our Dickens Resource

Transcription

Teacher Notes - Key Stage 3&4
Key Stage Target
Curriculum Links
A Guide to Dickens on Film
✓KS3 ✓KS4
✓English Language ✓ English Literature
A Guide to DICKENS on FILM
Born on February 7th 1812, writer and social critic Charles Dickens was the most popular
and influential writer of Victorian Times, His novels, short stories, and memorable
fictional characters have remained popular and have inspired hundreds of screen
adaptations. We’ve selected five of the best which teachers can use to spark discussion
about the author and his works, and generate increased interest in the written texts.
Each film is accompanied by a synopsis, teacher notes, discussion questions and
activities. Designed to boost literacy, these range from comparing the depictions of
characters in book and film, to writing persuasive letters, to creating a new adaptation of
Scrooge or a Wanted poster for Oliver Twist.
The films included in this topic are:
Great Expectations (2012, 12) 129 mins
Oliver Twist (1948, U) 110 mins
Scrooge (1951, U) 82 mins
A Tale of Two Cities (1958, U) 117 mins
Nicholas Nickelby (2002, PG) 132 mins
Running a film club in your school can enrich the curriculum and allow young people to explore
a wide variety of issues, experience cultures beyond their own, and develop their creativity,
communication skills and confidence. After watching a film students are encouraged to
comment during a post-screening discussion before writing reviews on the website (which has a
real audience of other young people) where they can analyse the film and develop their literacy
and critical skills. Above all, students and teachers can enjoy the shared experience of watching
and discussing a film together.
Set up a free film club and enjoy free access to thousands of films and education resources for
learning through film and about film. To join or for information visit www.filmclub.org, email
[email protected] or call 0207 288 4520.
Great Expectations (2012, 12) 129 mins
Enrichment Focus
This Film Resource is aimed at ages 11+. Suggested subjects for discussion are Charles Dickens,
adaptations and filmmaking.
What’s this film about?
A sumptuously shot adaptation of Charles Dickens' story about a young orphan given the
opportunity to escape his roots thanks to a mysterious benefactor.
Why this film?
Charles Dickens' classic novel has been adapted many times but it's never lost its appeal. Here,
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire director Mike Newell teams up with some superb British
acting talent to deliver his own beautifully shot and atmospheric version. Sticking closely to
both the words and spirit of Dickens, the 19th-century-set drama sees penniless orphan Pip
given the opportunity to escape his humble roots thanks to a mystery benefactor. Becoming a
gentleman in London, Pip thinks his new wealth and social status will win over spoilt beauty
Estella a young heiress he's adored since childhood. However his expectations of love and life
are repeatedly shattered, particularly when the shocking truth about his fortune is revealed.
What the critics think
“I thought this film was just amazing! Helena Bonham-Carter was great at being Miss Havisham
and Jeremy Irvine as Pip”.
Film club member, Leah, aged 11
“Thrillingly told, compellingly acted and beautifully shot”.
Michael O’Sullivan, Washington Post
Before the film: Starter Activity
1. Can you think of a time when you have
misjudged a person? What influenced your
opinion?
2. How do you think other people’s expectations
of you affect the way you behave and treat
others?
After the film: Discussion Questions
1. Look at the descriptions of Miss Havisham and
Magwitch from the novel. How do their
depictions on screen compare?
2. Is Pip a good judge of character? How does his
opinion of people change throughout the film?
What does he learn?
3. “To be guilty and and to be found guilty are
different things” How is the criminal justice
system shown to be at odds with morality?
4. What do you think happens after the film ends?
Why might the filmmakers choose to give the
film an open and ambiguous ending?
Next Steps
1. Get your students’ voices heard by joining
FILMCLUB and writing reviews at
www.filmclub.org
2. Fill in the Great Expectations Activity sheet
explaining how you would advise the actor
playing one of the main roles to act if you were
in the director’s role?
Related Resources
Watch the FILMCLUB interview with the film’s
screenwriter David Nicholls:
http://www.filmclub.org/behind-the-scenes/
details/300/david-nicholls
Teacher Notes
1. The influence of the text can be identified
in many elements of set, costume and
performance. For instance, Helena
Bonham Carter walks with a limp in a
number of scenes “for she had but one
shoe on - the other was on the table near
her hand” (Chapter 8). Students may also
discuss the extent to which the screenplay
adheres to Dickens’ style and tone of
dialogue.
