Turn in NOW!: Frost Analysis – Analysis on top – Directions/Poem/ru bric packet stapled to the back – Take out poems that you did not use. Frost Annotations – Name on top – You’ll get these back next class to study with. KEEP!! Today Clip from the play: Denzel Washington Background on Fences & August Wilson Read next scene HW: FINISH ACT I! “Dreams” by Langston Hughes Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow. Fences Play that tells an individual’s story in a way that showcases the social history of the time period (1950s +). Can one person’s story be (or become) the story of a whole group of people? Context Language/Dialect- The “N” Word Setting- Place Pittsburg, Pennsylvania – Contrast immigrant experience Setting- Time – Post WWII Baseball August Wilson’s legacy- understanding play’s impact. Sharing Context Information Groups of 5 – each with a different article. – 7-8 min silent read/scan – If group of 4- leave off white copy Go around; each person shares main ideas while others listen. Listen well, please. – 10 minutes to share. 1957 From Act 1; Scene 1- What is Wilson saying about the African American experience? How does this scene portray life in 1957? What does Wilson say about the African American Dream? How does Troy’s life reflect the changing status of African American’s in 1957? Troy Maxon How does Wilson characterize Troy? First impressions of this character Find specific evidence to support claims Pg 10 - 12 Wrestling with death… Clip from Broadway production Why might this be important? What else do you notice about relationships? Troy and Bono, Troy and Rose, Troy and Cory, Troy and Gabe Themes and Motifs Fences & Boundaries/Barriers Relationships: father/son, husband/wife, past/present Changing times, Generational Cycles/Patterns (how to break them) Responsibility Faith/Religion/Judgment Fences The play is titled “Fences,” a fence is being built on stage—obviously it’s a dominant metaphor. So—what is a fence literally? What kinds of metaphoric fences do people erect? Which of those do people put up to protect themselves? Which are imposed by others? Mending Wall Flashbacks?? Types of Fences segregation gender bias family estrangement generation gap psychological barriers [e.g. not being able to understand – emotional/communication barriers Act 1; Scene 2 Can one person’s story be (or become) the story of a whole group of people? Announcements/HW Reminders: – Frost Review- Thursday 3:30-? – Gatsby/Fences Review- Friday @ Lunch HW: Complete Act 1 – Remember to read everything; stage directions in italics are very important to understanding the unspoken details of the performance.