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Use Film in the English Classroom

League of Extraordinary Gentlemen as Intro to Classical Characters

Jul 1, 2008

Many students are unaware that the movie "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" contains eight classical literature characters like Tom Sawyer and the Invisible Man.

Having students research the classical characters in this film allows them the opportunity to see the connection between the classroom and their world. The following lesson illustrates how to have students proceed.

Classical Characters in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen [The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen; 2003; 20th Century Fox; directed by Stephen Norrington]

Write the list of literary characters on the board or overhead. Ask if any students are familiar with the characters. Then, explain how each of the characters used in the movie come from classical works of literature. List the corresponding works next to the characters.

Allan Quartermain - King Solomon's Mine
Tom Sawyer - The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Nina Harker - Dracula
Captain Nemo - Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde - The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Invisible Man - The Invisible Man
Dorian Gray - The Picture of Dorian Gray
M - the short stories of Sherlock Holmes

Explain that students will pick the character they would like to examine. There will be a total of eight groups. All students will receive a group grade and an individual grade for the assignment.

Researching Classical Characters

Group Requirements:

Explain that groups are expected to thoroughly acquaint themselves with the literary work containing their character. They may do this by reading the shorter works or reading two summaries and by reading at least two reviews/critiques of the work.
2 sources min./4 sources max.- NO Wickapedia
Copy of material/sources used
Identify original literary work character appears in and give a summary of the work.
Give a description of the character in an approved format.
Explain what characteristics your character possesses that is the basis for including them in the League.
The group grade will be based on the group's oral presentation.

Individual Requirements:

Students keep a daily journal of what they have done and support this with copies of work they submitted to group.
This journal together with your observations of students will determine their individual grade.

Making the Connection between Literature and Film

Oral Presentation Guidelines:

Go over the following information for students:

Time Limit: 8-10 minutes
Format: skit, poetry reading, news magazine, interview, news reporter
Content: Detailed explanation of character and personality based on research and original literary work
Special skills character may bring to the League
Group Grading: Suitable format

Using the following example, explain the way the presentation will be graded.

Parameters of chosen format adhered to; chosen format supports content --15%
Presentation Skills -- 20%
Group Skills -- 15%
Content presented -- 50%

Determination of Individual Grade

Efficient use of class time -- 25%
Participation in final presentation -- 25%
Quality of work produced and turned in -- 50%

The total points for the individual grade are left up to each teacher.

Oral Presentation Grading

The total presentation based on the points below is worth 50 points.

The following items are graded on a scale of 5, 7, 8, 10 (see explanation below).

Identification of original work character appears in and summary of that work
Character description given in appropriate format
Valid reasons given for this character being chosen for the League
Valid Sources presented

The following items are graded on a scale of 2, 3, 4, 5

Presentation Skills: Audience is able to clearly hear and understand; Preparation and practice evident
Group Skills: Worked positively together in planning/presentation

Explanation of Grading

10/5: Excellent Job! Correct Identification of original work; Complete summary of original work; Appropriate format for Character description; Valid reasons given; Sources evident; Presentation skills and group skills excellent.

8/4: Great Job! Correct Identification of original work; Fairly complete summary; Format works for character; Some reasons are iffy; Sources suspect; Presentation skills and group skills are okay.

7/3: Fair Job. Identification of original work may not be complete; Summary is sketchy; Format not working; Most reasons are not valid based on traits; Sources lacking or incomplete; Presentation skills and group skills need refining; Difficulty seen in skills

5/2: Identification/Summary of original work incomplete; Format not used/not appropriate; Presentation skills and group skills lacking.

Connecting Classroom to World

When the presentation are completed, engage students in a large group summation focusing on why the literary characters were chosen for The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Include a discussion of other films, songs, advertising slogans, etc. that require a prior knowledge of literature or history. This closing should demonstrate for students the importance of classroom assignments in further understanding their world. Then put on the movie and what the students' understanding grow.

Showing students how to make connections with literature and media that they enjoy has the potential to increase their reading. Students are naturally inquisitive and giving them opportunities to use this trait in relation to the classroom can only be a plus for students and teachers.

Teacher Note: Before introducing the assignment, be sure to preview the film The League of Extraordinary Gentleman.

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