Shakespeare
The Inventor of Modern Man
Define the Problem
Overview
Definition of the Problem: Students believe Shakespeare is irrelevant to our world, outdated, and the language is hard to understand.
Standards
RL.9-10.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone). (William Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew)
RL.9-10.7: Analyze the representation of a subject or a key scene in two different artistic mediums, including what is emphasized or absent in each treatment. (Columbia Classics The Taming of the Shrew and William Shakespeare text)
RI.9-10.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. (Declaration of Reasonable Doubt About the Identity of William Shakespeare)
W.9-10.1: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. (Shakespeare Stage Adaptation Proposal)
W.9-10.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and styles are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Shakespeare Stage Adaptation Proposal)
W.9-10.5: Develop and strengthens writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience. (Shakespeare Stage Adaptation Proposal Peer Review and Self-Editing Activity)
SL.9-10.5: Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest. (Video of Key Scene in Student Adaptation of Taming of the Shrew).
Essential Questions
- What themes of Taming of the Shrew are relevant to modern society today?
- How are social status/positions represented in Taming of the Shrew, and how do these social roles change throughout the play?
- How can we make Shakespeare more appealing to everyone?
- How does creating drama for an audience make us more able to communicate with others?