Equus Analysis (Act 1); Equus: Act 2; More Psychology; Resources for A Clockwork Orange

Lab: Period 1

I am giving you an extension on A Clockwork Orange. Realize that there will only be one test grade for this marking period and that may affect your final marking period grade (depending on how you did on that test...); Instead of a test on A Clockwork Orange, the character analysis for Equus will count as a test score next marking period.

With the time in the lab, please do the following activities:

Please read the handout on psychologists Solomon Asch on social conformity, Virginia Satir & Guy Corneau about family and fathers, and the others: Daniel Kahneman, Nico Frijda, and Eliot Arneson. You should aim to use some of these theories, along with Freud, Anna Freud, Watson, Skinner, Pavlov, James, Janet, and the other psychologists we've studied to examine your chosen character:

• Dysart
• Alan
• Frank
• Dora
• Hesther
• Jill

Write a summary (1-2 pages approx. length) of how any of these theories help explain the motivation, objectives, conscious actions or words of that character in Act 1. Try to find reference to at least 3 different psychologists to examine your chosen character. Collect data by referencing the page or exact line that helps prove your analysis or case from Act 1.

If you finish before the end of the period, please do one of the following:

• Gather with at least one other student who has chosen the same character as you and compare notes. Did you find the same or similar examples? Help each other interpret the character you chose in Act 1. You will need your analysis to add to Act II (see homework). 
• Read and consult source material for A Clockwork Orange. We will have a discussion on the book next class.
• A Prophetic and Violent Masterpiece (scholarly journal article). This is an excellent example of how summary, analysis, critique, synthesis, and research can come together in a scholarly or academic article effectively. Please read this as a model, identifying where the article summarizes, where it analyzes, where it critiques, and how it uses synthesis and research from a variety of source material. Most of you will be expected to write similar articles later in this course, as well as in college.
• The Clockwork Condition (New Yorker) from the mouth of the author. This article, written by Burgess himself, helps explain what he attempted to accomplish with the book and provides excellent insight into the psychology of the author.
• A Clockwork Orange (film studies) - What it All Meant (video review of the film)
• And for fun: Thug Notes: A Clockwork Orange

Period 2:

We will continue Act 2 of Equus. Please complete the play and add a character analysis of Act II as you did for Act I. Your Act II analysis should also be about 1-2 pages (so that your final analysis paper will be between 2-5 pages in length). Complete this character evaluation by Wednesday, Nov. 15.

HOMEWORK: See above. Complete A Clockwork Orange. Read the four sources linked above in preparation for our discussion of the novel next class. Your character analysis paper on Equus is due Wednesday, Nov. 15.  Next, please read the article on "College Admissions" and use any of the prompt ideas for your own writing. The coffeehouse is Nov. 15 at 7:00. All are welcome to attend!

Finally, please get your field trip forms signed and clear yourself with the Nurse's office for our field trip to MCC on the 16th of November. We will be leaving at 8:15 (period 2) from the Commons and will be gone until period 9. Lunch is provided by the college.