Youtube Banned Book Project - Feb. 11:
After discussing censorship and banned books, your group will choose one book from the Banned Book list. One book per group.
First:
You'll research where, why, when and how the book has been banned. You'll then prepare a one-page paper discussing your findings. CITE your sources!
Second:
You'll then write, perform, edit and upload a video version of the book to youtube.
Third:
Finally, you'll present your paper and youtube video to the class.
(50 points for paper, 125 points for video and 25 points for presentation).
We'll spend nearly two weeks on this project so they should be quality projects that reflect the time.
2EN2 - Travels in Europe
Two-part pair work:
After reading Travels in Europe...
1. pg. 126, writing: Prepare a 5-minute presentation about your selected country. Present the basic facts, a brief discussion of its history and its main tourist attractions. (power point, fact sheet or outline are all acceptable)
2. The fun part: prepare either a print ad or youtube video why Norwegians should visit your country. Consider layout, style, copyright and time constraints.
After reading Travels in Europe...
1. pg. 126, writing: Prepare a 5-minute presentation about your selected country. Present the basic facts, a brief discussion of its history and its main tourist attractions. (power point, fact sheet or outline are all acceptable)
2. The fun part: prepare either a print ad or youtube video why Norwegians should visit your country. Consider layout, style, copyright and time constraints.
Critical Review - Due Monday Jan. 25
Movie/Food/Music/Concert Review (critical review) - Jan. 25: Write a one-page critical review of a recent movie, concert, musical piece you've seen or heard. DO NOT copy from the Internet and cite any sources you use - use Citation Machine (you can find the link to the right). I want your opinion, not someone from Hollywood, London or New York.
The first paragraph is the introduction. What are you talking about. Then, state your three points of support. Transition into the support.
The three paragraphs of support are specific points why you like or dislike what you're talking. Movie: acting, special effects, plot. Music: the rhythm, the concept, the singer's voice. You get the point.
The conclusion is a recommendation of whether the reader should or shouldn't buy, listen to, etc. the subject you're talking about. Briefy restate your three points of support.
ONE PAGE essay due by Monday, January 25. Do not copy off the Internet!
The first paragraph is the introduction. What are you talking about. Then, state your three points of support. Transition into the support.
The three paragraphs of support are specific points why you like or dislike what you're talking. Movie: acting, special effects, plot. Music: the rhythm, the concept, the singer's voice. You get the point.
The conclusion is a recommendation of whether the reader should or shouldn't buy, listen to, etc. the subject you're talking about. Briefy restate your three points of support.
ONE PAGE essay due by Monday, January 25. Do not copy off the Internet!
January 12 - Marketing and Presentations
We watched the last of the commericals and discussed the "reporter's questions." Presentations on Thursday, January 14. You and your partner will receive the same grade.
Here's your assignment:
In pairs, create either an A3 or A4 print campaign, or a one-minute video to upload to youtube.
Consider:
What are you selling?
To whom are you selling it?
How are you selling it?
Where are you selling?
What's the "catch phrase" or slogan?
For print, consider:
Color, imagery, visual content, copyright
For video, consider:
Video length, visual appeal, product placement
Pairs:
Julia/Tom Andre Marte/Kenneth Ulrikke/Kjartan
Petter/Martine B. Hilde/Cecilie Martine S./Ingvild
Magnus/Mats Martin/Andreas Vegard/Vetle Karl Martin/Petter
Here's your assignment:
In pairs, create either an A3 or A4 print campaign, or a one-minute video to upload to youtube.
Consider:
What are you selling?
To whom are you selling it?
How are you selling it?
Where are you selling?
What's the "catch phrase" or slogan?
For print, consider:
Color, imagery, visual content, copyright
For video, consider:
Video length, visual appeal, product placement
Pairs:
Julia/Tom Andre Marte/Kenneth Ulrikke/Kjartan
Petter/Martine B. Hilde/Cecilie Martine S./Ingvild
Magnus/Mats Martin/Andreas Vegard/Vetle Karl Martin/Petter
WINTER SYLLABUS 2010: 1MUA - English
Kongsberg Videregående Skole - SYLLABUS: 1MUA - English - Winter Semester
Charles Kinney, Jr., Instructor Monday/Tuesday 8:00 – 9:35, Alternating Thursdays 13:45 – 15:20
Objective: In this class, we'll be using English texts and film to discuss the culture, societies and conditions of English-speaking countries (US, GB, Ireland, etc.) and various regions (India, South Africa, Nigeria, etc.) where English plays an important role. Your goal is to have the ability to analyze and discuss these texts and societies in written and oral form.
Mon. Jan 11 – FS: “Reporting” - Marketing - “Human” essay due - Amelia Earhart flies solo across Pacific (1935)
Tues. Jan 12 – Marketing Campaign - First woman elected to US Senate (1932)
Thurs. Jan 14 – Marketing Presentations due - US Revolutionary war ends (1784)
Mon. Jan 18 – “Thank You, M'am” - Martin Luther King Day (US)
Tues. Jan 19 – “The Cask of Amontillado” – Movie Review for HW - Edgar Alan Poe's birthday (1809)
Mon. Jan 25 – FS: “New Zealand and the Maori” - Movie review due - First winter Olympics (1924)
Tues. Jan 26 – FS: “Australia” “The Stolen Generations”- Australia Day
Thurs. Jan 28 – Film: Out of the Past - Jackson Pollock's birthday (1912)
Mon. Feb 1 (test week) – Youtube Banned Book “Minorities in Norway” due - First US Supreme court (1790)
Tues. Feb 2 (test week) – Youtube Banned Book Project - Groundhog Day
Mon. Feb 8 (test week) – Youtube Banned Book Project - Jule's Verne's birthday (1828)
Tues. Feb 9 (test week) – Youtube Banned Book Project Screening Day - Hershey Chocolate created (1894)
Thurs. Feb 11 (test week) – Youtube Banned Book Screen Day - Nelson Mandela freed (1990)
Mon. Feb 15 – Film: Fahrenheit 9/11 - Susan B. Anthony Day
Tues. Feb 16 – Film: Fahrenheit 9/11 - “Understanding Norwegians” due - Mardi Gras
Mon. Feb 22 - Winter break - George Washington's birthday (1732)
Tues. Feb 23 - Winter break - Santa Anna starts the Siege of the Alamo (1836)
Thurs. Feb 25 Winter break - First African-American elected to US Senate (1870)
Mon. Mar 1 – FS: The Caribbean – FS – Canada – FS – South Africa - First US census (1790)
Tues. Mar 2 (ski day) - Alexander Graham Bell's birthday (1847)
Mon. Mar 8 (test week) – FS: The American People - “I See You Never” - International Woman's Day
Tues. Mar 9 (test week) - “Understanding Americans” “I See You Never” - Barbie debuts (1959)
Thurs. Mar 11 (test week) – FS: American Gov. – America: Thumbs up, or down? due - Johnny Appleseed Day
Mon. Mar 15 (test week) – Film: Slumdog Millionaire - Julius Caesar murdered (Ides of March-44 BC)
Tues. Mar 16 (test week) – Film: Slumdog Millionaire - “Comparing US and Norway” due
Mon. Mar 22 – Practice exam - World Water Day
Tues. Mar 23 (Open House) – English-Language Performances - Lewis and Clark expedition (1806)
Thurs. Mar 25 – The Narrative Style using Pixar short films - Tennessee William's birthday (1911)
Mon. Mar 29 – Spring break - Coca-Cola invented (1886)
Tues. Mar 30 – Spring break - Vincent Van Gogh's birthday (1853)
Mon. Apr 5 – Spring break - First modern Olympics (1896)
Tues. Apr 6 – Spring break - Billie Holiday's birthday (1915)
Thurs. Apr 8 – Spring semester begins – Narrative short story due - First color film shown (1914)
EMAIL AND WEBSITE:
You can ask for help any time at aquaskaya@hotmail.com. You can find the complete schedule, lesson plans and other information at: http://www.myamericanteacher.blogspot.com/
CELL PHONES AND ATTENDANCE:
Please turn your cell off while in class. You are still responsible for work even if you miss class.
