During this unit, you will read The Glass Menagerie and select one of the seven projects listed below. Each project not only targets different areas of literacy, but also targets different areas of interest. Select the project that fits both you and your interpretation of the story. Enjoy your selection and prepare to get much from your efforts.
Option #1: Writing a Parody of The Glass Menagerie Description: In contemporary usage, a parody is a work that imitates another work in order to ridicule, ironically comment on, or poke affectionate fun at the work itself, the subject of the work, the author or fictional voice of the parody, or another subject. Find a portion of The Glass Menagerie to parody. Research parody to learn its different types and examples, so that you might incorporate such findings into your own writing. “Scary Movie” is an example of a movie parody. Requirements: 1) MLA format. 2) Two Pages 3) Typed
Option #2: The Plastic Theater Description: Throughout The Glass Menagerie, we have considered Tennessee Williams's use of plastic theater in order to create an illusion that conveys truth. In addition, we have discussed how Williams leaves stage directions that require certain images to be projected upon a screen during the play. For this particular project, you are to choose a particular scene and construct a plastic theater version of it. You must use the stage directions from your scene as the directions when you construct your plastic theater. Be prepared to explain the design of your theater and ground the design in the play. Afterwards, you will write a two-page explanation of the design of your plastic theater. In addition, reflect on the process. What was difficult? What did you learn? Requirements: 1) Plastic Theater Model 2)Two Page Reflection 3) MLA format 4) Typed
Option #3: Writing a Memory Description: As we discussed in class, the details of a memory change over time. Sometimes, our emotions and desire to tell a good story lead to exaggerated details. For this particular assignment, you are to think of a memory in your life and use some devices such as hyperbole, stage directions, simile, metaphor, and imagery to make the memory into an illusion that conveys the truth. What your readers should imagine should not necessarily mirror what actually happened in the memory; however, your readers should get the "truth" of the memory. Requirements: 1) Two Pages 2) Typed 3) MLA format
Option #4: Tom Wingfield's Obsession With Illusion Description: Now, it is your turn to be Malvolio the Magician! From the beginning of the play, it is clear that Tm Wingfield is obsesses with illusion, as illusion offers him an escape from reality. As the narrator of the play, Tom lets his audience know that he has "tricks up his sleeve". Malvolio the Magicians escape from the nailed coffin makes Tom want to escape his "two by four life". For this particular project, you are to put on a magic show. You must have around two to three tricks for this show. You must captivate your audience and ask them to participate in some capacity. You will write a two-page reflection that explains the importance of illusion in The Glass Menagerie. In addition, you should explain the "illusions" presented by your magic tricks. Requirements: 1) Two Pages 2) Typed 3) MLA Format 4) 2-3 Magic Tricks
Option #5: Soundtrack to the Life of the Tom, Laura, or Amanda Wingfield Description: Identify six traits that represent either Tom, Laura, or Amanda Wingfield. Find a quote from the book that illustrates each trait. Afterwards, locate a song that best represents that trait. If you have the resources, burn a cd that can be played on a Mac laptop. Be prepared to share with the class. Your quotes, explanations of quotes, and identification of character traits should be approximately two pages in length. Requriements: 1) Two Pages 2) Typed 3) MLA format 4) CD
Option #6: The Glass Menagerie iMovie Description: This has the potential to be a group or individual project. If you work together, your requirements increase. Each person is responsible for writing an individual response. Choose a scene from the play. Place that scene in today's world. Use dialogue from the book. The scene should be approximately five minutes. It should be recorded in a format that can play on a Mac laptop. Each group member will write a two-page reflection on the experience and design of the scene. Requirements: 1)Video Recorder 2)Two Pages 3)MLA format 4)Typed
Option #7: Creating a Menagerie Description: As discussed in class, Laura's glass menagerie represents her fragility and private world. Now, for this project, you have the opportunity to create a menagerie. You must have between 8-10 wild animals, including a unicorn. You may make the menagerie out of any material. Remember, to some degree, your menagerie should be "fragile" like Laura. You will write a two-page reflection on the managerie. How does it relate to Laura Wingfield? Explain the process of making the menagerie. What does the unicorn represent? How is it different from all of the other animals? Requirements: 1)Menagerie 2) Two Page Reflection 3)MLA format 4)Typed