By Cindy Sargeant
ENG 4U1 Short Story Dramatic Assignment
Make the stories come alive
For this assignment, you will be taking on the role of one of the characters in the short stories we have studied over the course of the unit. You may work in small groups if you wish or you may perform individually. Group members will all receive the same mark so it is the group’s responsibility to ensure that the work is divided equally and each group member has an equal role in the presentation.
The role plays must be creative and original but they must be consistent with the characters and themes of the short stories. When you are writing the dialogue and creating the action of your play keep in mind the character you are playing.
Here are a few suggestions for group or individual role plays but feel free to create your own. ALL
role plays must be appropriate in language and action. A mark of zero will be given to any role plays that go outside of the boundaries of good taste.
Group Role play Suggestions
1. (The Painted Door) After John discovers Anne and Steven, he chooses to confront them rather than to head out into the blizzard. What will he say to them? How will Anne defend her actions? What will Steven’s response be?
2. (Celebration) Mabel and Eric are put on trial for the deaths of their children. How will Eric explain his negligence? What is Mabel’s response to allegations that she is partly responsible? What is their fate?
3. (Dancing Bear) Dieter’s family confronts Mrs. Hax regarding Dieter’s death. They feel that she is somewhat responsible for the tragedy. How does Mrs. Hax defend herself?
4. (The Lottery) After Tessie’s death, some members of the community decide to try to stop the lottery. They have a meeting with Old Man Warren and Mr. Summers to discuss this. What will be said during this meeting?
5. The burglar from Breaking and Entering returns when the narrator calls him back. What will they say to each other?
Individual Monologues
1. The narrator in The Yellow Wallpaper is being assessed by a psychiatrist. What will she say to him? Does she recognize that she has some mental health problems? Is she still obsessed with the wallpaper?
2. Anne gives a eulogy at John’s funeral. What will she say? Will her eulogy reflect her true feelings or what she thinks others wish to hear?
3. Eric tells Mabel what has happened to the children. How will he explain his actions?
4. The narrator in Breaking and Entering goes to the police station and files a report. What will he tell the police about the crime that was committed?
5. Just before he dies, Dieter is able to contact his son by phone and he explains his situation. What will he tell his son about his life with Mrs. Hax?
Length of Presentation: Three minutes per person.
A script must be handed in before the presentation begins.
All groups must be ready to present on the due date.
If you are absent, someone else will read your part and you will receive a reduced mark.