PLAGIARISM:
Plagiarism, or in simpler terms, COPYING, is wrong. Plagiarism is taking work from the Internet and saying it's your own or using somebody's else ideas or words. We'll work on this endlessly. Cite your source material! http://citationmachine.net/
GRADES:
You will get an American grade on march 25 that will translated into the Norwegian system. LATE WORK IS ACCEPTED WITH A ONE GRADE PER WEEK PENALTY!
Grades will be determined as follows: Winter Quarter
Writing
Humans (general) Jan. 11 100
Movie Review (critical review) Jan. 25 100
Minorities in Norway (research) Feb. 1 100
Understanding Norwegians (analysis) Feb. 16 100
America: Thumbs up, or down? (opinion) Mar. 11 100
Comparing US and Norway (comparative) Mar. 16 100
Marketing Project Jan. 14 100
Youtube Banned Book Project Feb. 11 200
English-Language Performances Mar. 23 100
TOTAL 1000
Grading Scale:
960 - 1000 A 920 - 959 A- 880 – 919 B+
840 - 879 B 800 - 839 B- 760 - 799 C+
720 - 759 C 680 - 719 C- 640 - 679 D+
600 – 639 D 0 - 599 F
Writing Assignments and Projects
Humans (general) – Jan. 11: Write a one-page essay about what makes us human. What's s one thing we all share across linguistic, social and economic boundaries? Choose ONE area and give specific examples and reasons .
Marketing Project - Jan. 14: With a partner, create an A3-A4 paper marketing campaign or 1-minute youtube video advertisement for a product of your choosing. Present your marketing campaign to the class. (75 points for work and 25 points for presentation). You and your partner will receive the same grade for your work.
Movie Review (critical review) - Jan. 25: Write a one-page critical review of a recent movie you've seen. DO NOT copy from the Internet and cite any sources you use. I want your opinion, not someone from Hollywood, London or New York.
Minorities in Norway (research) - Feb. 1: After discussing minorities in English-speaking countries, choose ONE minority or subgroup in Norway and write a one to two page paper about their numbers, location, conditions and outlook for the future.
Youtube Banned Book Project - Feb. 11: After discussing censorship and banned books, your group of 3 will choose one book from the Banned Book list. You'll research where, why, when and how the book has been banned. You'll then prepare a one-page paper discussing your findings. CITE your sources! You'll then write, perform, edit and upload a video version of the book to youtube. One book per group so there won't be any repeats. Finally, you'll present your paper and youtube video to the class. (50 points for paper, 125 points for video and 25 points for presentation).
Understanding Norwegians – (analysis) - Feb. 16: Write a one-page fact sheet similar to “Understanding Americans “ about Norwegians. Choose ONE area and give specific examples and reasons to support your ideas. Possible ideas: Explain the Norwegian class system, characteristics (good or bad), national holidays, habits, etc.
America: Thumbs up, or down? (opinion) - Mar. 11: After discussing the United States, write a one-page essay about your opinion about the United States. Use specific facts and reasons to support your opinion.
Comparing US and Norway (comparative) - Mar. 16: Write a one-page essay comparing either the strengths of weaknesses ob the United States and Norway relative to their respective sizes. Choose ONE area (economy, social conditions, culture, government, etc.). Give specific examples and reasons to support your opinion.
English-Language Performances - Mar. 23: This is Open House Day, and I'd like you all to perform either a musical piece in English, or a favorite dialogue, poetry piece or other excerpt of English literature. You can do almost anything (it doesn't have to be all Shakespearey) but I want quality. Pair work allowed but you'll receive the same grade for your work.
Why do you need this class? Consider if the world were a village of a hundred people:
from http://www.miniature-earth.com/me_english.htm
There would be 33 Christians, 19 Muslims, 16 non-religious people, 14 Hindus, 6 Buddhists, 5 primal/indigenous believers, 5 Chinese traditionalists, 1 Sikh and 1 Jew.
There are 61 Asians, 12 Europeans, 13 North and South Americans, 13 Africans and 1 from Oceania.
47 live in cities. 9 are disabled. 13 are hungry. 14 can't read. 43 live without proper sanitation. 1 has HIV/AIDS.
59% of the entire world’s wealth would be in the hands of only 6 people. All six are citizens of the United States.
70 would be unable to read. Only 12 would have a computer. Only 3 have the Internet.
ONLY 1 WOULD HAVE A COLLEGE EDUCATION. English opens door. It's a necessity, nothing else.
Charles Kinney, Jr., Instructor Monday/Tuesday 8:00 – 9:35, Alternating Thursdays 13:45 – 15:20
Objective: In this class, we'll be using English texts and film to discuss the culture, societies and conditions of English-speaking countries (US, GB, Ireland, etc.) and various regions (India, South Africa, Nigeria, etc.) where English plays an important role. Your goal is to have the ability to analyze and discuss these texts and societies in written and oral form.
Mon. Jan 11 – FS: “Reporting” - Marketing - “Human” essay due - Amelia Earhart flies solo across Pacific (1935)
Tues. Jan 12 – Marketing Campaign - First woman elected to US Senate (1932)
Thurs. Jan 14 – Marketing Presentations due - US Revolutionary war ends (1784)
Mon. Jan 18 – “Thank You, M'am” - Martin Luther King Day (US)
Tues. Jan 19 – “The Cask of Amontillado” – Movie Review for HW - Edgar Alan Poe's birthday (1809)
Mon. Jan 25 – FS: “New Zealand and the Maori” - Movie review due - First winter Olympics (1924)
Tues. Jan 26 – FS: “Australia” “The Stolen Generations”- Australia Day
Thurs. Jan 28 – Film: Out of the Past - Jackson Pollock's birthday (1912)
Mon. Feb 1 (test week) – Youtube Banned Book “Minorities in Norway” due - First US Supreme court (1790)
Tues. Feb 2 (test week) – Youtube Banned Book Project - Groundhog Day
Mon. Feb 8 (test week) – Youtube Banned Book Project - Jule's Verne's birthday (1828)
Tues. Feb 9 (test week) – Youtube Banned Book Project Screening Day - Hershey Chocolate created (1894)
Thurs. Feb 11 (test week) – Youtube Banned Book Screen Day - Nelson Mandela freed (1990)
Mon. Feb 15 – Film: Fahrenheit 9/11 - Susan B. Anthony Day
Tues. Feb 16 – Film: Fahrenheit 9/11 - “Understanding Norwegians” due - Mardi Gras
Mon. Feb 22 - Winter break - George Washington's birthday (1732)
Tues. Feb 23 - Winter break - Santa Anna starts the Siege of the Alamo (1836)
Thurs. Feb 25 Winter break - First African-American elected to US Senate (1870)
Mon. Mar 1 – FS: The Caribbean – FS – Canada – FS – South Africa - First US census (1790)
Tues. Mar 2 (ski day) - Alexander Graham Bell's birthday (1847)
Mon. Mar 8 (test week) – FS: The American People - “I See You Never” - International Woman's Day
Tues. Mar 9 (test week) - “Understanding Americans” “I See You Never” - Barbie debuts (1959)
Thurs. Mar 11 (test week) – FS: American Gov. – America: Thumbs up, or down? due - Johnny Appleseed Day
Mon. Mar 15 (test week) – Film: Slumdog Millionaire - Julius Caesar murdered (Ides of March-44 BC)
Tues. Mar 16 (test week) – Film: Slumdog Millionaire - “Comparing US and Norway” due
Mon. Mar 22 – Practice exam - World Water Day
Tues. Mar 23 (Open House) – English-Language Performances - Lewis and Clark expedition (1806)
Thurs. Mar 25 – The Narrative Style using Pixar short films - Tennessee William's birthday (1911)
Mon. Mar 29 – Spring break - Coca-Cola invented (1886)
Tues. Mar 30 – Spring break - Vincent Van Gogh's birthday (1853)
Mon. Apr 5 – Spring break - First modern Olympics (1896)
Tues. Apr 6 – Spring break - Billie Holiday's birthday (1915)
Thurs. Apr 8 – Spring semester begins – Narrative short story due - First color film shown (1914)
EMAIL AND WEBSITE:
You can ask for help any time at aquaskaya@hotmail.com. You can find the complete schedule, lesson plans and other information at: http://www.myamericanteacher.blogspot.com/
CELL PHONES AND ATTENDANCE:
Please turn your cell off while in class. You are still responsible for work even if you miss class.
