ENG 272 G: Myths Dreams Symbols,
Mondays and Wednesdays, 915-1030 a.m. (Mokihana 101)
Pan's Labyrinth DVD Sequence of Assignments
The reason I selected Pan's Labyrinth as an object of
study is twofold: 1. The film is an adult fairy tale;
2. The film can easily be used to review Old-School (internal
analysis) and New-School (external analysis) concepts.
The assignment is divided up into three separate tasks:
1. TASK ONE: Create a list of critical questions
while you watch the movie. Refer to your chart on old and
new school to assist you in creating these questions. At a
later date, I may utilize the questions that you generate
for an in-class discussion and participation exercise. Come
up with at least 10 questions, and answer any two. Use evidence
while answering your questions, possibly using the screenplay
if needed. If you come up with more, that is up to you, to
demonstrate your level 6 ethos.
Sample Questions:
What is the history and symbolism behind mandrake roots?
How are the mandrake roots used in this film?
How is this depiction of the faun actually much different
from his namesake of Pan, the mythological satyr of woods
and forests?
Suggested length: 1-2 pages
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2. TASK TWO: Craft a critical analysis of a crucial
scene in the film, focusing on the description of the scene.
Your job is to CLOSELY ANALYZE the scene and demonstrate an
awareness of how to summarize filmic material as well as to
explain why the scenes details are important. Focus on symbols,
images, colors, sensory methods, music, camera movement, costuming,
etc., etc...—basically anything that goes into the scene.
As part of your analysis, you should have a thesis
statement for this assignment that successfully captures the
EFFECT of that scene. You should be able to articulate WHY
the scene was important in the greater context of the film.
Sample Thesis Statement: Meant to articulate the classic
rulebreaking patterns of fairy tales, the scene where the
protagonist battles the giant toad seems replete with tension
and retribution: the protagonist has broken several rules
imposed upon her by her mother.
Suggested length: 2 pages
HOW
TO DO (SCENE ANALYSIS)
SAMPLE
SCENE ANALYSIS
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