Week 4 homework

"Everythin' I told her was true"

 

 

Olive believes that Pearl's view of the lay off was a mis-judgement caused by the fact that it "was all different" this year. If she could have seen "just somethin'" of the way it normally was, she would have understood.

 

Do you agree with Olive? Support your view with evidence from the text, including two quotations.

 

You might consider the following in making your decision:

• In what ways is this year different?
• Is Olive's view of the lay off supported by anyone else?
• Why did Nancy get married?
• What does Johnny Dowd have to say about the house?

Make sure that you provide an argument with evidence. Post to your blog before Monday's lesson.

 

 

 



Act 2 Scene 1

1.      Compare  this New Year’s Eve to previous ones. How and why is it different? In what ways are the characters trying to make the best of things? What does this scene tell us about the themes of tradition and change.

Week 3 homework

Write a paragraph in which you compare the attitudes of  Pearl and Olive to relationships as seen during Act 1.

Do you think the audience is positioned to agree with either character? If so, how is this achieved through the aesthetic features of the play?

Make specific reference to the play and include two quotations, one within a sentence and one which is separate.

"Summer of the Seventeenth Doll" Act 1 Scene 1

Summer of the Seventeenth Doll is categorised as modern realism. Write a paragraph explaining the characteristics of this style of drama and giving examples of how language is used in Act 1 Scene 1 in a way that is consistent with this style.  

Mr Collins

How important a character is Mr Collins? Write a paragraph in response, clearly arguing your point of view. In developing your thesis, include a discussion of the way the reader is positioned to respond to him and the importance of this for dealing with at least one of the ideas underpinning the novel. Consider the work we have done in class on satire and irony as you plan your response.

The importance of Charlotte Lucas

How important a character is Charlotte Lucas?

Write a paragraph in response, clearly arguing your point of view. In developing your thesis, compare her with Elizabeth and Jane. How is the reader positioned through this comparison? Consider ideas, attitudes and values in your response. Post to your blog by Wednesday.

Notes on Charlotte Lucas

Charlotte Lucas

Accepts the views on marriage for women of the era

o “When you have had time to think it over, I hope you will be satisfied with what I have done. I am not romantic, you know; I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins's character, connection, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state.” Pg 123

 Privileged – value on being married

o Lizzy cannot believe Charlotte is to be married to Mr Collins

 Binary Opposition

o Surrenders to society and does not persist in her principles
o Also believes that Mr Collins is the best man for her
o “Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance…”

Sensible

o Accepts her status and bravely tells Lizzy about her marriage
o She waited for a long time to find the right husband

 She had her own thoughts on what the good husband should be like

o Under great pressure because her family does not have large amounts of money or with good appearance
o Introduced as; “sensible, intelligent young woman, about twenty-seven”

 The reader immediately feels sorry for her because we know that she has not married

 27 is considered an old age to be unmarried

o  She knows that she does not have much of a chance of winning the hand of another man and is therefore happy that she is able to get married and not end out as an old maid or spinster.

“I ask only a comfortable home … I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state.”