Another great way to engage your students by creating a storyboard that uses Shakespearean vocabulary. Many students struggle with the meaning of commonly used Shakespearean terms; getting them to use them in context before reading is an excellent way to cultivate the comprehension of vocabulary. In the example below, students were asked to create storyboards that use familiar Shakespearean terms.
In a Shakespearean vocabulary board, students can use the words in a sentence they create, or they can pick a phrase from the play. In the example storyboard, the student has chosen to create their sentences for their words:
"Then they asked me if that was the word of the Prince, and I replied, 'It was marry!'"
I pray the nurse comes quickly with good news!
The saucy porter wouldn't let me in without a password.
If thou hast a cold come see me... the friendly apothecary!
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Demonstrate your understanding of Shakespearean vocabulary by creating visualizations.
Teachers can begin by explaining the concept of foil characters and character maps. They can also introduce the significance of both concepts and how they can be used to gain a deeper understanding of fictional characters in literature.
Divide the class into groups and ask them to pick a pair of foil characters to represent from the selected text. These characters ought to be distinctly different from one another in a way that adds to the story's themes, conflicts, or takeaways.
Analyze each foil character separately to start. Focus on the characteristics, drives, connections, and momentous occasions that shaped each character's personality and behavior as you fill in their parts on the character map.
After you've finished analyzing each character individually, list the precise differences and similarities between the two characters. Talk about how these distinctions bring out important facets of each character and how they impact the themes or conflicts of the novel. These differences and similarities will be visible throughout the character map.
Synthesize the results from the character map to conclude the analysis. In light of the story's wider themes, messages, and character relationships, discuss the significance of the foil character duo.
Hamlet and Laertes, Hamlet and Fortinbras, and Hamlet and Claudius are some good examples of foil character pairs for character map analysis in "Hamlet." The investigation of concepts like vengeance, power, and morality is made richer by these pairs' dissimilar traits and motivations.
A character map for "Hamlet" can be used to examine character changes, motivations, relationships (such as Hamlet's interactions with Ophelia and Gertrude), and the influence of the cultural setting on character behavior in addition to contrasts between foil characters.
Themes from "Hamlet," such as the intricacy of human nature, retribution, betrayal, and the effects of inaction, are intimately related to character map analysis. Students can better comprehend how these ideas are developed and expressed throughout the play by analyzing the traits and behaviors of the characters.