Characterization "Essay" for RITS-!--100 pts. in the essay portion of your grade/Due no later than end of day Tuesday 12/23

This should be a complete characterization of Walter, meaning:

• you characterize him in all 3 Acts of the play. 
• you should refer to the author Lorraine Hansberry's purpose and craft in characterizing Walter the way she did in your examples (How and why does she accomplish this? What does she want the audience to see/know? How does this change the audience's perception of Walter? How does she want you to feel about him?)
• you should use STEAL method of indirect characterization as well as direct if there is any
• you do not need an introduction and conclusion 
• your TAG (Title, Author, Genre) should be in paragraph #1--if it's not, add it in. 
• you should have adjectives that describe Walter (at least 3)
• you should have TEXTUAL EVIDENCE and citations (Act, Scene) at least 3 (one for each act)
• you should connect the textual evidence to the adjective/quality trait you are proving
• you should have transitions between paragraphs
• you should read it through and edit for spelling and grammar errors

Friday 12/19

Good morning everyone! Please take the time today to do some work--either catch up on the reading if you missed it/work on your characterization paragraphs for Acts II and III--quiz on those acts on Monday! Enjoy your weekend -- or holiday for those taking off early!

Today's Work/Next Week Information

Today:

• Read as much as we can
• Try to finish/work on our characterization paragraphs from yesterday (Act II).

Tomorrow (Friday):

• Write a paragraph(s) characterizing Walter in Act III (what we read today).

Next week:

• I've decided the "test" will more be like a quiz on Acts II and III
• The characterization that we've been working on will be due by Tuesday 12/23 (end of day) (must have at least 1 paragraph from each act: I, II, III)
• Next week we will watch the modern movie/complete any missing work

Characterization of Walter...Completed Characterization (paragraphs from Acts I, II, and III due by Tuesday 12/23

Today we will add on another paragraph(s) to our characterization document. 

The first paragraph we did together using the STEAL notes that I did with you.
The second paragraph you wrote on your own using the close reading notes we did together.
Today, the third paragraph(s) will be written by you, using your own notes. I would recommend thinking about STEAL first:

What does Walter say in these selections? (S)
What is Walter thinking in these selections? (T)
What is Walter's effect on others in these selections? (E)
What are Walter's actions in these selections? (A)
What does Walter look like in these selections? (L)

*You may also include any direct characterization if any is given to you

*You may want to make some notes to yourself first before you begin writing.

The selections you may/should use are all those we have read from Act II (yesterday and today):

Section 1: Walter comes home drunk/dances with Beneatha/yells at George Murchison/tells Ruth he doesn't care about her/tells Mama she crushed his dreams by buying the house (77-95)

Section 2: Walter has been out drunk for days/hasn't gone to work/convinces Mama to give him a portion of the money/speaks to Travis about how their life is going to be like now that he has money (104-109)

Section 3: Mr. Lindner visits...(110-121)

Homework for Tuesday 12/16

Hw: Take one line from the Langston Hughes poem "Harlem" (in the packet or Google it) and pick one character from the play; A). Describe what this character’s dream is, and then B). Explain how and why the line from the poem you selected most appropriately describes what is happing to that character’s dream.

Note from today's reading: George calls Walter "Prometheus" 

Sample Paragraphed Characterization

My initial impression of Walter Lee Younger Jr. in Act I, Scene i, is that he is a frustrated man, who is upset that he is 35 years old and hasn’t been successful in life yet. Walter tells his wife Ruth, “…I’ve been married eleven years and I got a boy who sleeps in the living room…stories about how rich white people live” (34). Walter is a chauffeur, to a rich white man, Mr. Arnold, but he wants some of Mama’s insurance money to open a liquor store. He feels like his family, especially the women in his life, and his race are against him. He states, “Man say to his woman…eat your eggs” (33) and also, “We one group of men…race of women with small minds” (35) showing that he blames everyone but himself for his lack of success. It seems important to him that he show the world, especially his son, that he has money. This is seen in the incident with Travis when he gives him an extra fifty-cents that his mother won’t give him; he thinks money will bring him respect.

