课标人教实验版 高一 Module 3 Unit 3

Writing

It sounds difficult to write a play, even a small part of it sounds difficult. Writing a play or drama is quite different from writing a story. The main purpose of a play is to let the characters speak for themselves

as much as possible. How actors show us what the characters think and feel is also important. Suppose you are the director of this play. Write your own scene for this play with a partner.

Suggested scene:

Act One, Scene 5 N=Narrator H=Henry B=Barber N: Henry is smiling as he leaves the restaurant. He has had more than enough to eat. As he is walking down the street, he sees a sign for a place that cuts hair. In a shop window, he looks at his own hair. Since it is too long, he decides to get it cut.

H: Good afternoon, I’d like to get a cut, if I may. (The barber takes one look at Henry and continues cutting another man’s hair.) Er-I’d really like to get a haircut. As you see, it’s much too long. B: (In a rude manner) Yes, I can see that. Indeed, I can.

H: Fine, well, I’ll just have a seat then. N: After some time, the barber finishes cutting the other man’s hair, takes his money, and then turns to look at Henry. B: Look like it’s been a long time. You must be a sailor.

H: Er-not quite. But I was at sea for a long time. B: All right, then, get in the chair and I’ll see what I can do. H: Thank you. B: Where did you say you were from? H: I didn’t, but I’m from San Francisco. B: Well, you’re a long way from home.

H: Yes, too long. N: They both become quiet. After his hair is cut, the barber tells Henry how much money he must pay. Henry shows the barber the bank- note. B: Why, Mr.—(looks shocked)

H: Adams. Henry Adams. I’m sorry, but I don’t have any small bills. B: Why, Mr Adams, of course you wouldn’t! (Wearing a big smile) Nothing to worry about! Nothing at all! Please come back any time, even if you only need two little hairs cut! It will be my honor to serve you!

Writing Task (P60-61)

Imagine that after Henry marries Portia he has bad luck in business and becomes poor once again. Now he must tell his wife the bad news. Before you write, however, discuss these questions with your partner:

1) Do you think Henry would worry about what his wife would say to him after she heard the bad news? For example, do you think she would get angry at him? 2) Do you think Henry would worry that his wife would leave him?

3) Do you think Portia would ask Henry how he suddenly became so poor? 4) Do you think Portia would worry about their marriage now?

Suggested dialogue: P=Portia H=Henry P: Oh, Henry. It’s nice to see you home so early! H: Erm, ah. P: (Looking worried) What’s happened?

H: I can’t hide much from you, can I, dear? We have lost our money. The railway company in Brazil has bankrupted and all our money has disappeared. But I have a plan to help us. We can go back to America and start again. I can become a gold miner and we can make our fortune that way.

P: Leave London? Leave my stepfather? Oh no, Henry, please! H: I think it might be better for us. We would stand on our own feet. P: (Crying) I shall have to go home. You can’t love me if you want to do this dreadful thing.

H: (Putting his arms round her) Of course I do. It is for our sake that I suggest this. It will be an adventure. We will be able to travel where we like and I will be able to show you so many lovely places. P: As long as you love me I shall be happy. H: And I shall always do that!

Homework 1. Review the words and expressions learnt this class. 2. Review Act One, Scene 4 on Page and be ready to act it out.