HARVEY DENT: TRAGIC HERO
Dear Students,
This week, I would like you to take your understanding of Aristotle's Tragic Hero and apply it to a more modern, less-novel-like form of media: specifically that of The Dark Knight (2008). Aside from being an absolutely spectacular movie, it is also one rife with literary gold. In particular, the plot of Harvey Dent, the district attorney of Gotham City, is one that follows Aristotle's Tragic Hero to a tee. However, you're task is to watch this movie and then tell me where each of the five parts of the tragic hero show up in the movie through the medium of a creative project.
When I say creative project, I mean just that: something that is inherently unique and characteristic of something we don't usually do. In essence, this means that it can be anything you want it to be: a song, a play, a collage, whatever! So long as you show me you understand the how Harvey Dent acts as an exemplar of Aristotle's Tragic Hero, have at it!
Now, I must say one thing: the original movie is about two hours long, and though it is most excellent, this does make it too long for me to expect you to do in the time allotted for our class. Therefore, I have clipped the movie down to ONLY scenes that involve Harvey Dent and how his fall from grace due to his hamartia. This means it's important that you read the slides that I have provided FIRST so that you can understand the basic plot of the movie (and understand what you need to be doing as you watch). I have also created a chart you can use and take notes on as you watch the movie (feel free to use...or don't!). Also, if you have/want to rent this movie and watch the whole thing (perhaps with family!), feel free to do so! Just know that it'll take a liiiitttle bit longer to watch it all rather than watch the version I've provided.
Next, once you have watched the movie and decided which portions are the hamartia, hubris, peripeteia, anagnorisis, and nemesis, begin making your creative project according to the instructions/rubric provided below. If you have any questions or concerns, you should certainly reach out and let me know as soon as possible! This project is due on to my inbox by 2159 on Sunday (05/03). As soon as you e-mail it to me and I get it, I'll respond with a "Got it!".
Finally, I have one last note: many of you did an excellent job with seeking help from me throughout the week. I really appreciate your hard work and your dedication to understanding the expectations of what I have assigned to you! However, there are some individuals who e-mailed me on Sunday (04/26) asking for feedback, direction, or a simple explanation of instructions (some as late as 1600). Therefore, I feel it is important to say this very clearly: I will not be giving feedback or answering questions on Sundays going forward. I understand that this is a new and difficult process, but it does you no good to wait until the last minute to get clarification (and I am not interested in abetting that behavior). So though I will be at my computer this Sunday replying to e-mails to let you all know that I got your project, I will not be providing any feedback. So, please: read over the instructions early, and get questions into me sooner rather than later!
Thank you again for sticking to it, and I hope that you all are staying healthy and safe (and getting work done occasionally).
This week, I would like you to take your understanding of Aristotle's Tragic Hero and apply it to a more modern, less-novel-like form of media: specifically that of The Dark Knight (2008). Aside from being an absolutely spectacular movie, it is also one rife with literary gold. In particular, the plot of Harvey Dent, the district attorney of Gotham City, is one that follows Aristotle's Tragic Hero to a tee. However, you're task is to watch this movie and then tell me where each of the five parts of the tragic hero show up in the movie through the medium of a creative project.
When I say creative project, I mean just that: something that is inherently unique and characteristic of something we don't usually do. In essence, this means that it can be anything you want it to be: a song, a play, a collage, whatever! So long as you show me you understand the how Harvey Dent acts as an exemplar of Aristotle's Tragic Hero, have at it!
Now, I must say one thing: the original movie is about two hours long, and though it is most excellent, this does make it too long for me to expect you to do in the time allotted for our class. Therefore, I have clipped the movie down to ONLY scenes that involve Harvey Dent and how his fall from grace due to his hamartia. This means it's important that you read the slides that I have provided FIRST so that you can understand the basic plot of the movie (and understand what you need to be doing as you watch). I have also created a chart you can use and take notes on as you watch the movie (feel free to use...or don't!). Also, if you have/want to rent this movie and watch the whole thing (perhaps with family!), feel free to do so! Just know that it'll take a liiiitttle bit longer to watch it all rather than watch the version I've provided.
Next, once you have watched the movie and decided which portions are the hamartia, hubris, peripeteia, anagnorisis, and nemesis, begin making your creative project according to the instructions/rubric provided below. If you have any questions or concerns, you should certainly reach out and let me know as soon as possible! This project is due on to my inbox by 2159 on Sunday (05/03). As soon as you e-mail it to me and I get it, I'll respond with a "Got it!".
Finally, I have one last note: many of you did an excellent job with seeking help from me throughout the week. I really appreciate your hard work and your dedication to understanding the expectations of what I have assigned to you! However, there are some individuals who e-mailed me on Sunday (04/26) asking for feedback, direction, or a simple explanation of instructions (some as late as 1600). Therefore, I feel it is important to say this very clearly: I will not be giving feedback or answering questions on Sundays going forward. I understand that this is a new and difficult process, but it does you no good to wait until the last minute to get clarification (and I am not interested in abetting that behavior). So though I will be at my computer this Sunday replying to e-mails to let you all know that I got your project, I will not be providing any feedback. So, please: read over the instructions early, and get questions into me sooner rather than later!
Thank you again for sticking to it, and I hope that you all are staying healthy and safe (and getting work done occasionally).