2. Pip misjudges a number of people, allowing
snobbery and class to influence his opinion.
Students can identify incidences of this and
chart the lessons they feel he learns
through his experience.
3. This is particularly clear in the story of
Magwitch and Compeyson. Other
characters, such as Jaggers and Miss
Havisham, may also be seen to be guilty or
immoral in terms of their treatment and
deception of Pip, but remain outside of the
justice system.
4. Dickens wrote two endings to Great
Expectations. The second, which can be
read as Pip and Estella’s eventual union, is
still slightly ambiguous. Students can discuss
which, if either, ending they feel is depicted
in the film.
Student worksheet
Magwitch
"Hold your noise!" cried a terrible voice, as a man started up from among the graves at the side of the
church porch. "Keep still, you little devil, or I'll cut your throat!"
A fearful man all in coarse grey, with a great iron on his leg. A man with no hat, and with broken
shoes and with an old rag tied around his head. A man who had been soaked in water, and
smothered in mud and lamed by stones and cut by flints, and stung by nettles, and torn by briars;
who limped and shivered, and glared and growled; and whose teeth chattered in his head as he
seized me by the chin.
Great Expectations - Chapter 1: The Convict Frightens Me
Miss Havisham
Whether I should have made out this object so soon, if there had been no fine lady sitting at it, I
cannot say. In an arm-chair, with an elbow resting on the table and her head leaning on that hand,
sat the strangest lady I have ever seen, or shall ever see.
She was dressed in rich materials - satins, and lace, and silks - all of white. Her shoes were white. And
she had a long white veil dependent from her hair, and she had bridal flowers in her hair, but her hair
was white. Some bright jewels sparkled on her neck and on her hands, and some other jewels lay
sparkling on the table. Dresses, less splendid than the dress she wore, and half-packed trunks, were
scattered about. She had not quite finished dressing, for she had but one shoe on - the other was on
the table near her hand - her veil was but half arranged, her watch and chain were not put on, and
some lace for her bosom lay with those trinkets, and with her handkerchief, and gloves, and some
flowers, and a prayer-book, all confusedly heaped about the looking-glass.
It was not in the first few moments that I saw all these things, though I saw more of them in the first
moments than might be supposed. But, I saw that everything within my view which ought to be
white, had been white long ago, and had lost its lustre, and was faded and yellow. I saw that the bride
within the bridal dress had withered like the dress, and like the flowers, and had no brightness left but
the brightness of her sunken eyes. I saw that the dress had been put upon the rounded figure of a
young woman, and that the figure upon which it now hung loose, had shrunk to skin and bone.
Once, I had been taken to see some ghastly waxwork at the Fair, representing I know not what
impossible personage lying in state. Once, I had been taken to one of our old marsh churches to see
a skeleton in the ashes of a rich dress, that had been dug out of a vault under the church pavement.
Now, waxwork and skeleton seemed to have dark eyes that moved and looked at me. I should have
cried out, if I could.
Great Expectations, Chapter 8: The First visit at Miss Havisham’s
Student worksheet
Great Expectations Activity
Director’s notes
You are an actor in a new adaptation of Great
Expectations.
Your director has given you his notes on the
adaptations style and you must fill out the sheet below
to develop your role as one of the main characters.
What should your movements be like
when...
...walking?
06:00
...sitting?
08:00
09:00
10:00
....having a cup of tea?
11:00
...eating a meal?
The costumes will be of that period.
However all the characters’ speech will
remain true to the original novel.
What your character will be
doing during a typical day?
07:00
...standing?
The adaptation will be set in 1940s London.
12:00
13:00
14:00
15:00
16:00
17:00
18:00
19:00
20:00
21:00
22:00
23:00
00:00
Where would you find information about the time period that will help you to master the accent, and
understand what your character is going through?
........................................................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................................................
Oliver Twist (1948, U) 110 mins
Enrichment Focus
adaptations and characterisation.
A film version of the famous Charles Dickens novel about a young orphan who escapes from a
brutal workhouse and joins a pickpocket gang in Victorian London.
Why this film?
