We had a great chance of reading one of the finest works in literature by Sophocles. The title of this play is Oedipus Rex. Dr.Edwin prescribed this text as part of our course for EDU 3217, Teaching the Language of Drama. Initially, when I first read the play, it was quite bored and I really don’t understand with the command of language that they have used. It took me a longer period of time to comprehend the text. With the assistance from Dr.Edwin, eventually I was able to get an overall view what is this play is all about. Basically, this play has got four scenes with prologue (beginning) and exodus (ending). Few lectures with the assistance from Dr.Edwin regarding this play have made me to be more confidence to encounter all the questions that I might have for the final examination.
Moreover, we also had a great chance of watching Oedipus Rex in a movie form. This movie is entitled Oedipus, The King. By watching this movie, it enhances and consolidates my understanding of this play better. Moreover, I was able to visualize the scenes subtly because before this, I only had a chance of reading the text. It somehow gives me a visual understanding of the play. In my personal opinion, I felt that, by watching the movie, I was able to comprehend the play better rather than reading the text. I used text as my secondary source to have a better understanding of this play.
Basically, what I have learnt from here is that, as a future English language teacher, we are given the authoritative to choose the best modus operandi that can be used to impart knowledge to the students. We should also bear in my mind that only certain approaches can be applicable to certain group or level of students. Hence, as a teacher, we should come up with different approaches that can cater the students’ needs. As I had mentioned earlier, one of the good example is the movie and the reading text. Teachers can use both approaches as part of their teaching and learning process in the ESL Literature classrooms. Reading text can be used to analyze the literary elements of the play whereas the movie can be used to enhance and consolidate the visual understanding of the play. Both approaches are essential for the betterment of our teaching and learning process. Besides that, this kind of methods will entice the students’ interest and participation in the classroom.
As a conclusion, Oedipus Rex was a great play that I have ever read and watched. The usages of two approaches by Dr.Edwin, which are the reading text and the movie, have made me to have a better understanding of this play.
Hi Krishna.
ReplyDeleteIt is true that when reading Oedipus Rex, it was difficult to understand the text due to its’ traditional language. Watching the movie besides just reading the play actually helped us to understand better of the play. I do agree with you that when we are reading the play, we might not able to imagine the setting and the real situation of some scenes. Thus by watching the movie, it allows us to get the real picture. It gives a clear imagination for us and this will remain in our mind.
However, I do not agree with you using the text as your secondary source. This is because there were some parts in the movie that were not the same as stated as in the book. One of it was, Oedipus was supposed to limp due to his club foot. But, in the movie he was running up and down the stairs of the colloseum. It does create a bit of confusion as it contradicts with the text. As our education system is a more exam oriented system, we will only be tested based on the text and not the movie. So, we have to read the play first. Moreover, when we have the schemata of the play, then only we will be able to engage better with the movie. Imagine if you watch the movie first without reading the play, I don’t think we will understand about it. We must at least have a summary of the movie first. Therefore, I do not agree that using the text as a secondarily source. It should be the first source. :-)
hello Krishna,
ReplyDeleteI agree of what you have said.As for me ,Oedipus was difficlut to be read at first yet i managed to comprehend it better as i read the history and the review of the play.Another help was from Dr.Edwin of course.Later,when i read the play for the second time i found that the language was not that difficult as i felt it before.Maybe we thought that the langauge would be diffilcult because of our experince of reading the Macbeth play during our years in IPTI.
Secondly,i would like to comment on your view about watching movie and reading the play.Well,i will personally say that it would have been difficult for me if i were to watch the movie first.Do you know why?
First and foremost,the movie was not clear and interesting as i expected.It was blury and the sound sistem really needed to be improvised.Another was the language.Yes ,previously I said the langauge is not that difficult but i feel that litening and reading a play is not the same .Besides ,it is not easy to catch the words while watching the movie.Thus ,i would better go thorough the play before watching the play.