Othello, which is judged by the pit, peasants from the famous Globe Theatre, to determine which character contributed more dimensionally to the tragedy of Othello.
Unit Connection College and Career Ready Descriptions: These are the descriptors that must be included to ensure the unit is fully aligned to the CCSS and relevant to the college and career ready student.
- Students will demonstrate independence.
- Students will value evidence.
- Students will build strong content knowledge.
- Students will respond to the varying demands of audience, task, and discipline.
- Students will critique as well as comprehend.
- Students will use technology and digital media strategically and capably.
- Students will develop an understanding of other perspectives and cultures.
Reading
Literature _x 11-12RL Key Ideas and Details 1. Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain. 2. Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to produce a complex account; provide an objective summary of the text. 3. Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story or drama (e.g., where a story is set, how the action is ordered, how the characters are introduced and developed). Craft and Structure 4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful. 5. Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text (e.g., the choice of where to begin or end a story, the choice to provide a comedic or tragic resolution) contribute to its overall structure and meaning as well as its aesthetic impact. Integration of Knowledge and Ideas 9. Demonstrate knowledge of eighteenth-, nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century foundational works of American literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics. Informational Text_ 11-12 RI Key Ideas and Details 1. Analyze a complex set of ideas or sequence of events and explain how specific individuals, ideas, or events interact and develop over the course of the text. Integration of Knowledge and Ideas 7. Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words in order to address a question or solve a problem. |
Writing 11-12W Text Types and Purposes 1. Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. a. Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing. 2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. b. Develop the topic thoroughly by selecting the most significant and relevant facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience’s knowledge of the topic. f. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented (e.g., articulating implications or the significance of the topic). Production and Distribution of Writing 5. Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience. 7.Conductshort as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation. 9. Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. a. Apply grades 11–12 Reading standards to literature (e.g., “Demonstrate knowledge of eighteenth-, nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century foundational works of American literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics”). |
Speaking and Listening
11-12SL Comprehension and Collaboration 1. Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11–12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively. a. Come to discussions prepared, having read and researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other research on the topic or issue to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas. c. Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that probe reasoning and evidence; ensure a hearing for a full range of positions on a topic or issue; clarify, verify, or challenge ideas and conclusions; and promote divergent and creative perspectives. 3. Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, assessing the stance, premises, links among ideas, word choice, points of emphasis, and tone used. Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas 4. Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks. |
Language
11-12 L Conventions of Standard English 1. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. 2. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. Knowledge of Language 3. Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening. Vocabulary Usage and Use 4. Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grades 11–12 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies. a. Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence, paragraph, or text; a word’s position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase. d. Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase (e.g., by checking the inferred meaning in context or in a dictionary). 5. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings. a. Interpret figures of speech (e.g., hyperbole, paradox) in context and analyze their role in the text. b. Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations. 6. Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression. |
Technology
HS.TT.1.3 Use appropriate technology tools to design products and information with others.
HS.TT.1.3 Use appropriate technology tools to design products and information with others.
Big Ideas:
Learners will understand and recognize theme as enduring and universal as a broad message conveyed through a literary work. Universal ideas include human nature or society, as well.
Learners will explore the way in which Shakespeare presents the female characters in Othello.
Learners will evaluate racism in the play and society and evaluate 17th century perspective and modern day cultural impact.
Learners will explore the use of language in rhetorical context.
Learners will develop an understanding of rich vocabulary through an examination of contextual meaning and a revised definition. They will also apply knowledge of literary devices and narrative techniques to enhance appreciation of literature.
Learners will distinguish between guilt and innocence in the outcome of the play.
Learners will formulate a debate using 21st century skills as a performance assessment in judging character.
Learners will synthesize information from research, the life of the author, events, characterization, theme, plot events and details to draw conclusions and infer meaning.
Essential Questions:
Tragedy:
1.What kind of tragedy is Othello? Is it about a good man brought low by a tragic flaw? If so, what is that flaw? Or is this a different kind of tragedy?
