Theme Through Character August Wilsons Fences Day 3

Theme Through Character August Wilson’s Fences Day 3

Daily Objectives • Create a character-theme concept map to examine how themes are developed through character interactions, motivations, and struggles. • Present their character-theme concept maps through an oral presentation

Character-Theme Concept Map Directions: To explore the relationship between major characters and themes in August Wilson’s play, Fences, you will complete a character-theme concept map. Follow the steps listed below: Character: Write the name of your selected character Title: Theme Scene 1: Introduce your character with critical information (key quote); caption, using an appositive Scene 2: Include a visual depiction of an interaction, event, decision, or change moment in character’s life connected to theme; analyze the scene below the box. Scene 3: Include a visual depiction of an interaction, event, decision, or change moment in character’s life connected to theme; analyze the scene below the box. Scene 4: Include a visual depiction of an interaction, event, decision, or change moment in character’s life connected to theme; analyze the scene below the box. (additional scenes may be added here) Final scene: Statement the character makes about theme (this is either a direct quote or a paraphrased idea. )

Character-Theme Concept Map Exemplar: A Raisin in the Sun Character: Mama Theme: Preserving the family is more important than individual’s dreams. Visual depiction of the character: Mama, family matriarch, is intent on buying a new house for her family. Visual depiction of scene on p. 44 between Ruth and Mama Visual depiction of scene on p. 69 between Mama and Ruth Visual depiction of scene on p. 75 between Mama and Walter Lee Mama had dreams of buying a house with her late husband, with a garden. But she knew that she had other responsibilities and that dream dissolved. Mama’s $10, 000 inheritance is not as important to her as her family. Her decision not to keep the money is to ensure that her family has something for the future. When times get hard, according to Mama, a woman will go to the extremes for her family – even if it means doing something harmful to herself. Visual depiction of statement Mama makes about theme (p. 106) “What you ain’t never understood is that I ain’t got nothing, don’t own nothing, ain’t never really wanted nothing that wasn’t for you…There ain’t nothing worth holding on to, money, dreams, nothing else – if it means it’s going to destroy my boy. ”

Five Ps of Presentations • Posture: Stand up straight, be mindful of slouching, leaning, looking down, and where you place your hands. • Poise: Appear calm, relaxed and prepared, even if you are feeling rushed or unsure. • Pace: Don’t rush, take your time. • Projection: Be mindful of your volume and project your voice so you can be heard. • Presentation: Make sure you and the information you are presenting look professional and worthy of praise.

Presentation Peer Feedback • As you observe your classmates present, you will be responsible for providing feedback. • Follow the directions on the Peer Feedback sheet.

Reflections • Please reflect on the cornerstone experience by completing the Student Reflection.