Students were asked to consider the thematic focus of Vonnegut's 'Harrison Bergeron' and consider author's aim. The discussion broadened to consider how the themes of the short story link to contemporary issues and debates such as the nature of our own liberty and personal freedom.
Focus became text specific as the class were asked to consider HOW Vonnegut crafts his surreal tale. Students were directed to focus upon inference, symbol and language. For example, Vonnegut often offers an ambiguous phrase that challenges the reader to construct an interpretation. He promotes an active reading of his inference as this is a tale that presents a society that is being robbed of the ability to offer independent thought and the government regime aims to rob its population of the skills that are required to interpret Vonnegut's text. The reader must use the intellectual tools that have been successfully removed from Hazel.
Students were also reintroduced to Marvell and the class discussion considered how use of metaphor reflects the aim of the narrator. Students were asked to consider why Marvell would construct such a vile but incredibly eloquent character. Author's aim?
The essay title that will be offered next lesson is: How do Marvell and Vonnegut use language, structure and form to shape meaning?
This essay title should be the focus of your reading. Make sure you use my 'handwritten' handout to guide you towards the key features of each text.
Next lesson we will be planning the essay and collecting notes through class discussion and we will also consider the essay title: 'Charles Bukowski and Dorothy Parker share a bleak view of life.' Discuss.
HOMEWORK will consist of reading Vonnegut, Marvell, Bukowski and Parker. Students should be developing an idea of the level of engagement that is expected at AS Level and i expect the quality of Tuesday's class discussion to inform your own interpretation as you revisit the texts for homework.The more you read. The more you comprehend. The class discussion in the second half of the lesson was superb. Many thanks. Students should also begin their reading of 'The Great Gatsby' and visit some of the resources posted on Be Curious aimed at providing students with a contextual understanding of the exam texts.
Ta.
MLR.
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