This is one of 19th century author Charles Dickens’ most popular stories, and highlights the
horrors of poverty at the time. Director David Lean brings Victorian London vividly to life, as a
place at once terrifying and fascinating, home to all manner of residents - from the evil Bill
Sykes to the villainous Fagin and the courageous and good-hearted Nancy. Dickens’ story has
been filmed many times, but despite being made over 50 years ago, this visually stunning
adaptation is still considered the best film version.
“This film will definitely be the end of all assumptions that old films are boring- It's tense, shady
and completely unpredictable/ unexpected”.
Film club member, Aoife, aged 10
“A superb piece of motion picture art and, beyond doubt, one of the finest screen translations
of a literary classic ever made”.
Bosley Crowther, New York Times
1. This film is about a boy who is so unhappy and
scared he runs away to London. Why did he
choose London – where else might he have
gone?
2. Do you have a favourite book or film about a
young person who gets into trouble with the
wrong crowd?
1. One of the most famous scenes in the film is
when Oliver asks for more food. Why is he
punished for this? Do you think this could
happen today?
2. What does the film tell you about what it was
like to be a poor orphan in the 19th century?
3. Watch the opening scene again, when Oliver’s
mother walks through the storm to the
workhouse. How does David Lean make us
empathise with her situation, using lighting,
costumes and sound?
Next Steps
www.filmclub.org
2. Draw a poster asking for help in capturing some
of the criminals in Oliver Twist - Fagin, Dodger,
Bill. Include details of their crimes and a
description of their appearance and character.
Use the Oliver Twist worksheet to help you.
Related Resources
Watch a FILMCLUB interview with David Lean
expert Ian Banks to find out more about the film’s
director: http://www.filmclub.org/behind-thescenes/details/336/david-lean-expert-ian-banks
Teacher Notes
1. Students can consider the ways children
are better protected today but also the
gaps that still exist between poor and rich
in their own country and throughout the
world.
2. It was common in Victorian times for
writers to think that childhood should be a
time of perfect innocence and freedom.
Oliver Twist’s experience is the opposite
of this, with self-interested adults
routinely ungenerous and unkind to him.
Dickens used his writing to highlight social
issues such as lack of schooling,
separation from parents and forced
labour, these issues can also be identified
in the film.
3. The use of high contrast lighting,
menacing shadows of thorns and trees
create a sinister and tense atmosphere.
The storm, imagery of gathering cloud
and heightened sound of thunder add to
our sense of her desperation and doom.
Student worksheet
WANTED
FOR
DESCRIPTION
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES
IF YOU SEE HIM CONTACT:
Scrooge (1951, U) 82 mins
Enrichment Focus
This Film Resource is aimed at ages 7+. Suggested subjects for discussion are Charles Dickens
and adaptations.
Spooky version of the classic Dickens novel A Christmas Carol, Scrooge is made to see the
error of his ways through the visitation of three spirits on Christmas Eve.
Why this film?
There have been dozens of adaptations of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol but this atmospheric,
black-and-white version is one of the best. Great Scottish actor Alistair Sim stars as the miserly
Ebenezer Scrooge; an uncaring and tight fisted company boss who places profit above his workers,
his family and especially above Christmas. On Christmas Eve Scrooge is visited by a series of spooky
ghosts that are determined to make him see the error of his ways. The spirits in this version are
frequently scary enough to convince us that the grumpy old man may indeed be persuaded to
change but the film’s real strength lies in Sim’s energetic performance, which brilliant captures
Scrooge’s dramatic and touching transformation.
“One of the most excitingly thrilling black and white films I have ever seen”.
Film club member, Emma, aged 10
“Brian Desmond Hurst's faithful adaptation is festive fare par excellence, and by far the best
version committed to celluloid”.
Monika Maurer, Empire Magazine
1. What do you think people mean by
‘Christmas spirit’?
2. Have you ever heard someone described as a
‘scrooge’? What qualities would a ‘scrooge’
have?
1. How do we see Scrooge change over the
course of his visits with the Ghost of Christmas
past?
2. Why does Scrooge fear the third ghost most of
all?
3. What has Scrooge learnt by the end of the
film? How can we tell that he has changed?
4. Look at the scene where Scrooge is haunted
by Marley (10.33 - 15.00), what makes this
scene scary? Did you find any other moments
frightening?