PLAGIARISM:
Plagiarism, or in simpler terms, COPYING, is wrong. Plagiarism is taking work from the Internet and saying it's your own or using somebody's else ideas or words. We'll work on this endlessly. Cite your source material! http://citationmachine.net/
GRADES:
You will get an American grade on march 25 that will translated into the Norwegian system. LATE WORK IS ACCEPTED WITH A ONE GRADE PER WEEK PENALTY!
Grades will be determined as follows: Winter Quarter
Writing
Humans (general) Jan. 11 100
Movie Review (critical review) Jan. 25 100
Minorities in Norway (research) Feb. 1 100
Understanding Norwegians (analysis) Feb. 16 100
America: Thumbs up, or down? (opinion) Mar. 11 100
Comparing US and Norway (comparative) Mar. 16 100
Marketing Project Jan. 14 100
Youtube Banned Book Project Feb. 11 200
English-Language Performances Mar. 23 100
TOTAL 1000
Grading Scale:
960 - 1000 A 920 - 959 A- 880 – 919 B+
840 - 879 B 800 - 839 B- 760 - 799 C+
720 - 759 C 680 - 719 C- 640 - 679 D+
600 – 639 D 0 - 599 F
Writing Assignments and Projects
Humans (general) – Jan. 11: Write a one-page essay about what makes us human. What's s one thing we all share across linguistic, social and economic boundaries? Choose ONE area and give specific examples and reasons .
Marketing Project - Jan. 14: With a partner, create an A3-A4 paper marketing campaign or 1-minute youtube video advertisement for a product of your choosing. Present your marketing campaign to the class. (75 points for work and 25 points for presentation). You and your partner will receive the same grade for your work.
Movie Review (critical review) - Jan. 25: Write a one-page critical review of a recent movie you've seen. DO NOT copy from the Internet and cite any sources you use. I want your opinion, not someone from Hollywood, London or New York.
Minorities in Norway (research) - Feb. 1: After discussing minorities in English-speaking countries, choose ONE minority or subgroup in Norway and write a one to two page paper about their numbers, location, conditions and outlook for the future.
Youtube Banned Book Project - Feb. 11: After discussing censorship and banned books, your group of 3 will choose one book from the Banned Book list. You'll research where, why, when and how the book has been banned. You'll then prepare a one-page paper discussing your findings. CITE your sources! You'll then write, perform, edit and upload a video version of the book to youtube. One book per group so there won't be any repeats. Finally, you'll present your paper and youtube video to the class. (50 points for paper, 125 points for video and 25 points for presentation).
Understanding Norwegians – (analysis) - Feb. 16: Write a one-page fact sheet similar to “Understanding Americans “ about Norwegians. Choose ONE area and give specific examples and reasons to support your ideas. Possible ideas: Explain the Norwegian class system, characteristics (good or bad), national holidays, habits, etc.
America: Thumbs up, or down? (opinion) - Mar. 11: After discussing the United States, write a one-page essay about your opinion about the United States. Use specific facts and reasons to support your opinion.
Comparing US and Norway (comparative) - Mar. 16: Write a one-page essay comparing either the strengths of weaknesses ob the United States and Norway relative to their respective sizes. Choose ONE area (economy, social conditions, culture, government, etc.). Give specific examples and reasons to support your opinion.
English-Language Performances - Mar. 23: This is Open House Day, and I'd like you all to perform either a musical piece in English, or a favorite dialogue, poetry piece or other excerpt of English literature. You can do almost anything (it doesn't have to be all Shakespearey) but I want quality. Pair work allowed but you'll receive the same grade for your work.
Why do you need this class? Consider if the world were a village of a hundred people:
from http://www.miniature-earth.com/me_english.htm
There would be 33 Christians, 19 Muslims, 16 non-religious people, 14 Hindus, 6 Buddhists, 5 primal/indigenous believers, 5 Chinese traditionalists, 1 Sikh and 1 Jew.
There are 61 Asians, 12 Europeans, 13 North and South Americans, 13 Africans and 1 from Oceania.
47 live in cities. 9 are disabled. 13 are hungry. 14 can't read. 43 live without proper sanitation. 1 has HIV/AIDS.
59% of the entire world’s wealth would be in the hands of only 6 people. All six are citizens of the United States.
70 would be unable to read. Only 12 would have a computer. Only 3 have the Internet.
ONLY 1 WOULD HAVE A COLLEGE EDUCATION. English opens door. It's a necessity, nothing else.
The Language of Insult
What makes us human? What is one thing we all share across linguistic, social and economic boundaries?
In a one-page essay, explain something that all humans share; something that makes us human. In your opening paragraph, state you thesis and briefly list your points of support. Give THREE paragraphs of support, and ONE paragraph to conclude your essay.
Example...
Emotions: Love, hate, jealousy
Need: Food, shelter, love
Fear: The dark, the cold, being alone
Can you think of any writers from the English-speaking world who write about such things?
Profanity is derived from the Latin pro fanus, meaning outside the temple (Berlitz). Some may consider insults and profanity a rather strange topic for discussion. Languages around the world have for eons perfected the art of the insult. What is surprising is the similarity of insult and profanity across linguistic regions. For all the different languages that exist on Earth, humans enjoy the the unusual bond on insults and profanity based on similar words. These cross-language ties (or jibes, depending on your viewpoint) are usually based on animals, religion and members of one's immediate family.
Animals have always played a major, if not definitive, role in insults. French uses chameau (camel) and vache (cow) for unpleasant or stupid individuals while the donkey or mule is used in other languages. Vache (cow) is also used for the police (similar to pigs in English). A joke is sometimes played on tourists in France by recommending the Hotel Morovache with the idea that any police person will know where it is. When the hotel name is pronounced by the innocent tourist, it sounds like mort aux vaches (death to the police) (Berlitz). This is generally considered unflattering to the police.
When donkeys or mules aren't readily available, other animals are used, like punda (zebra) or fisti (hyena) in Swahili (Berlitz). Animals are also used for other professionals. In French, poule (chicken) is used for prostitute and maqueraud (mackerel) is used for a pimp (Berlitz). In Italian, scimmia (monkey) has the same meaning as prostitute. In French, cochon (pig) is a strong word for an offensive person, similar to the English variation for the police. German uses a combination Schweinehund (pig-dog) to insult their neighbors, similar to the Russian sukin sin (son of a female dog) (Berlitz). In Spanish, where machismo still holds strong rein, being referred to a cabron (he-goat) is a violent insult referring to the potency of a male. Even more insulting is being called a cabrona (she-goat) (Berlitz).
In Arabic, ya ibn kalb (son of the dog) has been used as an insult for over 1300 years. This insult refers to a dog that barked, alerting the enemies of Mohammed that he was hiding in a cave. These are fighting words in Arabic (Berlitz). To English speakers, the Chinese too-tze (turtle) seems strange but means sexual deviant (in China, turtles are connected with several types of sexual deviation) (Berlitz). When streamlined cars were introduced in China, producers encountered customer resistance because the cars reminded the Chinese of turtles (Berlitz). Whatever the language, animals are commonly used as insults.
However, animal insults do not always transcend borders. While monkey many not be pleasant in Italian, obyazanaka (monkey) in Russian is endearing (Pei). Wolf, which is generally meant for predatory men in English, is a term of endearment in French, mon loup (my wolf). Kraut, a derogatory term used in World War II for Germans, is complimentary in French, mon petit chou (my little cabbage) (Pei).
Religion, being an almost universal feature of the human race in one form or another, has entered many languages as praise and profanity. Beginning with the English bloody, a derivative of by our lady, the phrase was shortened and became irreverent. English by Jove and by Jiminy are derivatives from ancient gods-Gemini. Goodness, gracious, mercy and even dear me are all variations of references to God. In French, it is acceptable to say mon Dieu (my God) but not bon Dieu (good God). Russians often use slava Bogu (glory to God). This phrase was used even when the Communists were in power. Krushchev himself was often heard using the phrase in speeches and conversations (Berlitz).
