YEAR 13 LESSON FORTY-TWO [7th March 14]: Homework

The aim of this session was to respond to the last written homework and focus upon the importance of the penultimate scene of the play. The homework was okay but students really need to offer a more sophisticated consideration of author's aim. Students were bullied into a consideration of how Scenes 10/11/12 explore:

• The nature of evil
• The advantages that Faustus has received after agreeing to sell his soul

Students watched a performance of the penultimate act of the play and were asked to consider the SYMBOLIC SIGNIFICANCE of THE OLD MAN and the moment when Faustus seduces/is seduced by the representation that 'lively resemble[s]' Helen Of Troy. Discussion considered the symbolic nature of THE OLD MAN and how this character is used to shape and present Marlowe's key ideas. This character is clearly a figure that represents the power of faith and class discussion considered how Marlowe presents the strength and power of this crucial symbolic character. The chat then evolved to consider the significance of the 'demon snogging' moment. Reference was made to the significance of the language used by Faustus to represent Helen's beauty and how this heightened poetry uses images of the natural world- A WORLD CREATED BY GOD- to express Helen's charms. Why does Marlowe use the language of love poetry when Faustus is placing his tongue inside the mouth of a demon? Author's aim? Focus was placed upon the line 'Heaven be in these lips' and why this is significant when illustration the extent of Faustus's delusion.
The session considered the question:
WHAT IS THE SYMBOLIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PENULTIMATE ACT?

HOMEWORK: Students are expected to produce a written response to the question considered in the final section of the lesson. Follow the following structure:

• The opening paragraph should consider the significance of THE OLD MAN. Precise reference must be made to Marlowe's aim and how the moral authority of this character should be perceived by the audience.
• The second paragraph needs to refer to the Helen Of Troy 'snogging' moment. Reference MUST be made to Marlowe's use of language and why the language is loaded with significance. Reference can be made to how this scene amplifies the delusional nature of Faustus and the significance of his remark that 'Heaven be in these lips'. Furthermore, students might like to consider the significance of the reference to the JUPITER/SEMELE myth.Why the images of fire and death??
• The conclusion needs to consider the gothic and the comments of other critics alongside a clear consideration of the significance of this scene. How does this scene prepare us for the horror of the final scene? Please avoid the Angela Carter quote as it is too predictable. Indulge in some research and find your own critical references. BE ORIGINAL.

THE FOCUS OF THIS WRITTEN WORK NEEDS TO BE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SYMBOLISM AND HOW THIS SYMBOLISM ALLOWS MARLOWE TO SHAPE MEANING.