2. Is Iago a tragic hero? Evaluate and defend your response.
3. Why does Othello choose to believe Iago rather than Desdemona?
4. Is Othello a play about race? How important is race in the play?
5. The 17th century critic Thomas Rymer called Othello the tragedy of the handkerchief and said that its lesson was that women should take good care of their laundry. Is Rymer right?
6. How does Shakespeare use image patterns in this play to reveal characters and changes in character?
7. Does Othello love "not wisely but too well," as he claims at 5:2:344?
8. Discuss Othello as a play about playing/acting. What does this work say about the stage?
9. Is Desdemona a fool? Is she heroic? Is she believable? What do you make of her character?
Drama:
1.How is drama created in Othello? Answer the following questions to see if you understand what makes Shakespeare such a clever craftsman.
2. How do Iago's soliloquies create tension?
3. Evaluate Shakespeare's purpose in why he often changes the tone or mood between scenes..
his attention wandered and he got fed up of what he was writing
4. Provide an analysis of the example of dramatic irony in the play when Othello hides and listens to Iago's conversation with Cassio.
5. Analyze the impact in purpose when, toward the end, Desdemona goes to speak to Othello, unaware that he intends to kill her, the audience feels:
bored because they know what will happen at the end.
5.How does the understanding of historical context impact cultural nuances in theme?
Language:
1.Compare and contrast Iago and Othello's language throughout the play. How does each character's language illustrate his character? At what point do the characters begin to speak alike? What is the implication in that change?
Knowledge:
Students will be able to:
Students will be skilled at…
Learners will understand and recognize theme as enduring and universal as a broad message conveyed through a literary work. Universal ideas include human nature or society, as well.
Learners will explore the way in which Shakespeare presents the female characters in Othello.
Learners will evaluate racism in the play and society and evaluate 17th century perspective and modern day cultural impact.
Learners will explore the use of language in rhetorical context.
Learners will develop an understanding of rich vocabulary through an examination of contextual meaning and a revised definition. They will also apply knowledge of literary devices and narrative techniques to enhance appreciation of literature.
Learners will distinguish between guilt and innocence in the outcome of the play.
Learners will formulate a debate using 21st century skills as a performance assessment in judging character.
Learners will synthesize information from research, the life of the author, events, characterization, theme, plot events and details to draw conclusions and infer meaning.
Essential Questions:
Tragedy:
1.What kind of tragedy is Othello? Is it about a good man brought low by a tragic flaw? If so, what is that flaw? Or is this a different kind of tragedy?
2. Is Iago a tragic hero? Evaluate and defend your response.
3. Why does Othello choose to believe Iago rather than Desdemona?
4. Is Othello a play about race? How important is race in the play?
5. The 17th century critic Thomas Rymer called Othello the tragedy of the handkerchief and said that its lesson was that women should take good care of their laundry. Is Rymer right?
6. How does Shakespeare use image patterns in this play to reveal characters and changes in character?
7. Does Othello love "not wisely but too well," as he claims at 5:2:344?
8. Discuss Othello as a play about playing/acting. What does this work say about the stage?
9. Is Desdemona a fool? Is she heroic? Is she believable? What do you make of her character?
Drama:
1.How is drama created in Othello? Answer the following questions to see if you understand what makes Shakespeare such a clever craftsman.
2. How do Iago's soliloquies create tension?
3. Evaluate Shakespeare's purpose in why he often changes the tone or mood between scenes..
his attention wandered and he got fed up of what he was writing
4. Provide an analysis of the example of dramatic irony in the play when Othello hides and listens to Iago's conversation with Cassio.
5. Analyze the impact in purpose when, toward the end, Desdemona goes to speak to Othello, unaware that he intends to kill her, the audience feels:
bored because they know what will happen at the end.
5.How does the understanding of historical context impact cultural nuances in theme?
Language:
1.Compare and contrast Iago and Othello's language throughout the play. How does each character's language illustrate his character? At what point do the characters begin to speak alike? What is the implication in that change?