Spanish is profuse with references to Jesus and is the normal way to say God bless you after someone sneezes, which seems slightly irreverent to most English speakers. Spanish also uses si dios, similar to the Arabic Inshallah, or if God wills. Perhaps this is due to the Moorish influence on Spain. One of the most extensive uses of religious imagery is the German Herrgotkreuzverdampterdonnerwetternochmal (Lord God the Cross damned thunder weather) (Berlitz). One wonders if the speaker is still angry after finishing such a long word.
The devil and hell is also used in many languages. English alone uses hell as a negative adverb (The hell you are!), super superlative (hotter than hell), general adverb (fight like hell), intensifier (Who the hell is he?), literally used noun (Go to Hell!), synonym for "uproar" (to raise hell) and a combination word (hell's bells, hell and high water) (Pei). Fanden (the Devil) is commonly used in Scandinavian languages, and even intensified to svarte kockte fanden (black boiled devil). In Russia, chort (the Devil) is a powerful swear word (Berlitz).
While many languages contain insults to various family members, the most offensive by far is the insult to one's mother. No language would be complete with the supreme insult to a person by insulting the memory of the person's mother. From the English your mother, to the Chinese tien ni deh ma (your mother), this is one of the strongest insults in any language. Your mother is usually enough to inform the listener that the rest of the sentence, suggesting immoral activities on the mother's part, is unspeakable. In Spanish, the complete form of tu madre (your mother) contains only five syllables and can be whistled or sounded on a car horn (one long, two short, one long, one short). This is such a strong insult that it has sometimes resulted in gunplay and death (Berlitz).
Whatever the insult, be it animal, religious or family member, a language speaker, and most particulary a speaker who is speaking the language as a foreign or second language, must remember that temperance and respect are essential. While humans share the unique bond of insults and profanity based on similar topics, that is by no means an excuse to actively use them. Whatever language you use, be it your first, second or third, there are two things a human will always do in his first language: the first is to count; the second is to use profanity when he hits his finger with a hammer.
Berlitz, Charles. Native Tongues. New York, New York: Grosset & Dunlap Publishers, 1982.
Pei, Mario. The Story of Language. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1965.
In a one-page essay, explain something that all humans share; something that makes us human. In your opening paragraph, state you thesis and briefly list your points of support. Give THREE paragraphs of support, and ONE paragraph to conclude your essay.
Example...
Emotions: Love, hate, jealousy
Need: Food, shelter, love
Fear: The dark, the cold, being alone
Can you think of any writers from the English-speaking world who write about such things?
Profanity is derived from the Latin pro fanus, meaning outside the temple (Berlitz). Some may consider insults and profanity a rather strange topic for discussion. Languages around the world have for eons perfected the art of the insult. What is surprising is the similarity of insult and profanity across linguistic regions. For all the different languages that exist on Earth, humans enjoy the the unusual bond on insults and profanity based on similar words. These cross-language ties (or jibes, depending on your viewpoint) are usually based on animals, religion and members of one's immediate family.
Animals have always played a major, if not definitive, role in insults. French uses chameau (camel) and vache (cow) for unpleasant or stupid individuals while the donkey or mule is used in other languages. Vache (cow) is also used for the police (similar to pigs in English). A joke is sometimes played on tourists in France by recommending the Hotel Morovache with the idea that any police person will know where it is. When the hotel name is pronounced by the innocent tourist, it sounds like mort aux vaches (death to the police) (Berlitz). This is generally considered unflattering to the police.
When donkeys or mules aren't readily available, other animals are used, like punda (zebra) or fisti (hyena) in Swahili (Berlitz). Animals are also used for other professionals. In French, poule (chicken) is used for prostitute and maqueraud (mackerel) is used for a pimp (Berlitz). In Italian, scimmia (monkey) has the same meaning as prostitute. In French, cochon (pig) is a strong word for an offensive person, similar to the English variation for the police. German uses a combination Schweinehund (pig-dog) to insult their neighbors, similar to the Russian sukin sin (son of a female dog) (Berlitz). In Spanish, where machismo still holds strong rein, being referred to a cabron (he-goat) is a violent insult referring to the potency of a male. Even more insulting is being called a cabrona (she-goat) (Berlitz).
In Arabic, ya ibn kalb (son of the dog) has been used as an insult for over 1300 years. This insult refers to a dog that barked, alerting the enemies of Mohammed that he was hiding in a cave. These are fighting words in Arabic (Berlitz). To English speakers, the Chinese too-tze (turtle) seems strange but means sexual deviant (in China, turtles are connected with several types of sexual deviation) (Berlitz). When streamlined cars were introduced in China, producers encountered customer resistance because the cars reminded the Chinese of turtles (Berlitz). Whatever the language, animals are commonly used as insults.
However, animal insults do not always transcend borders. While monkey many not be pleasant in Italian, obyazanaka (monkey) in Russian is endearing (Pei). Wolf, which is generally meant for predatory men in English, is a term of endearment in French, mon loup (my wolf). Kraut, a derogatory term used in World War II for Germans, is complimentary in French, mon petit chou (my little cabbage) (Pei).
Religion, being an almost universal feature of the human race in one form or another, has entered many languages as praise and profanity. Beginning with the English bloody, a derivative of by our lady, the phrase was shortened and became irreverent. English by Jove and by Jiminy are derivatives from ancient gods-Gemini. Goodness, gracious, mercy and even dear me are all variations of references to God. In French, it is acceptable to say mon Dieu (my God) but not bon Dieu (good God). Russians often use slava Bogu (glory to God). This phrase was used even when the Communists were in power. Krushchev himself was often heard using the phrase in speeches and conversations (Berlitz).
Spanish is profuse with references to Jesus and is the normal way to say God bless you after someone sneezes, which seems slightly irreverent to most English speakers. Spanish also uses si dios, similar to the Arabic Inshallah, or if God wills. Perhaps this is due to the Moorish influence on Spain. One of the most extensive uses of religious imagery is the German Herrgotkreuzverdampterdonnerwetternochmal (Lord God the Cross damned thunder weather) (Berlitz). One wonders if the speaker is still angry after finishing such a long word.
The devil and hell is also used in many languages. English alone uses hell as a negative adverb (The hell you are!), super superlative (hotter than hell), general adverb (fight like hell), intensifier (Who the hell is he?), literally used noun (Go to Hell!), synonym for "uproar" (to raise hell) and a combination word (hell's bells, hell and high water) (Pei). Fanden (the Devil) is commonly used in Scandinavian languages, and even intensified to svarte kockte fanden (black boiled devil). In Russia, chort (the Devil) is a powerful swear word (Berlitz).
While many languages contain insults to various family members, the most offensive by far is the insult to one's mother. No language would be complete with the supreme insult to a person by insulting the memory of the person's mother. From the English your mother, to the Chinese tien ni deh ma (your mother), this is one of the strongest insults in any language. Your mother is usually enough to inform the listener that the rest of the sentence, suggesting immoral activities on the mother's part, is unspeakable. In Spanish, the complete form of tu madre (your mother) contains only five syllables and can be whistled or sounded on a car horn (one long, two short, one long, one short). This is such a strong insult that it has sometimes resulted in gunplay and death (Berlitz).
Whatever the insult, be it animal, religious or family member, a language speaker, and most particulary a speaker who is speaking the language as a foreign or second language, must remember that temperance and respect are essential. While humans share the unique bond of insults and profanity based on similar topics, that is by no means an excuse to actively use them. Whatever language you use, be it your first, second or third, there are two things a human will always do in his first language: the first is to count; the second is to use profanity when he hits his finger with a hammer.
Berlitz, Charles. Native Tongues. New York, New York: Grosset & Dunlap Publishers, 1982.
Pei, Mario. The Story of Language. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1965.
Pleasantville Writing Assignments
Choose TWO essays from the writing assignment list. They're due by December 18!
