The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World Gabriel
“The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World” Gabriel García Márquez
FREEWRITE: 3 minutes • Something important that you learned during our silent discussion last class • A question you have that you hope we’ll talk about during discussion today
In summary… • You all did excellently on our Silent Graffiti discussion last class! • The following slides summarize your main ideas about the text, based off of your written discussions.
How does the genre of magical realism add to the story? • Makes the story _____ – Bizarre – Exciting – Fantastical – Intriguing – Interesting – Confusing – Imaginative • Allows the reader to choose what to believe • Explains the confusing actions of the characters – we know something is odd, but the characters accept it as normal • Blend of the real and unreal, believable and unbelievable (contradictions!) • MAGICAL REALISM: Importance of realistic setting
What is the significance of the characters’ names? • Esteban! – – – Attractive? Strong? Kind? Handsome? Superior? God? • Giving Esteban a name makes him both unique and accepted. He belongs in the village. • Why did the story only name one person in particular? Why are the other characters nameless? • What does Esteban ACTUALLY mean?
How do the men, women, and children treat Esteban? Why do they treat him differently? • Children: – Play with him because they are nonjudgmental • Women: – Love and obsess over him (like a god? ) because he is handsome • Men: – Judgmental and frustrated at first, then they respect him when they see his strength and beauty • Everyone: – By the end, they treat him with respect and make sure he belongs by giving him a family and elaborate funeral • WHY DOES ESTEBAN MATTER and elicit great respect? Is it just his handsomeness or is there more to it?
What changes for the village after Esteban’s funeral? Why do these changes happen? • What did they do? – “They made doorways bigger to accommodate future Estebans” ♥ • Changes in the house: built them with “wider doors, higher ceilings, and stronger floors” • “More Esteban friendly” – Planted flowers – Painted their houses • Why? – Wanted to honor Esteban – Became more accepting and welcoming to outsiders • Did Esteban have to be dead in order for the village to change? Would things have been the same if he had shown up at the village alive?
What is the role of the sea in the story? Why is it important? • “The sea can give life but also take life away. ” – Powerful – Like a God – Creates change in the village • The sea helps the village become more lively because it brings Esteban and hope to them • Could symbolize the unknown or the afterlife • Brings danger, death… but also excitement and life • So, is the sea good or bad or both?
Questions • What does Esteban ACTUALLY mean? • Why did the story only name one person in particular? Why are the other characters nameless? • WHY DOES ESTEBAN MATTER? Is it just his handsomeness or is there more to it? • Did Esteban have to be dead in order for the village to change? Would things have been the same if he had shown up at the village alive? • Is the sea good or bad or both?
Any other questions? • Is there anything else that should be clarified or that confuses you? • Was your question from the freewrite unanswered?
Discussion Norms • The point of discussion is to exchange ideas with one another. We are to be respectful. • Challenge ideas rather than people. • Use names when possible. • Value silence. It’s okay to give time for thinking. • Our goal is to give all voices in the classroom opportunity to be heard.
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