15-20 people, 3-4 groups, Level: B2-C1
“Every facial
expression and every gesture contribute to the overall meaning of a statement.
Our body language thus accompanies every speech act we make, and even if we do not
speak, our non-verbal behavior constantly transmits information that can be
meaningful.”
Surkamp,
C. (2014). Non-verbal communication: Why we need it in foreign language
teaching and how we can foster it with drama activities. Scenario, 2014(02),
12-27.
This task will
focus on non-verbal aspects of communication (gesture, stance,
pronunciation, movement, body space) that are made in Arthur Miller’s play
Death of a Salesman. The part chosen is “Requiem”.
Students will
discuss the character’s position, space, stance, and gestures in the funeral
scene. Let’s remember the character’s in the requiem scene. (3-5 minutes)
Characters in the
requiem scene:
Linda Loman: Willy’s wife who
always supported and defended him no matter what.
Biff Loman: Willy’s older son. He always admired his
father, but his feelings changed when he learned about the affair.
Happy Loman: He loved his
father and even after everything that happened he still to support his father’s
dream.
Charley: Willy’s only
friend. A successful business owner.
Bernard: Charley’s son and
a successful lawyer. Together Charley and Bernard are like the reflection of
Willy’s dreams. Willy always wanted to be like that with his sons.
Watch
the adaptation of the scene in the 1985 version of the play. How did you
imagine this scene to be?
Before
watching, quickly gaze over questions. And try to answer them on your own. (2-3
minutes)
·
How would you think characters are positioned around
the grave? How would you position them?
·
Who is standing next to whom? In what position? Do all
the characters mourn and standstill? What kind of body movement they have?
·
Looking back into the play, do you think some other
characters should have said the last goodbye as Linda did? How was she
positioned? Should she be sobbing more or was that enough? Would you position
her as the proud, faithful wife or mourning, sad, and disappointed one?
·
What do you think about Biff’s and Happy’s space
towards her mom?
Death of a Salesman 1985> https://youtu.be/RMqiCtq5VLs (2:03:58 starting
of the scene)
Now watch the
part. Let’s discuss questions again with the entire class. (15 min.) (These
minutes may and probably would change in every classroom.)
(These pictures
below are for guidance.)
Do a role-play in
groups of 5. Imagine you are the director. How would you position yourself?
What kind of gesture, stance, pronunciation, movement, and body space choices
would you make in the “Requiem” part? (15-20 min.)
*Groups should be
1 male 4 females or vice versa to play all the characters. This meaning males
can play Linda and females can play other characters.*
Possible Answer: Happy could be
positioned closer to her mom since they are more sympathetic to Willy. Bernard
could have touched Linda’s shoulder and say “It’s getting dark, Linda” then
moving towards the back of the other characters since he doesn’t have much to
say. Linda might be the closest to the grave with Happy. Charley, his son, and
Biff might stand in the middle while Biff standing opposite his mom
and brother.
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