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Lesson 2

We will return to the key features of the archetypal criticism lens by rereading a section of “A Guide to the Study of Literature: A Companion Text for Core Studies 6, Landmarks of Literature, Section II Tragedy: A Genre, Tragedy.” We will examine how Hamlet may or may not embody the classical features of the tragedy genre, and we will make predictions for how the play might end.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I use a variety of strategies (e.g., context clues, word study, and vocabulary resources) to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words and phrases in a text?

  • Can I determine and explain the key features of the tragedy genre?

Texts

Core

  • Unit Reader
    • Tragedy, excerpt from “A Guide to the Study of Literature: A Companion Text for Core Studies 6, Landmarks of Literature, Section II Tragedy: A Genre, Tragedy,” English Department, Brooklyn College, English Department, Brooklyn College, 2009
  • Tradebook
    • Hamlet, William Shakespeare, Simon and Schuster, 2003

Materials

Tools

Question Sets

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Discuss

We will review the unit’s Central Question to examine how our thinking has evolved.

Step 1

Review the Central Question with a partner:

How many ways can the same text be read?

Use the following questions to guide a discussion with a partner or small group:

  1. What new knowledge do you have that relates to the Central Question?

  2. What are you still curious about that relates to the Central Question?

  3. What is the relationship between the Central Question and the texts you have read so far? How do the texts shed light on the question? How does the question help you understand the texts?

  4. How has your response to the question evolved, deepened, or changed?

In your Learning Log, write your response to Question 4. You will return to this response in later lessons to examine how your understanding of the Central Question has evolved.

Step 2

Discuss the following question with a partner:

  1. Based on your current understanding of the literary criticisms, which lens are you currently considering composing a response to for the Culminating Task?

Review the Culminating Task Checklist for reference.

Activity 2: Read

We will read another section from “A Guide To The Study Of Literature: A Companion Text For Core Studies 6, Landmarks Of Literature, Section Ii Tragedy: A Genre, Tragedy” to deepen our understanding of the features of the Tragedy genre.

Read and annotate paragraphs 4-11 of “A Guide to the Study of Literature: A Companion Text for Core Studies 6, Landmarks of Literature, Section II Tragedy: A Genre, Tragedy.”

During the reading, use the following questions to guide your reading:

  1. What are the features of the tragedy genre?

  2. Based on my reading so far, what features of tragedy does Hamlet embody?

  3. Based on my reading so far, what features of tragedy does Hamlet not embody?

  4. What can I expect to happen in the final act of the play?

Activity 3: Read

We will work with a partner to determine the meaning of selected words from the text.

With a partner, determine the meaning of the following words:

  • vulnerable (Paragraph 6)

  • precarious (Paragraph 6)

  • inequity (Paragraph 7)

  • profound (Paragraph 7)

  • unwitting (Paragraph 8)

Write down your answers in your Vocabulary Journal. For each word, identify the vocabulary strategy (e.g., context, morphology, reference material) you used to determine its meaning. Use the questions in the Vocabulary in Context Tool as a guide.

Activity 4: Discuss

We will review the words we defined to cement our understanding of their meaning.

Work with a partner to respond to the vocabulary exercises directed by your teacher.

Activity 5: Read

We will compose written responses to the guiding questions.

Return to the text. Using your deepened understanding of key vocabulary, draft a written response that answers the following questions. Make sure to use details from the play to support your ideas.

  1. What are the features of the tragedy genre?

  2. Based on my reading so far, what features of tragedy does Hamlet embody?

  3. Based on my reading so far, what features of tragedy does Hamlet not embody?

  4. Based on the features of the tragedy genre, what can I predict will happen in the final act of the play?

Activity 6: Discuss

We will discuss our written responses in groups.

In groups, discuss your answers to the following questions:

  1. What are the features of the tragedy genre?

  2. Based on my reading so far, what features of tragedy does Hamlet embody?

  3. Based on my reading so far, what features of tragedy does Hamlet not embody?

  4. Based on the features of the tragedy genre, what can I predict will happen in the final act of the play?

Be sure to do the following:

  • Elaborate and clarify your ideas.

  • Support your ideas with specific textual evidence from the play.

  • Ask clarifying questions.

  • Build on or challenge the ideas of others.

  • Take notes on intriguing ideas.