Teacher Notes
1. We see Scrooge change from a happy
young man who doesn’t care about
money to the miser he is now. Alice says
he has been ‘changed by the harshness of
the world’.
2. At this stage in the film Scrooge has
realised the error of his ways, he is
horrified by the words quoted back to him
by the Ghost of Christmas Present and
ashamed of the way others talk about him.
He can’t imagine a happy future for
himself.
Next Steps
www.filmclub.org
3. When Scrooge wakes from his last visit he
is clearly changed, he laughs, skips and
performs a number of generous acts. This
is backed up by the information the
narrator provides.
2. This story has been adapted numerous times,
set in different eras and locations. How would
you adapt this story? Choose a new location
and give the characters names and roles to
match your setting. For instance, Scrooge
could be a selfish astronaut visited by three
aliens or a pirate captain who doesn’t share his
loot with his crew.
4. The lighting and sound in this scene make
it particularly frightening. High contrast
lighting in in the hall and bedroom creates
menacing shadows. The soundtrack has a
low rumbling that builds with a
cacophony of strings and bells as well as
the animalistic groans of Marley dragging
his chain.
Student worksheet
Scrooge Activity
Think about your own adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Fill in the sheet.
Original
Characters
My version
Ebenezer Scrooge
Victorian London
Scrooge’s home
Bob Cratchit
Scrooge’s counting
house
Tiny Tim
Bob’s home
Marley’s Ghost
Write the opening paragraph of your story. It should set up the time period, location and characters for
your reader.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A Tale of Two Cities (1958, U) 117 mins
Enrichment Focus
adaptations and writing to argue.
Adaptation of Dickens' French Revolution-set historical novel, about a lawyer who saves a
young aristocrat and falls for his fiancée in the process.
Why this film?
Love and loyalty come into conflict with dramatic historical events in this faithful adaptation of
Charles Dickens' much-filmed novel. During the violence of the French Revolution,
disillusioned English lawyer Sydney Carton is called upon to save young French aristocrat
Charles Darnay from treason charges but in the process falls for the nobleman’s fiancée. As the
French uprising becomes increasingly bloodthirsty all three are caught up in the confusion,
ultimately facing difficult dilemmas that lead some to heroic acts of sacrifice. This redemptive
drama boasts strong performances, a straightforward script and vivid period details.
“A faithful adaptation, following in a simple, straightforward manner (thanks to screenwriter
T.E.B. Clarke) the narrative line of the book”.
David Parker, BFI Screen Online
What is a revolution?
What conditions do you think provoke a
revolution? What motivates people rebel?
Can you think of any examples from history or in
recent years? (Hint: Syria, Egypt).
1. Why do you think the story contains dramatic
revelations and twists?If you were to screen
this film in several short sections how would
you divide the film to ensure the audience
were eager for more?
2. What is shown to cause the revolution, is it
inevitable? Do you think is is a historically
accurate portrayal?
3. What did you make of Sydney Carton, did your
opinion of him change over the course of the
film? What do you think Dickens is suggesting
through Carton’s final act of sacrifice?
Next Steps
www.filmclub.org
2. Work in pairs. Write an argument to persuade a
jury that Charles Darnay should or should not be
executed along with all his decedents. Present
your arguments to another student or teacher
acting as the judge. Use the A Tale of Two Cities
worksheet to help structure the argument.
Teacher Notes
1. The novel was originally published in 31
weekly installments in the first editions of
Dickens’ magazine All the Year Round.
Students could suggest moments such as
the return of Lucie’s father, her marriage
and the revelation of Darnay’s true identity
as good places to break the film.
2. The film shows us the poverty and
mistreatment of the poor and the
indifference of the aristocracy. This is
particularly clear in the scene in which
Evrémonde runs over the child. Whilst this
gives some insight in to real events the
film also focuses on a few characters
rather than wider issues and some
portrayals, such as Mrs Defarge could be
seen as caricatures.
3. Carton initially appears to be a cynical,
irresponsible alcoholic but eventually
becomes the selfless hero of the story.
Through this violent sacrifice, happiness
and peace is secured for others- a
principle that could also apply to the
violent revolution.
Student worksheet
A Tale of Two Cities Activity
A defence speech for Charles Dornay
Paragraph 1
Explain what Charles has been charged with and that your speech will prove his innocence.
