Teaching the classics - debates and discussions Alessia Boson Steve Duroux
The following activity is based on the book "Teaching Literature to Adolescents", Richard Beach, Deborah Appleman, Susan Hynds, Jeffrey Wilhelm - Routledge 2006
ACTIVITY —DISCUSSION/DEBATES Example: The Scarlet Letter Every student will be assigned a question and a side to argue. What to Do: Prepare a 1–1and1⁄2 minute speech in which you argue your point. Another person will argue the other side of the question. Each of you will tell what the stance you are representing is and offer support for your argument (citing the text). After you have each argued your points, there will be a brief period for questions. The Questions Chillingworth Hester 1 Is Roger Chillingworth an evil 1 Is Hester Prynne a victim? man? 2 Is Hester a good mother for Pearl? 3 Does Hester deserve the punishment she Overflow Question received? To what extent is your character responsible or blameworthy for Dimmesdale the adultery? 1 Is Dimmesdale a good clergyman? Now draw a similar list of questions based on another text
Steve Duroux THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST – OSCAR WILDE Jack Worthing • •
Gwendolen Fairfax
Is Jack a real gentleman? •Does she love “Jack”? Does he represent the morality of •Is she strong-minded? the Victorian period?
Algernon Moncrieff
Cecily Cardew
• •
•Is her ingenuity real? •Is she a product of high society?
Is a real dandy-man? Does he look like Wilde?
Overflow question: “Is it useful to be earnest?”
Alessia Boson ROBINSON CRUSOE ROBINSON CRUSOE • Does Robinson feel happy on the Island he was shipwrecked on? • Would he like to move to other places? FRIDAY • Does Robinson try to get to know Friday? • Is Friday happy to be Robinson’s servant? OVERFLOW QUESTION • Does Robinson prefer the living condition in England or in the island? How is his attitude towards the values of his previous life?