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The Inquest Series involves working in groups, taking part in interviewing key 'witnesses' in each play. The characters' answers take the form of a computer print-out. Pupils will find themselves 'in role' as agents of Prince Escalus, or research assistants to a Roman senator; they piece together events from the fragments of information from each report. The investigation stimulates a dramatic classroom debate. The program stimulates focused thinking about the key issues of the play, revitalising study in the classroom, while the computer leaves you, the teacher, free to observe, assess, or help those who need assistance. Follow-up ideas for writing and discussion. An imaginative use of database programs and Newstream. Two simulations in one!
The first:
The second:
This inquest can also be used to explore other key issues in the play for instance: the character development of Macbeth, the role of Fate and the part played by the witches. The Senate is about to debate the motion: This House condemns the part played by Marcus Brutus in the assassination of Caesar.
There are 10 characters available for interview, but time is limited and questions may 'disappear' at the teacher's discretion, so groups must prioratise their research carefully. The inquest can also be used as a date-base to research the character and roles of Cassius, Antony and Caesar, Roman politics and its contemporary parallels, the influence of the stars and other key issues in the play. It is an invaluable source of key quotations. Romeo and Juliet's bodies have been discovered and Prince Escalus has ordered an investigation to discover who is the most responsible for their deaths. Students working in groups as agents of the prince must interview those involved to discover how they may have contributed to the tragedy.
This simulation can also be used as a database for research into the main characters, the role of Fate and the themes of love and hate. Shylock has decide to appeal against his sentence on the grounds that the court was prejudiced, the sentence was excessive and provocation was not taken into account.
All the drama of the courtroom scene will come to life in your classroom, only this time you won't know the outcome! This inquest can also be used to study the characters and relationships within the play as well as exploring the themes of racism, justice, mercy and the law. |
There are political as well as personal and moral issues
to consider. Is Macbeth a greater leader than Malcolm? If
he was destined to become king, does it matter how it came
about? Then, in secret council, the Thanes must debate their
course of action.
Your students, working as research assistants, must prepare
speeches for that debate by interviewing those involved.
There are 12 characters and over 100 questions, supported
by quotations and detailed references to the text. Once
their research has been completed, groups must present
their reports to the Prince at the formal Inquest.
Your students have two lessons in which to prepare their
cases for the court of appeal. They can interview all the
characters involved and ask an historian who can supply
useful background information on the plight of the Jews
in medieval and modern Europe.