ela-10-the-chrysalids-character-analysis-assignment.doc

1. We discussed the remaining chapter questions for the novel. I was quite pleased to see that so many students did their chapter questions over the long weekend. 
2. We reviewed the handout given before reading the novel that looked at the different themes that would be discussed in the novel. We looked at each individually and students took turns explaining how each theme was evident in the novel. The ultimate theme we want to focus on, though, is “man’s inhumanity towards mankind”. This is one of the more common themes of all literature: man’s constant deliberate effort to be cruel to other human beings.
3. We discussed the difference between dynamic and static characters in literature. The example I had written on the board to help students understand each concept were characters from the Austins Powers movies. Austin Powers or Scotty (Dr. Evil’s son) are both dynamic characters because they undergo some type of change “within” as a result of their experiences. They either grow or mature morally, emotionally, or mentally. Examples of static characters, or characters who do not undergo a type of internal growth or change, would be the Henchmen, Frou or Number Two from the movies. Most of the students were familiar with the movie series so they understood the difference easily. 
4. We looked at a list of characters from the novel and tried to fit them into either a Dynamic characters column or Static characters. There were a few characters we disagreed on which column they should be fit into, namely Uncle Axel and Michael. We discussed these pretty carefully and it was mentioned that it would be a great exam question but in order to get full marks for an answer, you would have to give pretty solid support. 
5. Students were given their essay assignment for the novel study. They have to choose one of the dynamic characters and write an essay giving evidence of three ways that character is a dynamic character. They will have two (plus) classes to write this essay. 
6. Students also have agreed to stay after school on Friday to watch the movie The Village as a class. This movie plot is wonderfully similar to the plot of the novel we have just finished studying. Students will be asked to compile a list of similarities and differences between the novel and movie. Those who cannot join us on Friday have made arrangements to take the movie home to watch for homework. (That’s not a bad homework assignment, don’t you think!?)

See the trailer for The Village here.