Film Study: Shakespeare in Love

Shakespeare in Love is a 1998 British romantic comedy-drama film directed by John Madden, written by Marc Norman and playwright Tom Stoppard. The film depicts a love affair involving playwright William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) while he was writing the play Romeo and Juliet.

The story is fiction, though several of the characters are based on real people. In addition, many of the characters, lines, and plot devices are references to Shakespeare's plays.

Shakespeare in Love won seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Gwyneth Paltrow) and Best Supporting Actress (Judi Dench).

ESSENTIAL QUESTION - Is the film Shakespeare in Love worthy of "Shakespeare"?

5  May 2014 (Monday)

In Class: Draft – handwritten

Answer the following question –

Is the film Shakespeare in Love worthy of a ‘Shakespearean’ work/story?

-          Consider all of the story elements used within a typical Shakespeare play – plot, theme, character, a bit with a dog, etc.

-          Review the questions for each of the scenes if necessary

-          Although this is an opinion piece, please be specific in your responses – back up your thoughts with evidence from the film

HW

Type response – Standard MLA format / Due Tuesday May 6th

2 May 2014 (Friday)
Viewing / Discussion - 1:30 - END

HW
Questions in Study Guide for Scenes Viewed in Class

1 May 2014 (Thursday)
Viewing / Discussion - 1:10 - 1:30

HW
Questions in Study Guide for Scenes Viewed in Class

30 April 2014 (Wednesday)
Viewing / Discussion - 00:50 - 1:10

HW
Questions in Study Guide for Scenes Viewed in Class

29 April 2014 (Tuesday)
Viewing / Discussion - 00:25- 00:50

HW
Questions in Study Guide for Scenes Viewed in Class

28 April 2014 (Monday)

Viewing / Discussion - 00:00 - 00:25

HW

READ "Shakespeare's London"

 (Do Not Do Tasks/Assignments)

Shakespeare Background / Sonnets

The Sonnets come from Shakespeare's early years and were probably composed between 1592 and 1597.

It is reasonable then to suppose that the inspiration came from the time between when he left Stratford and popped up on the literary scene in London.

You will investigate the Sonnets - and be responsible for researching one sonnet and create / present an Illuminated Sonnet accompanied by a written reflection / response. [Project - Handout]


Tuesday April 22

VIEWING NOTES
(Ep 3. 00:00 - 29:00)

What did Shakespeare's cousin believe to be the role of poets?

What does the host maintain Shakespeare's belief of the role of poets to be?

What elements of Shakespeare's life has contributed to his development as a writer?



Continue Looking at the Role of Poets [Sonnets 20:00-29:00] - view Clip (00:00-29:00)


Monday April 21




VIEWING NOTES
(Ep 1. 00:00 - 22:00)
What was the political and religious climate of Elizabethan England?

What was the "split in English society" host Michael Wood refers to?

What elements in his early life may have contributed to his development as a writer later on for theatre?

HW
Read the 1st page of the Handout

HAMLET - "... the rest is silence..." / Final Discussion

10 April 2014

SUMMARY / GUEST LECTURE
Dr. Sparky Sweets -

ANALYSIS / GROUPS
Small Groups (1,2,3) -

• Read and Discuss assigned article
• Summarize Article
• Identify 2 Key Points / Ideas we need to know or should consider when Analyzing Hamlet

Triads (A - J) -

• Small Groups break into assigned Triads
• Each group member shares out findings of assigned article / discuss

Closing Thought
Dr. Sweets

Lesson 20 - "Good Night, Sweet Prince" - The Last Gasp

CONSIDER

The final scene of Hamlet brings so many threads together that it is often difficult to follow because each happens with such rapid action.

Viewing
Take notes on acting and movement

Discuss
1. Follow the poison. Who has it, where is it, who drinks it, and what are its effects?
2. How important is it for the actors to perfect the swordplay?
3. What is Claudius's reaction to Gertrude's death? On what lines does he show this reaction?
4. How important is Fortinbras? (Some directors leave him out completely.)
5. How important is Horatio? (How could a director show Horatio's importance?)

HW
Write down 3 questions about the play that haven't been answered for you. (They should go beyond the who, what, when, and where of the plot that can be answered by checking the text -- but should deal with the why of the play.)