Knowledge:
Students will be able to:
- explain the use of motif and theme
- analyze the use of dramatic irony in creating tone and mood
- analyze the function of the flashback structure
- trace the development of the dynamic structure
- analyze the significance of the geography and setting within the context of the novel
- trace the development of complex and intertwining themes
Students will be skilled at…
- annotating historical information and synthesizing the information to draw meaning to literary text
- understanding the nuances in secular differences in English culture
- applying the historical information to infer discreet meaning of Shakespeare's life characterization in literary text
- synthesizing theme across multiple literary works and evaluating how Greek literature impacts the work as a whole
- adapting understanding to the framework of the play and the integration of dramatic irony in the engagement of the audience
- analyzing the use of the dramatic foil how it develops the play through contrast
- applying literary devices and thematic concepts to mixed genres to enhance understanding and appreciation
Reading Tasks:
Annotating Informational Texts Study Guides "My Last Duchess" "Fire vs. Ice" "Sympathy for the Devil"
|
Writing Tasks:
Othello Essay Choices: From five free response essays Study Guide for Five Acts Soliloquy and Aside Activity: Students synthesize one monologue for iambic pentameter in a one page written response |
Discussion Tasks:
Othello Fire vs. Ice Debate! Small Group and Seminar Aggregate Responses Music/Voice Overs Narrative Techniques and Devices Motif Literary Allusions, Dramatic Irony, Dramatic Foil, Characterization, Symbolism Theme Chart: Students locate a supporting passage or event to tie to five major themes |
Language/Vocabulary Tasks:
Iambic Pentameter Annotation On Events, Characters, and Details. Vocabulary Chart Defining Words through context Ongoing, student monitored: Chapter/Word Contextual Definition Revised Definition |
Diagnostic
Pre-Assess Knowledge of Time Period
Review of The Kite Runner and the Role of the Archetype of the Christ figure and the outsider in literature Video Clip Pre-Assessment of literary archetypes Annotated Documents Annotated Documents |
Formative
Study Guide Ongoing Review
Analysis of "Fire and Ice" by Robert Frost with Survey Responses Aggregate Log Responses/Seminar Activities Theme Chart Point of View and Tone Activity Crossword Puzzle Seminars |
Benchmark
Authentic
AP Modeled Objective Exam Item Analysis Test Corrections Personalization and Seminar Plans Developed |
Summative
Fire vs. Ice Team Challenge!*
with Student-Generated Rubric and Reflection Objective Exam Essays |
*This presentation uses a sample from the classroom readily extended to an anchor text or unit. The four Cs from 21st Century Learning, creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration, are punctuated in a matrix that highlights student choice and control. Through the matrix, students research facts, write about findings, and present information to peers. This highly engaging activity culiminates in a team debate. The format appeals to Multiple Intelligences. The musically inclined learner will gravitate toward the area of the same name. Bodily-kinesthetic will enjoy role-play as actors or presenters, etc. Gardner's Multiple Intelligences are synthesized with Bloom's and the 4Cs in this activity.
Fire Vs. Ice 21st Century Menu
Directions: Chose activities in a four square design. Each person has a role to play in this activity.
Text Selections
Follow that handkerchief!
Interactive Game
Othello in Context
Online text of Othello
The Plot of Othello
Interactive Game
Othello in Context
Online text of Othello
The Plot of Othello
Documents and Student Activities
student_generated_rubric_and_reflection.xps | |
File Size: | 149 kb |
File Type: | xps |
debate_rubric.pdf | |
File Size: | 33 kb |
File Type: |
fire_vs._ice_othello_event.docx | |
File Size: | 21 kb |
File Type: | docx |
annotation_rubric.rtf | |
File Size: | 88 kb |
File Type: | rtf |
Notes ( include accommodations/grouping/modifications):
This unit is narrowed to senior year only and is cumulative from junior English, specific in the area of the study of Les Miserables. Modifications should be made according to product and performance by student. This is not limited to honors and AP and is grading should be applied according to appropriate standards for the individual student.
This unit is narrowed to senior year only and is cumulative from junior English, specific in the area of the study of Les Miserables. Modifications should be made according to product and performance by student. This is not limited to honors and AP and is grading should be applied according to appropriate standards for the individual student.