“THE CENSORS”

Luisa Valenzuela

EXAMINING WHAT YOU KNOW… FOCUS FREE WRITE You may list, web, brainstorm, Be ready to discuss your thoughts.

THE ESSENTIAL QUESTION: What do you know about censorship? Is it good or important? Is it bad?

Explain

What is censorship? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2SZ

xY5MQzw

ABOUT THE AUTHORLUISA VALENZUELA

From Latin America

Wrote short stories & novels

Against dictatorship in 1970s in Argentina

Feminist perspective

Against government control

“THE CENSORS”HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

published in 1976 Military faction overthrew

Argentina’s government Severe rule, restricted liberties Killed those who opposed Strict censorship of its citizens

WHAT IS SATIRE? http://www.youtube.com/wa

tch?v=F_eCsvfRX68

SATIRE An attack on or

criticism of any stupidity or vice in the form of scathing humor, or a critique of what the author sees as dangerous religious, political, moral, or social standards

Based on the title, what could the author have been making political commentary about?

LET’S READ THE STORY… How much

censorship is bad?

Kenny Fritz is my favorite student

Can censorship change a person?

EXIT PASS TICKET OUT THE DOOR QUESTION:

Based on what we discussed today, what is a satire?

Start your answer with “A satire is…” ANSWERS MUST BE IN COMPLETE

SENTENCES.

DAY TWO: Why does Juan

become a censor?

To intercept a letter he wrote to Marianna

Who is Mariana? What can you conclude about the past and current relationship?

His friend; close at one point but she left

How does Juan jeopardize Marina’s safety?

By writing her a letter, the government censors & inspects mail

Why does Juan want to intercept the letter he mailed to Mariana?

To protect her from the content of his letter; people were hurt who wrote & received letters

How does Juan work his way through the Censorship Division?

 

What does Juan do when he finds his letter?

What finally happens to Juan?

What is our opinion of Juan? What kind of character is he? Support your opinion with examples from the story. (5 points)

Explain how and why Juan seems to change during the course of his work as a censor. (Hint: What are his initial motivations, his attitude toward work and duty, his gradual changes in attitude?)

In addition to telling an entertaining story, what else do you think Valenzuela’s purpose might be?

 

Why do you think censorship is more severe in dictatorships than in democracies? Do you think that censorship is necessary in certain circumstances?

What is a satire? What elements of the story make it a satire? Use specific examples.