The Merchant of Venice Grade 10 A. Zarzycka The Merchant of Venice: Character Activities TASK 1: Twins across Time – Understanding Characters through Modern Pairings Antonio Shylock Bassanio Portia Gratiano Nerissa Lorenzo Jessica 1. For each of these 8 characters, come up with 3 words to describe each them on your own; be sure that you are able to support your ideas with evidence from the text. Write this in your notebook and then share your words with your group. 2. Then, think of people, celebrities, fictional characters, or historical figures that you think are similar to the characters in the play. Discuss their similarities in groups – what makes them similar (personality traits, conflicts, actions, relationships…)? Make sure you can support your ideas. 3. For 1 of the MAIN CHARACTERS, write a response describing what you think of him/her and how your chosen modern character/person is a suitable parallel for the character. Use evidence to support ideas for both the character (plot, conflicts, quotations) and the modern parallel. Post this paragraph on the class blog. TASK 2: Translating Text – Understanding Character through Modernizing Language 1. Groups choose 1 Character from The Merchant of Venice in whom they are interested (Antonio, Shylock, Portia, Bassanio). 2. Comb through Acts 1 & 2 and find 10-12 lines of dialogue spoken by or about your character that you think are quite useful in helping readers/audiences understand them (by conveying their personality traits, conflicts, desires, etc.). 3. “Translate” or re-write these 10-12 lines into modern English. Employ the vernacular, i.e. everyday spoken language (informal language and slang are fine). 4. Write an explanation of WHAT these lines show readers about the character, his/her personality traits,

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Page 1: Ms. Z's English Classes - Homemszenglishclasses.weebly.com/uploads/3/7/8/4/37849677/... · Web viewThe Merchant of Venice in whom they are interested (Antonio, Shylock, Portia, Bassanio)

The Merchant of Venice Grade 10 A. Zarzycka

The Merchant of Venice: Character Activities

TASK 1: Twins across Time – Understanding Characters through Modern Pairings

Antonio Shylock Bassanio PortiaGratiano Nerissa Lorenzo Jessica

1. For each of these 8 characters, come up with 3 words to describe each them on your own; be sure that you are able to support your ideas with evidence from the text. Write this in your notebook and then share your words with your group.

2. Then, think of people, celebrities, fictional characters, or historical figures that you think are similar to the characters in the play.Discuss their similarities in groups – what makes them similar (personality traits, conflicts, actions, relationships…)? Make sure you can support your ideas.

3. For 1 of the MAIN CHARACTERS, write a response describing what you think of him/her and how your chosen modern character/person is a suitable parallel for the character. Use evidence to support ideas for both the character (plot, conflicts, quotations) and the modern parallel. Post this paragraph on the class blog.

TASK 2: Translating Text – Understanding Character through Modernizing Language

1. Groups choose 1 Character from The Merchant of Venice in whom they are interested (Antonio, Shylock, Portia, Bassanio).

2. Comb through Acts 1 & 2 and find 10-12 lines of dialogue spoken by or about your character that you think are quite useful in helping readers/audiences understand them (by conveying their personality traits, conflicts, desires, etc.).

3. “Translate” or re-write these 10-12 lines into modern English. Employ the vernacular, i.e. everyday spoken language (informal language and slang are fine).

4. Write an explanation of WHAT these lines show readers about the character, his/her personality traits, relationships, conflicts, desires, etc., and HOW? (unpack the textual evidence to prove your ideas).

5. Consider the THEMES that emerge from the lines you have chosen and explain what they reveal about the text’s central ideas. You will present your work to the class.