Stacia Linz

SLM521

Webdrop#3/ AP English

Shakespeare’s Tube of Traits

Today, you will be comparing and contrasting Shakespeare’s characters, based on personality traits. Shakespeare’s characters, across the plays, fit into many categories or archetypes.

Below is a “subway map” of Shakespeare’s characters, according to traits.

Please see detail at: SUBWAY MAP of SHAKESPEARE’S CHARACTERS

clipartheaven.com

Example:

The Fool is a frequent character convention Shakespeare uses (this character is actually named “Fool” in King Lear!)

The Fool is a figure who always, ironically speaks the truth, and provides a moral, ethical and emotional barometer for the other characters, despite his foolish behavior.

Your assignment: Pick a line and hop on “The Trait Tube!”

· Select a subway line for character traits which appeal to you.

· Compare and contrast at least two of the “stops” (characters) on that line. (three=extra credit). If you choose “Heroes,” you will define the characteristics of a hero, then make a list of the ways each of the characters (say, Brutus and Hamlet) fufill that role in the play.

· You MUST cite at least one scene for each of your character choices, which you feel represents the archetype.

· You may use any of the characters and plays we have read and discussed, but you may also research ones we haven’t/lesser-known plays.

*Please record this work in your Reading and Writing Log. You will discuss your findings with your partner and do an art project/schematic to reflect your understanding over the next several classes!

See:

Complete text of works http://shakespeare.mit.edu/

List of Shakespearean characters http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Shakespearean_characters

use Advanced Search at Open Source Shakespeare http://www.opensourceshakespeare.org/search/search-advanced.php