http://no-toast-thanks.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] no-toast-thanks.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] fandomhigh2006-09-19 07:04 pm

Heroism, Humanism & Hijinks: Literature in Action - Week 3, Period 5

Dummies' Guide to Jane Eyre (cast list and plot synopsis)

"Hello again. You should have read Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte for this class. If you haven't, you don't need to be here, but you should come to my office hours next Monday to arrange a make-up assignment.

You'll notice that these classes are not standard high school English classes. Anyone with a basic understanding of written language can pick up a book, read it and then discuss the contents and form. By the time Christmas arrives, I want you to be able to grasp the importance of fiction and words in general.

Words are important and powerful. Used properly, they can create beautiful imagery or affect change. Used improperly, well, all you need do is look to your local politicians to see the effects.

Right," she said, looking around. "Split into two groups. Pair up. We're focusing on the mad woman in the attic today. That would be Bertha Mason. Mr Rochester kept Bertha in the attic. She has always been described as crazy, and on more than one occasion has shown her violent side. But she is still a fictional character. The best way to keep her confined and under control is through words, not brute force.

One of you will play the role of Bertha Mason. The other will play the role of Rochester. Gender isn't important here. Bertha, you want to escape your attic prison. Mr Rochester, you want to keep her there. The only tools at your disposal to attack and defend are words and the thesaurus on your desk. Choose your words wisely."

***

After the task was finished, Thursday was ready to dismiss them. "Next week is Alice in Wonderland. There will be a guest speaker, so please arrive on time."

Re: Pair Up and Defend Yourself!

[identity profile] cameronmitchell.livejournal.com 2006-09-19 01:46 pm (UTC)(link)
"You find more cartoon animals in here thanks to the Care Bear blankets," Cameron pointed out. "19th century England doesn't have too many cartoon animals in the wild."

Re: Pair Up and Defend Yourself!

[identity profile] twohalvesofaphd.livejournal.com 2006-09-19 01:50 pm (UTC)(link)
"19th century England doesn't have Care Bear blankets either."

Re: Pair Up and Defend Yourself!

[identity profile] cameronmitchell.livejournal.com 2006-09-19 01:56 pm (UTC)(link)
"I travelled in time to get them for you," Cameron said quickly.

Re: Pair Up and Defend Yourself!

[identity profile] twohalvesofaphd.livejournal.com 2006-09-19 02:05 pm (UTC)(link)
"Then you can travel me in time to a nice institute with spacious grounds and an outpatient program."

Re: Pair Up and Defend Yourself!

[identity profile] cameronmitchell.livejournal.com 2006-09-19 02:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Cameron paused. "Can we get a divorce too?"

Re: Pair Up and Defend Yourself!

[identity profile] twohalvesofaphd.livejournal.com 2006-09-19 02:08 pm (UTC)(link)
"If we choose an institute in a country with no fault divorces."

Re: Pair Up and Defend Yourself!

[identity profile] cameronmitchell.livejournal.com 2006-09-19 02:09 pm (UTC)(link)
"I like this plan," Cameron nodded. "You get good care and I don't have to run into a fire and I can marry Jane."

Re: Pair Up and Defend Yourself!

[identity profile] twohalvesofaphd.livejournal.com 2006-09-19 02:13 pm (UTC)(link)
"Plus I get to go outside. It's a good plan."

Re: Pair Up and Defend Yourself!

[identity profile] cameronmitchell.livejournal.com 2006-09-19 02:15 pm (UTC)(link)
"Cool. I'll go get the time machine and we can get this all settled," Cameron grinned.

Re: Pair Up and Defend Yourself!

[identity profile] twohalvesofaphd.livejournal.com 2006-09-19 02:32 pm (UTC)(link)
"I can feel the sun on my face already."

Re: Pair Up and Defend Yourself!

[identity profile] cameronmitchell.livejournal.com 2006-09-19 02:33 pm (UTC)(link)
"Don't forget the wind in your hair. Do you want to take the Care Bears blankets with you?" Cameron chuckled.

Re: Pair Up and Defend Yourself!

[identity profile] twohalvesofaphd.livejournal.com 2006-09-19 02:34 pm (UTC)(link)
Zack snickered. "Yes, I believe I shall."

Re: Pair Up and Defend Yourself!

[identity profile] cameronmitchell.livejournal.com 2006-09-19 02:36 pm (UTC)(link)
"Here's to hoping Grace doesn't try to kill me in my sleep, though. She's weird, man."