Act One
Chorus
Acts as narrators.
Introduces the central characters
Comments on the action
Stage Directions
The opening stage directions reveal the setting of the play (location, time of day, weather), introduce the chorus and the mother (characters) and hints at the theme of poverty.
Stage directions add to characterization: how Gros Jean walks, how the creatures react, etc.
Show how props and sound effects/music are used.
Props
Related to poverty – empty bowl, bare table
Props are used to indicate the brothers’ jobs (faggots and fishing line) and also interest (books)
Music
Characterization: Gros Jean performs an exaggerated march to music.
A drum roll and comic quatro introduce Mi-Jean, and the mother is introduced with “sad music on flute.”
The mood and music change again with the entrance of the devil and his servants: cymbals, shrieks, thunder.
Bolom enters with the sound of wind, rain and insects.
Bolom later imitates the crying of a child.
Lighting
It is a dark rainy evening.
Red for the devil.
Blue for Bolom.
Comprehension Questions
Act One
1.
How were stage directions used at the start?
2.
Do you agree with Gros Jean’s decision to leave with telling anyone goodbye? Explain.
3.
What is the effect of Mother’s comment: “Woman life is so. Watching and losing.” Give an example of her watching and one of her losing.
4.
The mother says, “The arm which digs a grave/ Is the strongest arm of all.” What does she mean? Whose arm is the strongest in the story based on what she says?
5.
Comment on the use of literary devices in the mother’s speech in the same section.
6.
What advice does Mother give Gros Jean? Does he obey? If no, explain.
7.
What is the dramatic effect of Gros Jean’s song?
8.
Who is the Old Man? How do you know?
9.
What advice does the Old Man give Gros Jean? His mother gave him the same advice.
10.
What does the Old Man say counts in the world? Which is Gros Jean interested in?
11.
What is Gros Jean attitude toward the Old Man?
12.
What is significant about the following statement: “He’ll (Planter) work you like the devil”?
13.
According to Gros Jean is the shortest way to success?
14.
How does the planter successfully anger Gros Jean? List his strategies.
15.
What do the stage directions reveal about Gros Jean and the planter?
16.
Discuss fully the characterization of Gros Jean. 
Miss Atkins is the literature paper divided into 2 sections for first form? Or is is it the language paper
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ReplyDeleteThis is bull crap, I want the summary for 3 scenes......if anyone know a site where I can get this information reply back to me!
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DeleteWhat does the statement “He’ll work you like the devil” mean
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What does the statement “He’ll work you like the devil” mean
ReplyDelete??
Is there somewhere the answers for these questions can be found?
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