Monday, October 7, 2013

Whale Rider (2013)

As we continue our foray into the world of literary analysis we will be momentarily diverting our attention from a written work to a cinematic feature.  Having a visual narrative, as well as one that is full of dialogue, might help to solidify our understanding of what Foster is suggesting in his instructional book, How to Read Literature Like a Professor.  So, we will be watching the film Whale Rider in class for the next week.  During our viewing we will be stopping at specific places and discussing what it is that we see at work in the film that correlates with the instruction of Foster.  There will be additional paper work that must be filled out as well that will, as always, help us to analyze the work at hand.  Below is the film for you to watch if you miss any classes, or if you want to view it a second time.  Unfortunately, the only full film on youtube has Spanish subtitles, but they may be helpful for some.  So, here it is.

On a side note, do you remeber that pesky question that I asked in the beginning of class: "What is the nature of the world and our place in it?"  Well, think about that question while we watch the film.  Additionally, think about this: how do mythology and tradition effect us today and when is it time to separate from either or both of them?  Food for thought.