On Dec. 18, we'll watch the rest of Pleasantville and play ENGLISH TRUTH OR DARE! I'll bake as well:)
WRITING ASSIGNMENT
Writing topics: Choose TWO of these topics from the movie. In TWO well-formed one-page essays using Pleasantville, discuss the topics. Use specific examples to support your idea. From: http://onlinecollegedegree.org/2009/05/20/50-banned-books-that-everyone-should-read/
1950's – Discuss what Norway will be like in fifty years.
Television – What role does television play in society?
Innocence – At what age do children became adults?
Television Set - Technology will destroy or save us. Which statement is correct?
Book Burning – Is there a time when censorship should be allowed?
Brother-Sister Relationship – Discuss a story that happened with a sibling when you realized you were part of a family.
Individuality – Is it better to be an individual or part of a group?
High School Basketball – Some say sports help people learn teamwork and responsibility. Others say sports enforce conformity and destroy independence. Which is correct?
Art – Discuss one piece of artwork that you like or dislike and why. Identify the artwork/painter.
Adam And Eve – Some believe in Evolution and some believe in Creationism. Which view do you believe in and why?
Painting – Using one specific piece of art, discuss what the painting represents to society. Identify the artwork and painter.
Trivia Contest – Some say tests are useful in school and some say they're not. Which is correct?
Acceptance Of Change Some change is good while others say it's bad. Which view is correct?
Old Love – If you could change one moment in your life, what would it be and why?
Teen Movie – Review one “teen movie” and discuss its strengths and weaknesses.
Casual Sex – Some say sex education should be taught in schools while other say it should only be taught at home. Which is correct?
Alternative Reality – Write an alternate reality for Kongsberg.
High School – In the United States, many believe home schooling is better than public education. Which view is correct?
Censorship Is there a time when censorship should be allowed?
Bully – Retell a story of when you were bullied or have bullied someone.
Slut Why is it considered acceptable for a man to be a “lady's man” while woman who are strong or independent are considered “bitchy” or “slutty”?
Self Image – If you could change one part of yourself, what would it be and why?
Mother-Son Relationship – Discuss a story between you and your parents that has helped shaped the person you are today.
Intolerance – Discuss examples of intolerance in Norwegian society.
Utopia/Dystopia – Is it possible for humans to create a utopia? Why or why not?
Premarital Sex – Discuss the difference in attitude between the United States and Norway in marriage and unwed parents and children.
Catcher In The Rye – Discuss one banned book. Where and why was it banned?
Small Town – Is it better to live in a small town or a big city?
Discrimination – Discuss discrimination in Norway. Does it exist and where?
On Dec. 18, we'll watch the rest of Pleasantville and play ENGLISH TRUTH OR DARE! I'll bake as well:)
WRITING ASSIGNMENT
Writing topics: Choose TWO of these topics from the movie. In TWO well-formed one-page essays using Pleasantville, discuss the topics. Use specific examples to support your idea. From: http://onlinecollegedegree.org/2009/05/20/50-banned-books-that-everyone-should-read/
1950's – Discuss what Norway will be like in fifty years.
Television – What role does television play in society?
Innocence – At what age do children became adults?
Television Set - Technology will destroy or save us. Which statement is correct?
Book Burning – Is there a time when censorship should be allowed?
Brother-Sister Relationship – Discuss a story that happened with a sibling when you realized you were part of a family.
Individuality – Is it better to be an individual or part of a group?
High School Basketball – Some say sports help people learn teamwork and responsibility. Others say sports enforce conformity and destroy independence. Which is correct?
Art – Discuss one piece of artwork that you like or dislike and why. Identify the artwork/painter.
Adam And Eve – Some believe in Evolution and some believe in Creationism. Which view do you believe in and why?
Painting – Using one specific piece of art, discuss what the painting represents to society. Identify the artwork and painter.
Trivia Contest – Some say tests are useful in school and some say they're not. Which is correct?
Acceptance Of Change Some change is good while others say it's bad. Which view is correct?
Old Love – If you could change one moment in your life, what would it be and why?
Teen Movie – Review one “teen movie” and discuss its strengths and weaknesses.
Casual Sex – Some say sex education should be taught in schools while other say it should only be taught at home. Which is correct?
Alternative Reality – Write an alternate reality for Kongsberg.
High School – In the United States, many believe home schooling is better than public education. Which view is correct?
Censorship Is there a time when censorship should be allowed?
Bully – Retell a story of when you were bullied or have bullied someone.
Slut Why is it considered acceptable for a man to be a “lady's man” while woman who are strong or independent are considered “bitchy” or “slutty”?
Self Image – If you could change one part of yourself, what would it be and why?
Mother-Son Relationship – Discuss a story between you and your parents that has helped shaped the person you are today.
Intolerance – Discuss examples of intolerance in Norwegian society.
Utopia/Dystopia – Is it possible for humans to create a utopia? Why or why not?
Premarital Sex – Discuss the difference in attitude between the United States and Norway in marriage and unwed parents and children.
Catcher In The Rye – Discuss one banned book. Where and why was it banned?
Small Town – Is it better to live in a small town or a big city?
Discrimination – Discuss discrimination in Norway. Does it exist and where?
Pleasantville Movie Guide and Writing Assignments
Pleasantville - 1998 – Directed by Gary Ross
Plotline: Although David (Tobey Maguire) and his sister Jennifer (Reese Witherspoon) are twins, they lead dramatically different high school social lives. Jennifer is concerned mainly with her appearance, relationships and popularity, while David has few friends and cannot even drum up the courage to talk to a girl on whom he has a crush. He spends most of his spare time on the couch, watching television. Jennifer, on the other hand, is more assertive and at the beginning of the film makes a date with Mark Davis, one of the most popular boys in school.
Their mother (Jane Kaczmarek) leaves Jennifer and David alone at home while she heads out of town for a rendezvous with her boyfriend (who is later revealed to be nine years younger than she is). The twins begin to fight over the use of the downstairs TV; Jennifer wants to watch an MTV concert with Mark, while David needs the TV in order to watch a marathon of his favorite show, Pleasantville.
Pleasantville is a black-and-white '50s sitcom similar to Leave It To Beaver or Father Knows Best that centers around the idyllic Parker family—George (William H. Macy), his wife Betty (Joan Allen), and their two children, Bud and Mary Sue. David is an expert on every episode and wants to watch the marathon so he can win a trivia contest. During the fight between David and Jennifer, the remote control breaks and the TV cannot be turned on manually. A mysterious TV repairman (Don Knotts) shows up uninvited, and quizzes David on Pleasantville before giving him a strange-looking, retro-styled remote control. The repairman leaves, and David and Jennifer promptly resume fighting. However, through some mechanism of the remote control, they are transported into the television, ending up in the Parkers' black and white Pleasantville living room. David tries to reason with the repairman (who communicates with him through the Parkers' TV set) but succeeds only in chasing him away. David and Jennifer must now pretend they are, respectively, Bud and Mary Sue Parker.
Breakfast in the Parker house is promptly served by stay-at-home mother Betty, and consists of generous servings of bacon, eggs, waffles, pancakes, ham, honey, sausage, and other fatty foods. Jennifer is disgusted at the thought of eating so much "animal fat." On the way to school, the pair watch as a group of firemen rescue a cat out of a tree, and Jennifer meets Skip (Paul Walker), the captain of the basketball team and her soon-to-be boyfriend. David tells her that they must stay “in character,” she must make small-talk with her three monochrome friends and not disrupt the lives of the Pleasantville citizens, who do not notice any physical differences between the old Bud and Mary Sue and David and Jennifer. In order to keep the plot in line, Mary Sue agrees to go on a date with Skip, although the two have very different ideas of what a date constitutes.
The date between Skip and Mary Sue turns out to be the first catalyst for change in the town. Skip has no knowledge of sex until Mary Sue introduces him to it. The plot of the traditional show is further thrown out of sequence when Bud’s boss Mr. Johnson (Jeff Daniels), who runs the soda shop, becomes dissatisfied with his boring, mundane life, confiding in Bud that the only time of the year during which he is happy is Christmas, due to the fact that he gets to paint something new every December 3rd for the Christmas mural in his shop's window. Bud initially attempts to convince him to carry on, saying that even if Mr. Johnson does not like his job, he should still do it anyway, but David soon realizes his error and gives Mr. Johnson an art book, encouraging his true passion.
