Appendix 4 – Student Handout
Dialectical Journals: Practice on Writing about Fiction
Dialectical Journals provide an easy and interesting method to help you write succinctly while you are developing your own voice. "Dialectical" suggests the art of discourse – and that is the skill you will be developing – talking "to" and about the text.
For each of the acts of each of the plays we will read, your assignment is to type a one page, 10 point paper in which you include these three elements:
1. Write a brief summary of the plot.
2. Select a character you noticed in the play and write a short paragraph which explains how Shakespeare uses characterization to enhance meaning.
3. Incorporate text into this paragraph. Respond to the plot and the character you have chosen. You may choose one of several ways. Here is an opportunity for you to be creative. Select from these:
- Converse with specific points in the text that strike you. You can agree, disagree, question or comment, joke or continue a point. Cite the quotation and then respond. You may use first person.
- Write about any personal connections you have with the reading.
- Write a letter to Shakespeare and/or a return letter from the author to yourself.
- Write an imaginary interview with Shakespeare or the character you have chosen.
- Write a prequel or sequel to the play – try to mimic Shakespeare's style.
- Rewrite the work into a different genre – turn it into a poem, letter, or prose.
- Borrow an incident or theme from the work to write a piece of your own based on a similar incident or theme.
- Draft a fictional biography or autobiography of the character you have chosen.
Your perspective is always interesting to me. Write about it in such a way that I can "hear" your voice. This is a Preparation and Participation grade. Turn it in on time and follow the directions.
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