Week 4; Discussion 1, 2 and 3

Prepare: In order to complete this discussion, you will need to read Sharon E. Cooper’s Mistaken Identity: A Ten Minute Play from Chapter 14 of Journey into Literature.

Reflect: In the “Tragedy” discussion this week, you explored the function of conflict in a tragedy and how the conflict is enhanced by certain literary elements and techniques. In this discussion activity, you will focus on comedy. Reflect on Mistaken Identity: A Ten Minute Play. This is a modern comedy that centers on the quest for love and understanding. Consider whether/how the function of the conflict in this play and the way the literary elements and techniques enhance the conflict is different from what we studied in Macbeth.

Write: The initial post must be 200 to 300 words in length and posted by Day 3. In your initial post:

• Identify a conflict that you see present in Mistaken Identity: A Ten Minute Play (please refer to the list of conflicts)

• Respond to one of the following, providing examples or quotations from the play to illustrate your ideas:

  • Describe a key conflict in the play and how it corresponds to a character’s development.

  • Describe two key literary techniques and elements and techniques of drama that aid in developing the conflict.

  • Explain how and why the conflict in this comedy is different from and/or similar to the conflict explored in tragedy.

Respond to Peers: Respond to at least two of your classmates’ initial posts. Each response should be at least 75 words in length and should address two or more of the following points:

• Do you agree with your classmates’ perspectives? Why, or why not? Be specific.

• Ask a specific question to encourage further discussion on the topic.

• Challenge your classmates’ interpretation of literature and/or point of view.

• Do a small amount of research and share what you learn with your peers about the topic discussed in this post.