Meanwhile, Skip tells the other boys about sex, and soon the teenagers begin to experiment, leading to a sort of sexual revolution. Betty is curious and, knowing that her husband would never do any of the things, (leading to a sex talk between Betty and Mary Sue), accidentally starts a fire outside of their home.
Bud, realizing the firemen have no other experience than fetching cats out of trees for neighbors, teaches them how to put out fires and is awarded a medal. He is thus noticed by a beautiful cheerleader named Margaret (Marley Shelton), who bakes him oatmeal cookies -- cookies she was supposed to bake for a boy named Whitey (David Tom). Bud’s act of heroism has inadvertently changed the storyline, but he seizes the moment and asks Margaret out for a date. When the TV repairman returns and berates him for altering the show so much, Bud turns off the TV, relinquishing his ability to go home in the process.
Pleasantville soon begins changing at a rapid pace. Double beds become available in stores, colored paints available to buy, students engage in sexual displays in public, and Pleasantville's beleaguered wives become tired of their household duties and begin to think, causing their husbands to reel in shock at their behavior. Meanwhile, things about the town which have changed from the original plotline begin to develop full and vibrant colors, rather than remaining black and white. The mayor, Big Bob (J.T Walsh) notices these changes and becomes concerned. He recruits George Parker, as a respected citizen, to the Pleasantville Chamber of Commerce to help normalize the town again, along with groups of other citizens who remain black and white. At this point, Betty has become "colored" as well and is afraid that George will hate her. Bud helps her to conceal the color with her old make-up, which is still black and white.
People in Pleasantville begin to explore hidden abilities and revel in their new freedoms. Mr. Johnson begins to paint, while Betty finds that housework no longer interests her. The basketball team loses their first game (previously, not only had they never lost, but they had never missed any shots), while students begin visiting the public library and reading books recommended by Mary Sue and Bud. Ironically, Mary Sue/Jennifer, who had never shown any interest in school, finds she likes reading so much that she rejects Skip in favor of a book by D. H. Lawrence, and finds her own color.
Gradually, more objects begin turning multicolored, including flowers and the faces of people who have experienced bursts of passion or change. The only people who remain unchanged are the town fathers, led by Mayor Big Bob who sees the changes as eating away at the moral values of Pleasantville. Certain youths, such as Skip and Whitey and their friends, also remain unaffected. They resolve to do something about their increasingly distant wives and disaffected youths. A town meeting is called. Betty falls in love with Mr. Johnson and leaves George for him, no longer wishing to hide her colored face.
Behavior similar to Nazism, as well as racial segregation and subsequent rioting similar to that of the African-American Civil Rights Movement, soon reach Pleasantville, touched off by a nude painting of Betty on the window of Mr. Johnson’s soda shop; the window is smashed with a park bench, and the soda shop is destroyed, piles of books are burned, and anyone who is "colored" is harassed in the streets. Bud earns his color by defending Betty from a gang of thugs led by Whitey.
He begins to grow from a quiet loner into a strong leader, advocating resistance to the new "Pleasantville Code of Conduct", a list of regulations preventing people from visiting the library and Lovers' Lane, playing loud music, or using paint colors other than black, white, or gray.
In protest against the mundane Pleasantville outlook, Bud and Mr. Johnson paint a colorful mural on a brick wall, depicting Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, winged books rising from piles of burning literature, men and women dancing together to rock music, and other things relevant to the changes in their world. For this they are forced to spend the night in a jail cell. Bud is visited then by George, who wonders why Betty has changed, after he reveals he hasn't eaten in a very long time because he doesn't know how to cook. Bud simply replies that "people change," to which George wonders aloud if they couldn't just change back to the way things were.
Bud and Mr. Johnson are brought to trial in front of the entire town, with the monochrome citizens on the ground floor as witneses, segregated from the "colored" residents who are made to sit on a balcony as democratic voters.
George gains his color when, in the courtroom, he cries for the loss of his wife after Bud helps him realize the truth about what he actually misses (Betty herself, not the tasks she performs). Mr. Johnson is repentant and tries to haggle with the Mayor, but Bud speaks out, finally arousing enough anger and indignation in Big Bob that the Mayor himself becomes colored as well.
With this, the entire town becomes colored—and the people of Pleasantville are finally introduced to the rest of the world. Televisions at the television repair shop now display full-colored images of various scenic vistas around the world, such as the Pyramids at Giza and the Eiffel Tower, and Main Street, which had previously been a circuit that led back to its beginning again, now leads away to other streets, and ultimately to other towns and cities as well.
Jennifer chooses to stay behind in this alternate world for a while, planning to go to university out of town as Mary Sue Parker. David returns using the remote control and finds his mother crying in the kitchen, distraught over her predictable, middle-aged life and her failed relationship with her junior lover. She complains to him that her life was not supposed to run this undesirable course.
David replies, saying, "It's not supposed to be anything." The movie ends with a cut back to Jennifer/Mary Sue, reading a book to a sweetheart on the university steps, and with a shot of Betty and George, reunited; however, when Betty turns to look at her husband, it is Mr. Johnson who appears in his place.
CHARACTERS
Tobey Maguire as David. David is the boy of the film who feels out of place in the 1990s at the beginning of the film and is more at home in the dream world of Pleasantville. After being transported into the world which he idolizes, David begins to realize that the perceived happiness in Pleasantville is not nearly as fulfilling. He eventually sees Pleasantville not as the utopia he once imagined but as a dystopia as the freedom of choice and expression is severely limited. His transformation happens as he evolves from dreamy outcast to leader of the changes that take place in Pleasantville.
Reese Witherspoon as Jennifer. Jennifer, David's twin sister, is in many ways the opposite of her brother. She is initially dismayed at the absence of sex in Pleasantville, but her own personality asserts itself, and she sparks the initial changes in the town. As the story continues, she begins to understand the limitations she has placed on herself in her own life. Her reading of a D.H. Lawrence novel signified her effort to change herself, and thus, by the end of the film she decides to stay (for a while) in a place where she has changed and to attend college.
William H. Macy as George Parker. George is the stereotypical 1950s working father with the cue "Honey, I'm home" (a play on the now famous "Lucy, I'm home" directly from the show I Love Lucy). He is very averse to change and when the town begins to change, he does not know how to cope. He remains black and white through nearly the entire film until David helps him realize how much he really loves his wife.
Joan Allen as Betty Parker. Betty starts as the typical 1950s stay-at-home mother but evolves in emotions much more quickly than her husband. This causes conflict starting with her change from black and white to color. Her love triangle with Bill Johnson also becomes an issue showing that such taboo events did occur even in 1950s culture.
Jeff Daniels as Bill Johnson. Bill starts the film completely unable to do anything that is not specifically defined in his repetitive list of tasks. This changes however when David inadvertently teaches him a small level of autonomy. This autonomy progresses and Bill begins acting out his desire to be creative and paint. Bill evolves into the central revolutionary in the film going so far as to paint a nude mural of Betty Parker on one of the diner windows. After the town turns fully Technicolor it is revealed in the last shot that George is replaced by him sitting on the bench next to Betty.
J. T. Walsh as Big Bob. Big Bob plays the town's mayor with McCarthy undertones. He is the most reactionary in the town and decides that colors are indecent. Many subtle references to Triumph of the Will are made in the closing court scene with Big Bob playing the lead. Even he turns to color as he expresses fierce anger towards David. Upon seeing his new face he flees the court room in shame leaving the town to its own devices, ultimately freeing it. This was actor J. T. Walsh's final film as he died of a heart attack shortly after filming.
Don Knotts as the TV Repairman. Don Knotts plays a small but memorable role as the TV repairman granting David his wish of being part of Pleasantville.
Jane Kaczmarek as David's Mother. David's mother is not Betty. She never cooks or cleans.
