Kelly Road Secondary Communications 11

Kelly Road Secondary – Communications 11

Truman Show – Short Story Concept Review Ms. Laverdure (Based on Unit by Mr. Empey)

Name: ______Unit Rationale In previous English classes, you have studied various terms and ideas that are linked to fiction in general, and to short stories in particular, things like plot, character, conflict, theme etc.

Since the focus of Communications 11 is less about the in-depth study of literature and more about exploring why and how things are written, I thought that we would review the main concepts that are necessary for you to know about short stories by applying the terms to a film.

The Truman Show is a remarkable film not only about the idea behind its creation, but the issues it explores surrounding our place in society, and how we see ourselves in that society. Released in 1998, The Truman Show was a triumphal performance for Jim Carey, and foreshadowed the popularity of reality television programs we know today. However, the film also drams attention to what it means to be free, have free will, the role of advertising and product placement in the mainstream media, as well as how much we, both as individuals and as a collective society, know about the “reality” of the lives we lead.

Evaluation You will be marked in 3 ways: a) Completion of this Package…. 40 marks (In Class Work) b) Final Paragraph Assignment…………………… 24 marks (Assignment)

** You may be allowed to work on this package in groups of 2-3 if you wish, but it is up to each of you to ensure that you fully understand the concepts and ideas that we discuss, both in your groups and as a class. The final assignment must be done independently (though you may use this package in your planning and writing of the essay). Pre-Viewing Questions: Reality TV

1) What is “Reality Television”? Come up with a definition.

Effects of Reality TV: Positive Negative Participants

Producers

Audience

Society in general Truman Show Plot Outline

Fill out the chart below as you are watching the movie

Plot Element Description of Truman Show Events

Exposition (Include Mood)

Crisis(es) Rising Action Climax

Falling Action/ Denouement

Resolution Character Traits

Fill in the chart below with the appropriate character information, and whether the person is round, flat, static or dynamic. (Remember that the character can only be 2 of the 4)

Character Name Traits R F S D

Truman Burbank

Christof

Meryl Burbank/ Hannah Gill

Marlon/Louis Coltrain

Lauren Garland/Sylvia

Kirk Burbank/ Walter Moore

Angela Burbank/Alanis Montclair Conflicts

Indicate the characters which have conflict(s) and why

Conflict Character and Explanation

Person vs. Person

Person vs. Environment

Person vs. Self Short Story Elements Summary

Short Story Element Truman Show Example(s)

Complication

Dilemma

Character Presentation (Direct or Indirect)

Flashback

Suspense

Symbolism Themes In your group, come up with three themes, explain them and indicate which characters they apply to.

Theme Wording Explanation

Applies to:

Applies to: Truman Show Final Assignment

Choose ONE of the following topics and write a well-structured 8-10 sentence paragraph. Write on a separate page and hand in with your Unit package.

A. Consider yourself in Truman’s position. If presented with the choice to remain in Seahaven, a place where you have promised that “you have nothing to fear”, or to enter into another world that you know little or nothing about, which would you choose? Explain.

B. In the movie Christof says, “We accept the reality of the world with which we’re presented.” What do you think the director is trying to say about today’s society?

C. Do you think we have become a society of spectators? Why or why not?

Assessment – See Attached Rubric