1. Review Chapter 6 Journal Write Preview Chapter 7
Watchmen
Review Chapter 6
Journal Write
Preview Chapter 7

2. Chapter 6 Abstract: The Abyss Gazes Also
Rorschach begrudgingly cooperates in an interview with Dr. Malcolm Long.
• Rorschach's early life and his construction of his costumed hero mask are presented in flashbacks.
• In prison, Rorschach defends himself against a knife attack.
• The weeks Dr. Long works with Rorschach puts stress on his marriage and personal life.

3. Warm-Up Is he justified in behaving this way?
We learned about Rorschach is Chapter 6 of Watchmen.
Is he justified in behaving this way?
What shaped him to be the person he is today? Is it right or wrong, explain.
Is what Rorschach does justice? Explain why or why not.

4. Journal Write
In life, people are affected and often change behaviors and motivation because of what happens to them. They learn life lessons that change them. It is the same with main characters in literature. These characters learn and change due to what happens to them. Some characters (who often are minor characters) stay the same. These might or might not also be stereotypical characters. Stereotypical characters are based on generalized perceptions--for example a ditzy blonde, serious professor, loud working-class person, shifty car salesman. Note that minor characters don't learn in the novel: main characters learn something about themselves and of the world.

5. Journal Write
Discuss, in pairs, the characters you have met so far in Watchmen (5 minutes). Then answer the following questions (10 minutes): What has been revealed about these characters so far? Which are the main characters and which are minor? How can you recognize the characters' qualities?

6. Journal Write
Write a story in which an event has changed your own life. It could be minor it could be major. Think of something that has forever made an impact.

7. Character Poem
Choose any 1 character from the graphic novel Watchmen. You will create an “I am” pome for this character. Write their name across the top.

8. “I am” Poem

9. Deeper Reading
Literary theory is an attempt to understand the various ways that different people read texts. Yes, we all know that not everyone “interprets” a book, poem, or even a song the same way. Lenses/Criticisms gives readers a chance to view a text with a so-called different set of lenses.

10. Feminist/Gender Criticism
View society in a “patriarchal” and “heterosexual” way, which has hindered or prevented women and homosexuals from realizing their true potential. Claim that both groups are viewed negatively, inferior, or as “the other.”
Consider the gender/orientation of the author, characters
·         What roles does gender or sexuality play in this work? (Examine power relations)
·         Look for sexual stereotypes either reinforced or contradicted
·         Imagine yourself as the opposite gender reading the text

11. Marxist Criticism
Views society based on the economic and cultural theory of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engles. Assumes that each society is made up of a set of concepts, beliefs, values, and ways of thinking influenced by economic and class structures.
·         Consider who has the power/money and who doesn’t
·         What role does power, money, or class play in this work?
·         What happens as a result in differences in power/money?
·         Relate context of work to social-class of author and/or time period

12. Psychoanalytic Criticism
Views text as an expression of the personality, state of mind, feelings, and desires of its author. Looks for the distinction between conscious and unconscious motives of characters and author.
·         Consider the author’s personality to explain and interpret a text
·         What psychological theories are present in the characters (Oedipal complex, obsessive compulsive, sexual repression, denial, guilt)?
·         What repressed material is expressed in imagery or symbols?

13. Historical Criticism/Post-Colonial
Views text as a closely related to the time during which an author wrote. Focused on the social, political, economic, cultural, and/or intellectual climate of the time. Examines how other cultures are viewed in terms of an overpowering Western literature base.
·         Looks at issues of colonization and imperialism
·         Rejects the idea of marginalized people as “others”
·         Celebrates “hybridity” (existing in two cultures at once)

14. Modernism/Post-Modernism:
Modernism is a rejection of traditional forms of literature (chronological plots, continuous narratives, closed endings etc.) in favor of experimental forms. They have a nostalgia for the past that they feel is lost so Modernist texts often include multiple allusions. Post-Modernists follow the same principles but celebrate the new forms of fragmentation rather than lamenting them.
·         Look for ironies within a text
·         Analyze fragmentation and a mixing of genres and forms
·         Blurs the line between “high” literature (classics) and popular literature (NY Times Bestsellers)

15. What the heck?

16. Feminist/Gender Criticism
Can be viewed as the helpless role females have in society. The female lions are used to provide food and care for the young yet it is the males that have all the power. When Mufasa dies his power transfers to either his son or his brother. His wife is never even considered. Nala is also clearly “stronger” than Simba yet she is considered inferior.

17. Marxist Criticism
Can be viewed as the upper class (lions) trying to maintain power over an unhappy lower class (hyenas). The lower class resents the privileges of better food and hunting grounds that the upper class maintains. This conflict causes a rebellion, which disrupts the normal social order causing chaos and destruction.

18. Psychoanalytic Criticism
Can be viewed as a classic case of sibling rivalry—Scar is savagely jealous of his much stronger and might I say better looking older brother. Can also be viewed as the classic struggle to overcome feelings of guilt or inadequacy—both of which Simba has after the death of his father.

19. "That Nature is for humankind to harness"
What does this quote mean?
How does it apply to everyday life?

20. Chapter 7 Activity
To what extent are Dan and Laurie motivated by nostalgia for past costumed hero adventures/glory? Is a drive to recapture the past realistic? Do you empathize with their positions to any extent? Why or why not?