Transcript Women*s Literature - Mrs. Warren`s English Class

Women’s Literature
Introduction to The Handmaid’s
Tale
Agenda
New Class Rules
 Journal
 Activity Reflection
 Anticipation Guide
 Notes: Dystopian Literature
 DEAR
By the end of class, you will be able to
explain the characteristics of
Dystopian Literature.
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NEW CLASS RULES
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Due to the growing number of discipline problems in this class, I have deemed
it necessary to create new class rules. If these rules are not followed, you will
forfeit a 1,000 point discipline grade and receive an automatic suspension.
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RULES:
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When addressing Mrs. Warren, address her by saying “All Hail
Mrs. Warren!”
Always bow when addressing Mrs. Warren
Do not look Mrs. Warren in the eyes. She is better than you and
looking her in the eyes is a sign of disrespect.
The color white is offensive and promotes bad behavior. All
students wearing white must sit on the floor facing the back wall.
If they speak, everyone must point at this wearer of white and
yell “You are unworthy!”
The word “men,” “male,” or “man” is forbidden. Anyone who says
or writes these words (Besides Mrs. Warren) must walk backwards
around the room 1 time per offense.
Journal
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How do you feel about men? Are men
worthwhile human beings? Should men
even be considered human beings? Do
men deserve the same rights as women?
Reflection about our “New Rules”
How did following these rules make you
feel?
 How would you feel about these rules if
you were forced to follow them everyday?
 What did you think about these rules as
you were first introduced to them?
 Were the rules hard to follow? Explain.
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Anticipation Guide
Agree or Disagree with the Following Statements.
The most ideal society is based on people
having set roles and doing their best to fulfill
them
 Ignorance is bliss.
 Women are responsible for their own oppression
and objectification.
 Some infringement on democratic principles and
freedoms may be necessary to preserve our
society under the direst of circumstances.
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Dystopia
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A Utopia is a perfect world. A Dystopia is its
opposite.
What does dystopia mean?
A futuristic, imagined universe in which
oppressive societal control and the illusion of
a perfect society are maintained through
corporate, bureaucratic, technological, moral,
or totalitarian control. Dystopias, through an
exaggerated worst-case scenario, make a
criticism about a current trend, societal norm,
or political system.
Characteristics of a Dystopian Society
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Characteristics of a Dystopian Society
• Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society.
• Information, independent thought, and freedom are
restricted.
• A figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens
of the society.
• Citizens are perceived to be under constant
surveillance.
• Citizens have a fear of the outside world.
• Citizens live in a dehumanized state.
• The natural world is banished and distrusted.
• Citizens conform to uniform expectations. Individuality
and dissent are bad.
• The society is an illusion of a perfect utopian world.
The Dystopian Protagonist
often feels trapped and is struggling to
escape.
 questions the existing social and political
systems.
 believes or feels that something is terribly
wrong with the society in which he or she
lives.
 helps the audience recognizes the negative
aspects of the dystopian world through his or
her perspective.
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DEAR
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Begin Reading The Handmaid’s Tale