VOCABULARYsitcom diner bowling
malt shop soda shop simulated reality
original sin mural spatial loop
remote control jukebox alternate dimension
SYMBOLS
rain books apple color
flower umbrella rainbow
fire broken window library
rom Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleasantville_(film)
and Internet Movie Data Base: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120789/
WRITING ASSIGNMENT
Writing topics: Choose TWO of these topics from the movie. In TWO well-formed one-page essays using Pleasantville, discuss the topics. Use specific examples to support your idea. From: http://onlinecollegedegree.org/2009/05/20/50-banned-books-that-everyone-should-read/
1950's – Discuss what Norway will be like in fifty years.
Television – What role does television play in society?
Innocence – At what age do children became adults?
Television Set - Technology will destroy or save us. Which statement is correct?
Book Burning – Is there a time when censorship should be allowed?
Brother-Sister Relationship – Discuss a story that happened with a sibling when you realized you were part of a family.
Individuality – Is it better to be an individual or part of a group?
High School Basketball – Some say sports help people learn teamwork and responsibility. Others say sports enforce conformity and destroy independence. Which is correct?
Art – Discuss one piece of artwork that you like or dislike and why. Identify the artwork/painter.
Adam And Eve – Some believe in Evolution and some believe in Creationism. Which view do you believe in and why?
Painting – Using one specific piece of art, discuss what the painting represents to society. Identify the artwork and painter.
Trivia Contest – Some say tests are useful in school and some say they're not. Which is correct?
Acceptance Of Change Some change is good while others say it's bad. Which view is correct?
Old Love – If you could change one moment in your life, what would it be and why?
Teen Movie – Review one “teen movie” and discuss its strengths and weaknesses.
Casual Sex – Some say sex education should be taught in schools while other say it should only be taught at home. Which is correct?
Alternative Reality – Write an alternate reality for Kongsberg.
High School – In the United States, many believe home schooling is better than public education. Which view is correct?
Censorship Is there a time when censorship should be allowed?
Bully – Retell a story of when you were bullied or have bullied someone.
Slut Why is it considered acceptable for a man to be a “lady's man” while woman who are strong or independent are considered “bitchy” or “slutty”?
Self Image – If you could change one part of yourself, what would it be and why?
Mother-Son Relationship – Discuss a story between you and your parents that has helped shaped the person you are today.
Intolerance – Discuss examples of intolerance in Norwegian society.
Utopia/Dystopia – Is it possible for humans to create a utopia? Why or why not?
Premarital Sex – Discuss the difference in attitude between the United States and Norway in marriage and unwed parents and children.
Catcher In The Rye – Discuss one banned book. Where and why was it banned?
Small Town – Is it better to live in a small town or a big city?
Discrimination – Discuss discrimination in Norway. Does it exist and where?
Plotline: Although David (Tobey Maguire) and his sister Jennifer (Reese Witherspoon) are twins, they lead dramatically different high school social lives. Jennifer is concerned mainly with her appearance, relationships and popularity, while David has few friends and cannot even drum up the courage to talk to a girl on whom he has a crush. He spends most of his spare time on the couch, watching television. Jennifer, on the other hand, is more assertive and at the beginning of the film makes a date with Mark Davis, one of the most popular boys in school.
Their mother (Jane Kaczmarek) leaves Jennifer and David alone at home while she heads out of town for a rendezvous with her boyfriend (who is later revealed to be nine years younger than she is). The twins begin to fight over the use of the downstairs TV; Jennifer wants to watch an MTV concert with Mark, while David needs the TV in order to watch a marathon of his favorite show, Pleasantville.
Pleasantville is a black-and-white '50s sitcom similar to Leave It To Beaver or Father Knows Best that centers around the idyllic Parker family—George (William H. Macy), his wife Betty (Joan Allen), and their two children, Bud and Mary Sue. David is an expert on every episode and wants to watch the marathon so he can win a trivia contest. During the fight between David and Jennifer, the remote control breaks and the TV cannot be turned on manually. A mysterious TV repairman (Don Knotts) shows up uninvited, and quizzes David on Pleasantville before giving him a strange-looking, retro-styled remote control. The repairman leaves, and David and Jennifer promptly resume fighting. However, through some mechanism of the remote control, they are transported into the television, ending up in the Parkers' black and white Pleasantville living room. David tries to reason with the repairman (who communicates with him through the Parkers' TV set) but succeeds only in chasing him away. David and Jennifer must now pretend they are, respectively, Bud and Mary Sue Parker.
Breakfast in the Parker house is promptly served by stay-at-home mother Betty, and consists of generous servings of bacon, eggs, waffles, pancakes, ham, honey, sausage, and other fatty foods. Jennifer is disgusted at the thought of eating so much "animal fat." On the way to school, the pair watch as a group of firemen rescue a cat out of a tree, and Jennifer meets Skip (Paul Walker), the captain of the basketball team and her soon-to-be boyfriend. David tells her that they must stay “in character,” she must make small-talk with her three monochrome friends and not disrupt the lives of the Pleasantville citizens, who do not notice any physical differences between the old Bud and Mary Sue and David and Jennifer. In order to keep the plot in line, Mary Sue agrees to go on a date with Skip, although the two have very different ideas of what a date constitutes.
The date between Skip and Mary Sue turns out to be the first catalyst for change in the town. Skip has no knowledge of sex until Mary Sue introduces him to it. The plot of the traditional show is further thrown out of sequence when Bud’s boss Mr. Johnson (Jeff Daniels), who runs the soda shop, becomes dissatisfied with his boring, mundane life, confiding in Bud that the only time of the year during which he is happy is Christmas, due to the fact that he gets to paint something new every December 3rd for the Christmas mural in his shop's window. Bud initially attempts to convince him to carry on, saying that even if Mr. Johnson does not like his job, he should still do it anyway, but David soon realizes his error and gives Mr. Johnson an art book, encouraging his true passion.
Meanwhile, Skip tells the other boys about sex, and soon the teenagers begin to experiment, leading to a sort of sexual revolution. Betty is curious and, knowing that her husband would never do any of the things, (leading to a sex talk between Betty and Mary Sue), accidentally starts a fire outside of their home.
Bud, realizing the firemen have no other experience than fetching cats out of trees for neighbors, teaches them how to put out fires and is awarded a medal. He is thus noticed by a beautiful cheerleader named Margaret (Marley Shelton), who bakes him oatmeal cookies -- cookies she was supposed to bake for a boy named Whitey (David Tom). Bud’s act of heroism has inadvertently changed the storyline, but he seizes the moment and asks Margaret out for a date. When the TV repairman returns and berates him for altering the show so much, Bud turns off the TV, relinquishing his ability to go home in the process.
Pleasantville soon begins changing at a rapid pace. Double beds become available in stores, colored paints available to buy, students engage in sexual displays in public, and Pleasantville's beleaguered wives become tired of their household duties and begin to think, causing their husbands to reel in shock at their behavior. Meanwhile, things about the town which have changed from the original plotline begin to develop full and vibrant colors, rather than remaining black and white. The mayor, Big Bob (J.T Walsh) notices these changes and becomes concerned. He recruits George Parker, as a respected citizen, to the Pleasantville Chamber of Commerce to help normalize the town again, along with groups of other citizens who remain black and white. At this point, Betty has become "colored" as well and is afraid that George will hate her. Bud helps her to conceal the color with her old make-up, which is still black and white.
People in Pleasantville begin to explore hidden abilities and revel in their new freedoms. Mr. Johnson begins to paint, while Betty finds that housework no longer interests her. The basketball team loses their first game (previously, not only had they never lost, but they had never missed any shots), while students begin visiting the public library and reading books recommended by Mary Sue and Bud. Ironically, Mary Sue/Jennifer, who had never shown any interest in school, finds she likes reading so much that she rejects Skip in favor of a book by D. H. Lawrence, and finds her own color.
Gradually, more objects begin turning multicolored, including flowers and the faces of people who have experienced bursts of passion or change. The only people who remain unchanged are the town fathers, led by Mayor Big Bob who sees the changes as eating away at the moral values of Pleasantville. Certain youths, such as Skip and Whitey and their friends, also remain unaffected. They resolve to do something about their increasingly distant wives and disaffected youths. A town meeting is called. Betty falls in love with Mr. Johnson and leaves George for him, no longer wishing to hide her colored face.
