English study guide

Title: A Midsummer Night's Dream

Author: William Shakespeare

Characters:

• Theseus
• Hippolyta
• Egeus
• Hermia
• Lysander
• Demetrius
• Helena
• Oberon
• Titania
• Puck

Plot:

• The play is set in Athens and revolves around the marriage of Theseus and Hippolyta.
• Hermia is in love with Lysander, but her father wants her to marry Demetrius.
• Hermia and Lysander run away to the forest, followed by Demetrius and Helena.
• In the forest, the fairy king and queen, Oberon and Titania, are having a dispute.
• Oberon orders Puck to use a love potion on Titania, but Puck mistakenly uses it on Lysander and Demetrius.
• Chaos ensues as the four lovers become entangled in a web of mistaken identities and love spells.
• Eventually, the fairy king and queen reconcile and the lovers are reunited.

Themes:

• Love
• Dreams and reality
• The supernatural
• Gender roles

Style:

• Written in poetic verse
• Use of puns and wordplay
• Multiple plotlines and characters
• Use of magical elements

Significance:

• One of Shakespeare's most popular plays
• Influenced later works of literature and art
• Explores themes that are still relevant today, such as love and gender roles.
• Shakespearean comedy
• Set in Athens, Greece
• Love triangle between Hermia, Lysander, and Demetrius
• Fairy king and queen, Oberon and Titania
• Mischievous fairy, Puck
• Love potion causing chaos
• Play within a play, "Pyramus and Thisbe"
• Themes of love, jealousy, and magic
• Symbolism of the moon
• Conflicts between reality and illusion
• Transformation of characters through the night
• Humorous and witty dialogue
• Popular play for adaptations and interpretations
• Ending with a happy resolution for the characters.

Jane eyre

• Background Information:
  • Charlotte Brontë: Learn about the author's life, writing style, and other notable works.
  • Victorian Era: Familiarize yourself with the historical and social context in which the novel is set.
• Plot Summary:
  • Provide a concise overview of the plot, including key events and major turning points.
  • Highlight the central themes and conflicts in the story.
• Character Analysis:
  • Jane Eyre: Examine the protagonist's personality, motivations, and development throughout the novel.
  • Mr. Rochester: Analyze the enigmatic and complex character of Jane's employer and love interest.
  • Other significant characters: Discuss the roles and significance of characters such as Mrs. Reed, St. John Rivers, and Helen Burns.
• Themes and Motifs:
  • Love and Independence: Explore the theme of love and Jane's quest for personal autonomy.
  • Social Class and Gender Roles: Discuss the portrayal of social hierarchy and the limitations placed on women during the Victorian era.
  • Religion and Morality: Examine the influence of religious beliefs and moral dilemmas in the narrative.
• Symbolism and Imagery:
  • Thornfield Hall: Analyze the symbolism of Thornfield Hall as a reflection of Rochester's inner turmoil.
  • The Red Room: Discuss the significance of the red room as a symbol of Jane's imprisonment and emotional suppression.
  • Fire and Ice: Explore the recurring motifs of fire and ice and their symbolic implications throughout the novel.
• Narrative Style and Literary Techniques:
  • First-person narration: Consider the impact of Jane's perspective on the reader's understanding of the events.
  • Gothic elements: Identify the gothic elements present in the story, such as dark settings and mysterious occurrences.
  • Use of symbolism and foreshadowing: Examine how Brontë employs these literary devices to enhance the narrative.
• Critical Analysis and Interpretations:
  • Research different critical interpretations of the novel, including feminist, psychoanalytic, and social critiques.
  • Evaluate the novel's reception during its time and its lasting influence on literature.
• Related Works:
  • Explore other works by the Brontë sisters, such as "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë and "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" by Anne Brontë.
  • Compare "Jane Eyre" to other Victorian novels with similar themes or narrative styles.
• Adaptations and Film Versions:
  • Discover film adaptations or television series based on "Jane Eyre" and analyze how they interpret the story and characters.
  • Consider the challenges of translating the novel into different visual mediums.
• Discussion Questions:
  • What role does Jane's childhood play in shaping her character and worldview?
  • How does the theme of societal constraints and gender roles manifest throughout the novel?
  • What is the significance of the ending and Jane's ultimate choices?
  • How does the portrayal of mental health and madness contribute to the overall narrative?
  • Discuss the evolution of Jane and Rochester's relationship and its implications for the story.

Our Town

• Our Town by Thornton Wilder

  I. Introduction

  • A. Playwright background
  • B. Historical context
  • C. Summary of the play

• II. Themes and Motifs

  • A. The transience of life
  • B. The importance of human connections
  • C. Appreciation of the ordinary
  • D. Time and mortality
  • E. The role of community

• III. Character Analysis

  • A. Emily Webb
  • B. George Gibbs
  • C. Stage Manager
  • D. Supporting characters

• IV. Act Summaries and Analysis

  • A. Act I: Daily Life in Grover's Corners
  • B. Act II: Love and Marriage
  • C. Act III: Life and Death
  • D. Key scenes and their significance

• V. Symbols and Symbolism

  • A. The wedding ring
  • B. The cemetery
  • C. The milk bottles
  • D. The morning paper

• VI. Writing Style and Structure

  • A. Stage directions and minimal set design
  • B. Use of narration and breaking the fourth wall
  • C. Simplicity of language and dialogue

• VII. Critical Reception and Legacy

  • A. Initial reception and awards
  • B. Ongoing popularity and performances
  • C. Influence on American theater

• VIII. Discussion Questions

  • A. What message does Wilder convey about the value of everyday life?
  • B. How does the play explore the concept of time and mortality?
  • C. In what ways does the stage manager function as a character and narrator?
  • D. Why do you think "Our Town" continues to be performed and studied today?

• IX. Essay Topics and Further Exploration

• A. Compare and contrast the portrayal of marriage in "Our Town" with another play or novel.

• B. Analyze the use of repetition and cyclical structure in the play.

• C. Discuss the significance of the play's setting in Grover's Corners.

• D. Explore the themes of memory and nostalgia in “Our Town”