Anagnorisis is a Greek word meaning recognition. It refers to a moment in a play when truth is discovered by the characters. Anagnorisis means that characters are forced to look at events in new and uncomfortable ways. The audience, of course, has known the truth all along so they can sit and watch the reactions of the character. Anagnorisis occurs towards the end of act 5.
Explain what anagnorisis is. Ask students if the play they have been studying has such a moment? What is the impact on the characters and on the audience reaction to them. For example there is a moment in Othello when Othello realises that he has been spurred by jealousy and killed Desdemona- who is innocent and the love of his life. Despite the fact that he has killed her the audience still feels some sympathy. The same moment of truth can occur in comedy. For example when Viola, in Twelfth Night, removes her disguise Orsino has a rather unexpected new understanding of events.
In pairs ask them to think of an event that they are happy to discuss in their own lives where a new piece of information or turn of events has revealed a truth. How did they feel about discovering this truth? How did their perceptions change and the way they related to the people involved. Briefly feedback the emotions of shock etc- then ask how Shakespeare shows this in the play they are studying.
Now ask students to write two or three paragraphs about the character(s) to whom the truth has been revealed. The first paragraphs should be a summary of the character's thoughts and emotions to the moment of anagnorisis and the final paragraph should be about the moment of revelation and how the character's view of events and themselves changes and also about the way that the audience then feels about the character (s).
Remind them to use PEA- point, evidence and assessment or if you prefer PQD point, quote, development.
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