Midsummer+Night's+Dream+Webquest

A WebQuest for 10th Grade English Designed by Coach Smart asmart@wacoisd.org
 * =** Midsummer Night's Dream Webquest **=

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits

**Introduction**
Shows like //30 Rock//, //Scrubs//, //The Cosby Show//, and //Family Guy// are award-winning examples of comedy. Comedy: the stuff that makes us laugh. The writers of these shows are experts in the art of comedy.



People have been writing comedy as far back as medieval times. One of the first comedic writers, William Shakespeare, published folios of the funny stuff. Shakespeare may be remembered for tragedies such as //Romeo and Juliet// but, there is a humorous side to him that is just as important. Through this Webquest, we will learn about Shakespeare's contributions to comedy as well as observe some classic comedy moments and relive how these comedians made us laugh.

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**The Task**
First, you will share your definition of comedy and what is funny to you. Next, you will define characteristics of a Shakespearean comedy. You will then watch a number of examples of comedy. You will analyze segments of classic comedy shows and record your observations. Next, we will read //A Midsummer Night’s Dream.// We will review the elements of a comedy and compare the comedy of Shakespeare with the examples from today (and yesterday). Return to the top

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Think about what makes something funny. Is it the language, the facial expressions, the props? Using [|Wallwisher], explain what to you makes something funny. Feel free to add an image, link to a website or video. =====

2. Next, review the list of terms.
Using [|Dictionary.com] or [|Google], review the terms below. Then, create and print a [|Wordle] of the characteristics of a Shakespearean comedy based only on those definitions. What would a comedy look like in Shakespeare’s day? 1. Pun 2. Irony 3. Parody 4. Satire 5. Slapstick humor 6. Deadpan humor 7. Romantic Comedy 8. Situational Comedy

3. Now it's time to watch some comedy.
As you watch, decide for yourself which is the funniest clip and why. Be ready to share your findings with the class when we return to the room.

[|Lucy, Lucy, Lucy] [|Curly Takes the Stand] [|The Simpsons Gym] [|How to Respond to a Telemarketer-The Seinfeld Way] [|Dad Who Can Do Anything] [|Who’s on First?]

We will vote using [|Polleverywhere] when we return.

4. Using any search engine, find and print one image that would match any ONE of these themes.
Love’s Difficulty Magic Dreams Love Potions Marriage Deceiving Appearances Love’s Foolishness

Write your name on this and turn it in. We will revisit your image at the end and discuss how it fits to our story, //A Midsummer Night’s Dream.//

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**Evaluation Print the rubric below. Turn it in stapled with your Wordle and image.**


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**Conclusion**
In completing this Webquest, you are now ready to read //"A Midsummer Night's Dream"// enjoy its humor.



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**Credits & References**
Created, with love, by Lisa Monthie.

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Based on a template from [|The WebQuest Page] ||