Sample Lesson Plan: “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”.
Costume and object exercise
Objectives:
To explore the character through costume and objects. To rehearse the monologue while dressed in partial costume. To use objects to encourage character behavior.
Materials:
hats, ties, suit jackets, shirts, cravats, scarves, gloves, handkerchiefs, smoking jacket, robes, walking stick, umbrella, cigarette case, eyeglasses, address book, cards, books, tea service, wine glasses and decanter (student will have numerous other ideas as to clothing and objects to help them explore character, place, and period.)
Description:
Each student will individually examine the clothing and objects choosing items that spark student’s imagination in regard to character and situation.
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1.Student rehearses monologue while dressing in costume as the character, all the while looking for character behavior.
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a) How does Prufrock select and tie his tie?
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b) How does Prufrock adjust his hat? Use his handkerchief?
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c) How does he put on his gloves? Take off his gloves? Carry his gloves?
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2. Student will explore how the character walks, sits, and moves in costume. Class may impose conditions by asking:
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a) How does he walk in the rain? Does he walk in the rain?
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b) How does he walk or sit when he’s tipsy? Is he ever tipsy?
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c) How does he sit and handle his cigarette case? Drink his tea?
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3. While in costume, student will develop a situation and place suggested by the monologue. Student will improvise “A day in the life of Prufrock”, eventually involving classmates as specific people in Prufrock’s life. Classmates may select or bring in costume pieces to develop the imaginary characters in Prufrock’s life.
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4. Students will have ideas of other exercises while wearing costume pieces and working with objects. For example, some female students may wish to change some references in the monologue to transform Prufrock into a female character, bringing into class costume items and objects to develop their character.
Final Rehearsal:
Students who have selected Prufrock as one of their monologue projects will rehearse the monologue in front of the class, having established where Prufrock is, what he is doing, and with whom he is speaking. Chosen costume and objects will be used to develop a very specific character. Polaroid pictures may be taken at this time.
