Drama Unit: Reflective Writing Directions: This unit includes three reflective

Drama Unit: Reflective Writing
Directions: This unit includes three reflective writing responses. Begin by choosing, within each topic, the question you wish to answer. Then, write the response using MS Word and copy/paste each question in that document indicating clearly your chosen questions. When writing responses, please include properly integrated quotations from Fences (2 quotations per response required) and corresponding page numbers within MLA in-text citations to document the supporting evidence. Each response must read 300-350 words. Apply correct grammar and diction to meet course academic standards. Double space responses and include correct MLA Work Cited for a “A Work in an Anthology.” For this assignment, do not exceed a 2-page MS Word document.
To access the MS Word version of these prompts for copy/pasting questions, access this file:
Drama: Reflective Writing (IMPORTANT: Use the ARROW to download the file. Otherwise, GRAY highlighting will appear behind words when copying/pasting chosen response questions.
Topic #1
Watch the video “Self-Education” regarding August Wilson.
Autobiographical Theory: In the video interview “Self-Education” August Wilson shares experiences of his life and his desire to depict the African-American experience. Consider his words in the video and his character development to respond to one (1) of the following questions. Include at least two supporting quotations per answer.
Choice #1: Which character best depicts the voice of the African American culture Wilson documents in Fences? Include supporting quotations and MLA citations.
Choice #2: Which character in Fences best depicts one or more historical outcomes of the African American culture within modern society? Include supporting quotations and MLA citations.
Topic #2
Peggy McIntosh’s Theory: Privilege and Building Compassion
Watch posted video to review McIntosh’s Theory
Peggy McIntosh’s Theory – Privilege and Building Compassion: According Peggy McIntosh’s video, a line can be drawn. Above the line, experiences are privileged. Below the line, experiences are not privileged, and instead, are questioned or ignored. Also, McIntosh begins her understanding of privilege based upon her experiences with gender, but then, she realizes that race, and in her case her birth into the white race, gives her privileges. Instead of feeling guilt for this predestined characterization, she uses her privilege to change systems that limit others.
Choose one of the following questions, and with two supporting quotations from the play, provide an empathetic response to Wilson’s play.
Choice #1: Who in the play lives above the line? Include supporting quotations and MLA citations.
Choice #2: Who in the play lives below the line? Include supporting quotations and MLA citations.
Choice #3: Who in the play, given a privileged position, recognizes their ability to change the experiences of those less privileged? Include supporting quotations and MLA citations.
Topic #3
Mirrors and Window Theory by Emily Style
Watch posted video to review featuring Grace Lin to explore this concept.
Watch the video regarding Historical Context and the Setting for Fences
Emily Style’s Mirror and Windows Theory: According to Emily Style, when reading or viewing a play, an audience member can learn from the characters by considering questions such as:
“How am I like the characters? How do I as a person mirror one of the characters? or – “How am I different from characters? How can I, even though I may be different than the character, use the character’s experience as a window to see into a human experience other than my own?
This method of applying a mirror or window while reading a work of literature can help readers develop empathy. As the reader considers how the character, representing a specific social, cultural or historical perspectives, is similar (a mirror) and/or different (a window) from ourselves, a person can further their own understanding of society as well as their role within, or on the outside of, a specific social structure.
Choose one of the following questions, and with two supporting quotations from the play, provide an empathetic response to Wilson’s play.
Choice #1: As a reader, where do find yourself (mirrored) within the text? Choose a scene that best provides a mirror in which you can view yourself connected to the experiences and lives of the characters? Include supporting quotations and MLA citations. How does this mirror connect to information reviewed in the lecture: Historical Context? From the play, include at least 1 supporting quotation and MLA citations.
Choice #2: As a reader, how does Fences provide you with a new viewpoint (window) to view a facet of the African American culture within modern society that, before reading the play, you did not consider or know? How does this window connect to information review in the lecture: Historical Context? From the play, include at least 1 supporting quotation and MLA citations.
MLA Work Cited
Include an MLA Correct Work Cited for the play by following the model posted in the course: “A Work in an Anthology.”