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The English Teacher

Analyzing Films as Literature

This form is used to help students analyze films as literature. The form could be used as an in-class assignment, or also as a test. *Sometimes students put more effort or attention into an activity which they think is more important such as a test. It is in two parts, but could be used or adapted in whatever way seems most useful to the teacher.

The first part is to be filled out as the students watch the 'current' film. This technique of taking notes as the film progresses, helps them to focus and pay attention. Also, their attention can be focused on aspects of the film which the teacher would like to stress. The second part could be answered from notes on the current film, or from notes on a previously watched film.

I have used this form for 'A Man for All Seasons,' the Paul Scofield version, and 'Stand and Deliver.'

VIDEO TITLE:

1. As you watch the video, list as many beginning conflicts as you can.

_________________________vs__________________________

_________________________vs__________________________

_________________________vs__________________________

etc.

2. When the video is over, choose what you think is the main conflict and explain the reason for your choice in a complete sentence.

Main Conflict: ________________________vs_______________________

Support for choice: _____________________________________
______________________________________________________

3. Write one theme of the video.

__________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

4. Give some examples of foreshadowing

__________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

5. Explain scenery symbols.

__________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

6. What do you think of __________ as a character and as a person?

__________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

Part II

From either _________________ or __________________ write the following.

A. Theme: [not the same theme as in as in Part I]

__________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

B. Two symbols: [not those used in Part I]

__________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

C. Describe two characters using the terms given in class notes:

__________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________