Paragraph 2
Take the jury through the facts of the case and explain why Charles is innocent. Use facts, statistics
and quotes from witnesses and experts to prove his innocence.
Paragraph 3
Explain why the prosecution’s arguments are not true. Challenge their evidence and witness
testimonies.
Paragraph 4
Include an emotive conclusion that uses repetition, a list of three and a rhetorical question for
emphasis.
Nicholas Nickleby (2002, PG) 132 mins
Enrichment Focus
This Film Resource is aimed at ages 11+. Suggested subjects for discussion are Charles Dickens
and adaptations.
Star-studded adaptation of Dickens’s tale of a virtuous orphan trying to support his family and
make his way in the world after the death of his father.
Why this film?
Themes of loyalty, betrayal and revenge are explored with a lightness of touch in his fast
paced, fun adaptation. Following the death of his father Nicholas Nickleby, finds himself
penniless and head of his family at the young age of nineteen. His struggle to find his place in
the world and support his mother and sister leads him to encounters with an array of colourful
characters; brilliantly brought to life here by an impressive ensemble cast including Christopher
Plummer as the miserly and menacing Ralph Nickleby and Jim Broadbent as the repugnant
Squeers. The film’s emphasis on the humour and sentimentality of Dickens’ work make this
accessible and engaging introduction to the novel.
“The movie is jolly and exciting and brimming with life, and wonderfully well-acted”.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun TImes
“A beguiling evocation of the quality that keeps Dickens evergreen: the exuberant openness
with which he expresses our most basic emotions.”
Richard Corliss, TIME
Can you think of any famous boarding schools
from films or books, would you like to go to any
of them?
Produce an advert for your ideal boarding school,
this can be written or acted out for TV. Which
features would you highlight? (Hint: delicious
food , activities, education.)
1. How would you describe the conditions at
Dotheboys? What was most shocking? How
does the film signal this is a bad place before
we enter it?
2. Compare this film to other Dickens stories you
know, what are the similarities, are there
differences?
3. What is the role of money in this film, how are
we invited to see it? What qualities are valued
above it?
Next Steps
www.filmclub.org
2. The novel is famously long and was once
adapted as a 8 ! hour play, what would
you cut or expand in this version? Choose
one element of the plot i.e the theatre
company, and write premise for a film that
just focuses on this story. Include a short
synopsis, potential cast and setting. Use the
Nicholas Nickleby Activity sheet to help
write the premise.
Teacher Notes
1. The school is a cruel, cold rundown
place. This is immediately signaled to the
viewer with Nicholas’s arrival. The storm,
lighting and music, as well as the way we
see Smyke treated immediately imbue
the place with a sense of dread.
2. The story explores some themes familiar
from other Dickens novels such as the
mistreatment of children and the poor
and friendship. However the tone of this
story is much lighter than works such as
Oliver Twist or Great Expectations.
3. The miserly Ralph Nickleby is the villain
of the story and could be seen as a
prototype for Scrooge. His obsession
with money and profiting from other
leads him to terrible acts including the
abandonment of his son. In contrast
characters such as Nichols and the
Cheeryble brothers are shown to be
loyal, generous and virtuous, valuing the
wellbeing of others over profit.
Student worksheet
Nicholas Nickleby Activity
Your task is to write a premise for a new version of Nicholas Nickelby. You can use a
maximum of 27 words.
Writing a Premise
Can you link up these premise with the films that they sum up?
Groundhog Day
When a materialistic, womanising Aryan
industrialist discovers his Jewish workers
are being sent to Nazi death camps, he risks
his life and fortune to save them.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
An egotistical TV personality must relive
the same day in small town Punxsutawney
and be denied the girl of his dreams unless
he can become more selfless.
Schindler’s List
A dashing archaeologist must reunite with
the ex he dumped if he is to beat the Nazis
to find the all-powerful lost Ark of the
Covenant.
Who is the hero?
Your 27 word premise
What is the quest?
..............................................................................
What is your hero’s flaw?
..............................................................................
Where is the conflict?
..............................................................................
What does your hero have to lose?
..............................................................................
Who is the villain?
..............................................................................
What is the tone?
..............................................................................
What is your film’s unique selling point?
..............................................................................

our Dickens Resource

Transcription

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