Category: Form 4 English B

Meet the author – Harper Lee

Watch the video about Harper Lee below.

1. Type one thing that you learnt about her in the comment section.

Historical Background of the Novel

Important points to note:
– The Great Depression
– Segregation
– Jim Crow Laws


2. Observe the following pictures of The Great Depression. Choose one and explain the impact it has on you.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

3. Explain ‘segregation’ in your own words.

4. What were the Jim Crow laws and what do you understand about them?


Some useful resources:

Information about Jim Crow Laws
https://www.history.com/topics/early-20th-century-us/jim-crow-laws

To Kill a Mockingbird – Audiobook
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk8_gvaS_tI

“Scottsboro Boys” Falsely accused of rape
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_q4GG3iHGY

1. Figurative Language
2. Soliloquies and asides
3. Comic Relief
4. Characters and their language

Taken from English B for CSEC – 2nd Edition

The main images in The Tempest include the shipwreck and the supernatural.

The shipwreck: It is a sign of things to come in the play. The image is associated with Prospero’s magic, intelligence, power and his quest for revenge and justice. The ship brings all of the characters together on the island and serves as a vessel that transports them to their fate.

The supernatural: This is seen throughout The Tempest. Prospero uses his magic to create the storm that traps the characters on the island. Similarly, Ariel, the nymphs, fairies and goddesses are used as part of Prospero’s plan to trick the characters. A false banquet is used to demonstrate Prospero’s power and marks the beginning of justice for the men. The goddesses are used to celebrate the marriage of Ferdinand and Miranda, while strange noises, music and song are used to both calm and bring messages to characters on the island.

(Taken from English B for CSEC 2nd Edition)

Dramatic techniques are used to enhance the performance of a play and engage the audience leading to a greater appreciation. At the beginning of The Tempest, we are enthralled by the mighty storm and conflict among the characters; by the end, we are mystified by the magic and illusion. In understanding the function of dramatic techniques, it is important to keep in mind that a play is meant to be performed and not just read. It is in this respect that the symbols, motifs, imagery, masques and other devices become important to the play.


Symbols
Symbols can take the form of an object, action, event or word. They are used by playwrights to enhance or give a deeper meaning to the play. In The Tempest, the dominant images include the sea, books, chess and nature.

The sea: The title of the play, The Tempest, refers to a stormy sea and Prospero summons the mighty tempest to take revenge on the characters who wronged him. Thus, the sea represents Prospero’s battleground and vengeance for his opponents. It also represents the suffering he endures when he is put on a boat and sent to sea. It can be said that the sea that displaces Prospero also displaces the noblemen. The tempest also represents social disorder. In the tempestuous storm, the Boatswain contests King Alonso and the noblemen. This erupts in conflict and arguments about hierarchical rule in the open sea. It is useful to note that while the tempest captures the power and force of Prospero’s magic, it also captures his mercy. By the end of the play, the calm sea takes them home and all is forgiven with new beginnings.

The books: These are placed in Prospero’s boat by Gonzalo when his position is usurped. They represent Prospero’s magic and power. Caliban knows that he has to tell Stephano and Trinculo to destroy the books before they can destroy Prospero in Act 2 Scene 2. In the rest of the play, the books are used to restore order and bring justice to the play. When Prospero’s plans are accomplished, he throws the books into the sea (Act 5 Scene 1) suggesting that order is restored and magic is no longer necessary.

The chess game: Ferdinand and Miranda are revealed playing chess at the end of the play. It can be said that due to the game of power struggles, Ferdinand and Miranda found each other on the island. Furthermore, Prospero orchestrated the game of love between them and eventually allowed them to discover each other. In another instance, the game of chess represents the conquering of rulers. In the play, Antonio and Alonso plot carefully to conquer Prospero. On the island, there is also a quest for Caliban to conquer Prospero through Stephano and Trinculo, and for Prospero to expose King Alonso. In the rest of the play, Prospero uses the characters as pawns (Ariel, Caliban, Ferdinand) to bring love, justice and order in the play.

Congratulations, you have made it to the end of the term! I believe that it has been quite a productive term. You worked very hard and you realized that Shakespeare is not as difficult as you imagined. It was a pleasure to serve as your teacher and to watch many of you grow and blossom. We have three more terms to get you prepared for your CSEC English B exam and I am confident that if you continue to work hard, you will achieve the grade you desire.

Take care, stay safe and wash your hands!

See you next term 🙂 ~ Get your copies of To Kill a Mockingbird ready!

1. Finish reading The Tempest.
2. Choose one of the following essays:
   
   
   1. Power is one of the main themes in The Tempest.
   
   Write an essay in which you describe Prospero’s power on the island. You must discuss how Prospero’s use of power impacts any ONE character in the play and examine how Shakespeare uses symbolism to portray the theme of power.
   
   Total: 35 marks
   
   OR
   
   2. “The Tempest is an exploration of different types of relationships.”
   
   Write an essay in which you describe TWO different types of relationships in the play. In this essay, you must also discuss ONE theme that is portrayed in any ONE of the relationships described, and examine ONE dramatic technique Shakespeare uses to present relationships in the play as a whole.
   
   Total: 35 marks
   
   
   
   If you have any questions, please post them below.

Deadline: 14th April 2020

Due Date: Wednesday 18th March 2020

https://www.classmarker.com/online-test/start/?quiz=jbc5e6fa143f02c5

The royal party has searched for Ferdinand but they have failed to find him. They are all tired. Prospero arrives and watches them from above. After a while, a number of ghostly shapes arrive and with them, a lavish banquet. After gesturing to the party that they should approach and eat, the spirit shapes depart. The royal party cannot believe what they have seen, but they are also hungry and ready to eat.


Ariel appears and this time he is disguised as a harpy. He makes the banquet disappear and accuses Antonio, Sebastian and Alonso of being sinful men. The men draw their swords but they are frozen in place by magic and unable to lift up their arms. The king is shaken by what he has seen and heard, and he flees, as do Antonio and Sebastian. Worried that they might do themselves harm, Gonzalo sends Adrian and Francisco to watch them.

This scene returns to Stephano, Trinculo, and Caliban — all of whom are now very drunk. Caliban has a plan to kill Prospero and persuades his new friends to help. Caliban believes that he is the rightful owner of the island. Ariel quietly arrives and listens to the conversation. Caliban tells Stephano that they must burn Prospero’s books, and after Prospero is dead, Stephano can marry Miranda. Thus, she will be his queen. Trinculo agrees.

After listening, Ariel decides to tell Prospero of this plot against his life. When the drunk men begin singing, Ariel plays music. They hear the music and are scared. Caliban tells them that such noises are always present on the island. The drunk men follow the music off stage.

In this scene, Ferdinand and Miranda declare their love for one another. They make plans to get married. Prospero’s plans can now proceed too, and this declaration of love between the two young people makes possible the healing of the wounds of the older generation.