Behavior similar to Nazism, as well as racial segregation and subsequent rioting similar to that of the African-American Civil Rights Movement, soon reach Pleasantville, touched off by a nude painting of Betty on the window of Mr. Johnson’s soda shop; the window is smashed with a park bench, and the soda shop is destroyed, piles of books are burned, and anyone who is "colored" is harassed in the streets. Bud earns his color by defending Betty from a gang of thugs led by Whitey.
He begins to grow from a quiet loner into a strong leader, advocating resistance to the new "Pleasantville Code of Conduct", a list of regulations preventing people from visiting the library and Lovers' Lane, playing loud music, or using paint colors other than black, white, or gray.
In protest against the mundane Pleasantville outlook, Bud and Mr. Johnson paint a colorful mural on a brick wall, depicting Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, winged books rising from piles of burning literature, men and women dancing together to rock music, and other things relevant to the changes in their world. For this they are forced to spend the night in a jail cell. Bud is visited then by George, who wonders why Betty has changed, after he reveals he hasn't eaten in a very long time because he doesn't know how to cook. Bud simply replies that "people change," to which George wonders aloud if they couldn't just change back to the way things were.
Bud and Mr. Johnson are brought to trial in front of the entire town, with the monochrome citizens on the ground floor as witneses, segregated from the "colored" residents who are made to sit on a balcony as democratic voters.
George gains his color when, in the courtroom, he cries for the loss of his wife after Bud helps him realize the truth about what he actually misses (Betty herself, not the tasks she performs). Mr. Johnson is repentant and tries to haggle with the Mayor, but Bud speaks out, finally arousing enough anger and indignation in Big Bob that the Mayor himself becomes colored as well.
With this, the entire town becomes colored—and the people of Pleasantville are finally introduced to the rest of the world. Televisions at the television repair shop now display full-colored images of various scenic vistas around the world, such as the Pyramids at Giza and the Eiffel Tower, and Main Street, which had previously been a circuit that led back to its beginning again, now leads away to other streets, and ultimately to other towns and cities as well.
Jennifer chooses to stay behind in this alternate world for a while, planning to go to university out of town as Mary Sue Parker. David returns using the remote control and finds his mother crying in the kitchen, distraught over her predictable, middle-aged life and her failed relationship with her junior lover. She complains to him that her life was not supposed to run this undesirable course.
David replies, saying, "It's not supposed to be anything." The movie ends with a cut back to Jennifer/Mary Sue, reading a book to a sweetheart on the university steps, and with a shot of Betty and George, reunited; however, when Betty turns to look at her husband, it is Mr. Johnson who appears in his place.
CHARACTERS
Tobey Maguire as David. David is the boy of the film who feels out of place in the 1990s at the beginning of the film and is more at home in the dream world of Pleasantville. After being transported into the world which he idolizes, David begins to realize that the perceived happiness in Pleasantville is not nearly as fulfilling. He eventually sees Pleasantville not as the utopia he once imagined but as a dystopia as the freedom of choice and expression is severely limited. His transformation happens as he evolves from dreamy outcast to leader of the changes that take place in Pleasantville.
Reese Witherspoon as Jennifer. Jennifer, David's twin sister, is in many ways the opposite of her brother. She is initially dismayed at the absence of sex in Pleasantville, but her own personality asserts itself, and she sparks the initial changes in the town. As the story continues, she begins to understand the limitations she has placed on herself in her own life. Her reading of a D.H. Lawrence novel signified her effort to change herself, and thus, by the end of the film she decides to stay (for a while) in a place where she has changed and to attend college.
William H. Macy as George Parker. George is the stereotypical 1950s working father with the cue "Honey, I'm home" (a play on the now famous "Lucy, I'm home" directly from the show I Love Lucy). He is very averse to change and when the town begins to change, he does not know how to cope. He remains black and white through nearly the entire film until David helps him realize how much he really loves his wife.
Joan Allen as Betty Parker. Betty starts as the typical 1950s stay-at-home mother but evolves in emotions much more quickly than her husband. This causes conflict starting with her change from black and white to color. Her love triangle with Bill Johnson also becomes an issue showing that such taboo events did occur even in 1950s culture.
Jeff Daniels as Bill Johnson. Bill starts the film completely unable to do anything that is not specifically defined in his repetitive list of tasks. This changes however when David inadvertently teaches him a small level of autonomy. This autonomy progresses and Bill begins acting out his desire to be creative and paint. Bill evolves into the central revolutionary in the film going so far as to paint a nude mural of Betty Parker on one of the diner windows. After the town turns fully Technicolor it is revealed in the last shot that George is replaced by him sitting on the bench next to Betty.
J. T. Walsh as Big Bob. Big Bob plays the town's mayor with McCarthy undertones. He is the most reactionary in the town and decides that colors are indecent. Many subtle references to Triumph of the Will are made in the closing court scene with Big Bob playing the lead. Even he turns to color as he expresses fierce anger towards David. Upon seeing his new face he flees the court room in shame leaving the town to its own devices, ultimately freeing it. This was actor J. T. Walsh's final film as he died of a heart attack shortly after filming.
Don Knotts as the TV Repairman. Don Knotts plays a small but memorable role as the TV repairman granting David his wish of being part of Pleasantville.
Jane Kaczmarek as David's Mother. David's mother is not Betty. She never cooks or cleans.
VOCABULARYsitcom diner bowling
malt shop soda shop simulated reality
original sin mural spatial loop
remote control jukebox alternate dimension
SYMBOLS
rain books apple color
flower umbrella rainbow
fire broken window library
rom Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleasantville_(film)
and Internet Movie Data Base: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120789/
WRITING ASSIGNMENT
Writing topics: Choose TWO of these topics from the movie. In TWO well-formed one-page essays using Pleasantville, discuss the topics. Use specific examples to support your idea. From: http://onlinecollegedegree.org/2009/05/20/50-banned-books-that-everyone-should-read/
1950's – Discuss what Norway will be like in fifty years.
Television – What role does television play in society?
Innocence – At what age do children became adults?
Television Set - Technology will destroy or save us. Which statement is correct?
Book Burning – Is there a time when censorship should be allowed?
Brother-Sister Relationship – Discuss a story that happened with a sibling when you realized you were part of a family.
Individuality – Is it better to be an individual or part of a group?
High School Basketball – Some say sports help people learn teamwork and responsibility. Others say sports enforce conformity and destroy independence. Which is correct?
Art – Discuss one piece of artwork that you like or dislike and why. Identify the artwork/painter.
Adam And Eve – Some believe in Evolution and some believe in Creationism. Which view do you believe in and why?
Painting – Using one specific piece of art, discuss what the painting represents to society. Identify the artwork and painter.
Trivia Contest – Some say tests are useful in school and some say they're not. Which is correct?
Acceptance Of Change Some change is good while others say it's bad. Which view is correct?
Old Love – If you could change one moment in your life, what would it be and why?
Teen Movie – Review one “teen movie” and discuss its strengths and weaknesses.
Casual Sex – Some say sex education should be taught in schools while other say it should only be taught at home. Which is correct?
Alternative Reality – Write an alternate reality for Kongsberg.
High School – In the United States, many believe home schooling is better than public education. Which view is correct?
Censorship Is there a time when censorship should be allowed?
Bully – Retell a story of when you were bullied or have bullied someone.
Slut Why is it considered acceptable for a man to be a “lady's man” while woman who are strong or independent are considered “bitchy” or “slutty”?
Self Image – If you could change one part of yourself, what would it be and why?
Mother-Son Relationship – Discuss a story between you and your parents that has helped shaped the person you are today.
Intolerance – Discuss examples of intolerance in Norwegian society.
Utopia/Dystopia – Is it possible for humans to create a utopia? Why or why not?
Premarital Sex – Discuss the difference in attitude between the United States and Norway in marriage and unwed parents and children.
Catcher In The Rye – Discuss one banned book. Where and why was it banned?
Small Town – Is it better to live in a small town or a big city?
Discrimination – Discuss discrimination in Norway. Does it exist and where?
