Y12 Homework: Verse form and *reading around the bear*

Hi folks,

Sorry - we didn't get as far as I wanted today as it seemed necessary to spend more time on Shakespeare's verse form.

As a follow-up to our discussion today, I'd like to set you a short task. Here it is:

1) Pick out 3-4 lines of speech from a character in Act 3 which are rich or interesting in terms of their sound as well as imagery (Paulina in Act 3 Scene 2 is a good choice - or Leontes. In Act 3 Scene 1, Cleomenes and Dion are gushing about their experiences in Delphos - so perhaps poetry and musicality of language can be expected there? Antigonus in 3.3?)

2) Write your lines across a page of A4.

3) Annotate your lines in as much detail as possible, focusing on:

•    stressed and unstressed syllables
• rhyme/half-rhymes
• alliteration (and sibilance) and assonance
• punctuation and the flow of the verse

In addition, consider how word choices and imagery enhance the effects of the tone created through sound.

If you need help, here are a few things to get you thinking...

First, my powerpoint from today:

Also, have a look at this video in which actors playing Macbeth and Lady Macbeth discuss the effect of iambic pentameter on their performances:

If you are still not sure, I'll do one of my own and post it here tomorrow so you can see what I'm after.

I'd also encourage you to consider interpretations of the bear and its impact. Here are a couple of places to start:

http://www.shmoop.com/winters-tale/bear-symbol.html
http://www.roh.org.uk/news/exit-pursued-by-a-bear-how-do-you-approach-shakespeares-famous-stage-direction

Have a search around for more bear discussion and be prepared to share next week.


Cheers,


Mr M