Lesson 4 Shrek Essay

Unit Three - Societies in Conflict

LESSON FOUR (ELAU3L4) – SHREK (Four Days)

INTRODUCTION

first lines from the move, Shrek....

[Shrek is reading a book in the outside toilet] 

Shrek: Once upon a time, there was a lovely princess. But she had an enchantment upon her of a fearful sort which could only be broken by love's first kiss. She was locked away in a castle guarded by a terrible fire-breathing dragon. Many brave knights had attempted to free her from this dreadful prison, but none prevailed. She waited in the dragon's keep, in the highest room of the tallest tower, for her true love, and true love's first kiss. 

[tears out a page and laughs] 

Shrek: Like that's ever gonna happen. What a load of... 

[flushes toilet and comes out]

. . . and so begins "the greatest fairy tale never written".

While on the surface, Shrek, may seem like an endearing children's movie, it holds several more important aspects and concepts that can be paralleled to every day life. Discrimination and prejudice are touched on in this movie. As an ogre, most people are shocked and disgusted by Shrek, who faces constant judgment by nearly everyone. 

 RESOURCES

"Jack and the Beanstalk"
"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"
Shrek essay
Shrek.com

RUBERIC

Unit Three - Societies in Conflict

LESSON FOUR (ELAU3L4) – SHREK 

• As you may know, Shrek is no ordinary ogre, and the film, Shrek, is no ordinary fairy tale. In traditional fairy tales, ogres are man-eating beasts, while the Prince usually rescues the Princess and they marry and live happily ever after.

• To re-acquaint yourself with traditional stories, read the two posted/linked above - "Jack and the Beanstalk" and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs". Pay attention to how the giant acts in the first story and the actions of the prince in the second.

• View Shrek. (You will have to rent this on your own.)
• From Resources section of this lesson, download the Word document labeled "Shrek essay".

• As you view the film a second time, answer the questions and respond to the statements in the "Shrek essay" document.

Unit Three - Societies in Conflict

LESSON FOUR (ELAU3L4) – SHREK

ASSIGNMENT

Re-name the "Shrek essay" Word document to E102U3L4surname
In this document, complete the good copy of the essay assignment outlined below.
Submit this assignment using the Folder for U3L4 Shrek Essay.

• In traditional fairy tales, ogres are man-eating beasts.
• The Prince usually rescues the Princess; they marry and live happily ever after.
• How do the makers of Shrek use presentation devices to reverse this tradition, to reveal the ogre as good and the Prince as evil?
• Point out the details that are "opposite" to the normal in terms of character action.  What is the relevance of this usage?

• Using the notes you made while watching Shrek for the second time, address the ideas and questions posed above.
• Use the notes as your outline - you should have a six paragraph essay once you are finished revising your good copy.

You will be marked using  RUBRIC - personal/persuasive essay

Unit Three - Societies in Conflict

LESSON FOUR (ELAU3L4) – SHREK 

EVALUATION

This assignment is evaluated based on the following RUBRIC

Comprehend - /4
Create - /4
Communicate - /4
Enhance - /4
Conventions - /4
Total Marks - /20

CONCLUSION

The theme in the movie, "Shrek" is based upon the idea that one should never judge an individual by his or her appearance. Shrek may appear different from other fairy tale figures, but what makes him attractive is his dynamic personality. Although he is an ogre, he is an admirable individual and should be regarded as such.