November 13, 2012

Class Work

1. Do you have any questions about the essay? Did you run into any trouble?
2. 11:00 class: We need to finish the presentations.
3. What war movies did you see?

• What was the theme of your movie?
• What were the highlights?
• What do you have to say about the musical score?
• How were the visual and sound effects?
•  Is the movie based on a true story? If not, what inspired the screen writer to create the tale? You might have to do a bit of research.
• Was the movie worth the price of a ticket? Why or why not?
• Did the movie earn any awards? Should it?
• Think about the casting. Were the actors and actresses "right" for the parts? If not, provide suggestions.
• Who directed the film? Has that person directed other films? How successful were those films?

If you answer these questions, you have the basics for a film review. Here are some more guidelines:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2002071_write-movie-review.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_6745532_create-movie-review.html
http://www.moviefilmreview.com/ht   (You do not have to provide your name or e-mail address - just close the box.)

Homework: Write a movie review of the war movie you watched. It should be no longer than two pages. Post in MyCompLab. (50 pts.)

4. What things did you carry into class today? What do these items say about you? Write a brief description of yourself based on the things you carry. Post in MyCompLab for homework. (25 pts.) Due: Thursday. Listing is now active in MyCompLab.


For what causes would you fight? Is anything more important than life?










5. For the rest of class, we will be viewing In the Time of the Butterflies. The film is historical fiction and took place in the Dominican Republic.




Please complete the chart as you watch.

Here are discussion questions: We will review after the movie. You will post the answers in MyCompLab - (Listing is now available.) (40 pts.

1. Discuss the movie  as historical fiction. How much license may an author, director, or screen writer  take in recreating past events, especially those so significant to a country's national identity? What can be gained by presenting the Mirabal sisters as characters in a novel or movie, instead of simply telling the facts of their involvement in the revolution?

2.Most of the movie  takes place from the 1930s to the 1960s in the Dominican Republic. What traits are considered appropriate for women living there at that time? Which women defy these social customs, and why?

3. Compare and contrast the personalities of the Mirabal sisters. In what ways are they alike? How do they differ?

4. Despite her anger over her father's infidelity, Minerva insists on meeting her half-sisters and insists after his death that they get the opportunity to have an education. Why do you think she does so?

5. What prompts Patria to become involved in the revolution? How does her commitment differ from Minerva's and María Teresa's?

6. Why does Dedé shy away from involvement with the underground? What does her reluctance tell us about her priorities in life? What does Dedé value most?

7. Each of the sisters has different motivations for her involvement in the underground and tolerates different amounts of risk. Discuss when each sister decides to become politically active. What specific event triggers each woman's decision?

8. The real-life Mirabal sisters are viewed as heroines and martyrs in the Dominican Republic. Discuss what makes a person a martyr. Is it necessary for martyrs to act heroically? How do the actions of the Mirabal sisters compare to other famous people who have died for important causes?