Approaches to Teaching Shakespeare

CONTENTS OF CURRICULUM UNIT 08.01.08

  1. Unit Guide
  1. Introduction and Rationale
  2. Objectives
  3. Strategies
  4. Classroom Activities
  5. Teacher's Bibliography
  6. Student's Bibliography and Resources
  7. Notes
  8. Attachment A. Physical/Natural/Supernatural Power
  9. Attachment B. Social/Political Power
  10. Attachment C. Personal/Interpersonal Power
  11. Attachment D. Language Devices

The Language of Power in Shakespeare

Raymond F. Theilacker

Published September 2008

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Objectives

This unit is designed to meet established English Language Arts standards in the State of Delaware for twelfth grade students. The first standard calls for the construction, examination and extension of the meaning of literary texts. The study of Shakespeare has applications which not only meet the standard in a world literature sequence, but also allows consideration of the multi-dimensional roles power plays in human life, and is therefore consistent with state standards calling for student understanding of universal human motives and concerns. In this unit, students identify and analyze literary elements and techniques, specifically characterization, conflict, and themes, as they relate to issues of power. Further, students analyze diction in the selections. They also identify how figures of language (particularly metaphor, imagery, and symbolism), work to suggest dilemmas of power. Students identify imagery for its significance relative to concepts of power. And finally, as a special focus, students will look at sound devices, such as alliteration and onomatopoeia, in words, phrases and passages. They will be sensitized to rhythm and metrical issues as such devices affect meaning.

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