Paragraphed Characterization of Walter, (keep incomplete)---King of the Mountain homework

Homework:
In your RITS packet there is a worksheet to read called "King of the Mountain". Please read it, annotating anything you think is important or confusing, and complete the paragraphed assignment that follows either in the packet on the lines, or on a separate sheet of paper. I will check it on Friday.

Today's Assignment:
Today we are going to START a paragraphed characterization (our initial impressions of Walter) in Act I, scene 1. It may be best to type since we will not finish today, as we will add on as the play goes on. In fact, I would definitely recommend it being typed.

Use your STEAL notes to help you out, as well as the play itself.

 Instead of focusing on BASIC CHARACTERIZATION like we did with Macbeth (adjectives--example..this shows...) BUILD ON THAT--meaning still do that, but try to ADD ON.

Focus on author's craft and purpose--meaning, how does Lorraine Hansberry create this character of Walter for you in the audience? Pay attention to stage directions (the italics)--It will help to watch the American Playhouse version (Danny Glover) to help you really see how this character is supposed to be seen.

Textual evidence is a must--but don't just choose ANYTHING--pick the best evidence!
PLEASE explain your choices!

I will provide you with a way to get started if you still aren't ready for this.

Don't forget your TAG.

Homework Questions: Due Friday!Use the text in your answer as support!

1. Where would you place yourself on Maslow’s hierarchy—at which level? Why do you feel that is where you belong?

2. Which is the most important level? Why? What may stop someone from being able to advance?

3.Describe a way in which someone may take “two steps forward and three steps back,” meaning—how may you advance and be thrown back down a level?



"King of the Mountain" text--Maslow's Hierarchy

link for notes

today's notes

"Do We Not Bleed" --The Merchant of Venice"

Shylock-
A Jewish moneylender in Venice. Angered by his mistreatment at the hands of Venice’s Christians, particularly the merchant Antonio, Shylock schemes to get revenge by ruthlessly demanding a pound of Antonio’s flesh as penalty for Antonio’s defaulting on a loan. The Christian characters in the play regard Shylock as an inhuman monster, frequently mocking him for being obsessed with money.

Salanio/Salarino-Venetian gentlemen/friends of Antonio

Answer the following questions in your group using textual evidence as support:
1. What words do Salarino and Salanio use to describe Shylock? What does this lead you to infer their feelings are towards him?
2. What has happened between Shylock and his daughter? (read through to the end before you answer)
3. What does Salarino say is the difference between Shylock and his daughter?
4. What is Shylock's argument against Antonio? Why should he take his flesh even if it doesn't make sense?
5. What rhetorical questions does Shylock ask? What is his purpose in stating these questions?
6. What is the double-standard he says exists between Jews and Christians?
7. How do you feel about the character of Shylock and his situation after reading this passage? Do you think he is a sympathetic or contemptible character?


If you are having a really hard time:

Modern English version

info from: http://nfs.sparknotes.com/merchant/

youtube clip


ADD ON FOR TODAY:

Continuation: The trial/verdict

What do you think about the verdict?

Homework: Choose 5 of the 7 statements below: 1st- agree or disagree 2nd-explain your reasoning (explain well please giving examples if possible)

A Raisin in the Sun -- Anticipation Guide  

1). You should hold onto your dreams; if you work hard enough for them they will come true.  ________

Reasoning:

2). Once children are grown, their parents are no longer responsible to provide them with money and housing.  ___________

Reasoning:

3). We should think of the United States as a “melting pot” in which people from many cultures leave their differences behind and only follow “American” customs and traditions.  ___________

Reasoning:

4). Neighbors have the right to decide what kind of community they want to have—including who lives in that neighborhood. _______

Reasoning:

5). A parent and child often disagree about the way the child should live his/her life.  ____________

Reasoning:

6). Most people don’t try hard enough to help with other people’s problem. ____________

Reasoning:

7). When someone insults you, it is best to “turn the other cheek.”  ________

Reasoning: