THE HUNGER GAMES

II. Assignment
THE HUNGER GAMES
Clips: The first reaping & the second reaping
1. Individuals act based on the meanings objects/people have for them. Based on how Effie
behaves, how had the meanings associated with the reaping changed from the first clip to
the second clip? Why? Consider how meanings change according to social and cultural
context, from interactions with individuals, and from interactions with society.
2. In the first clip, it is clear that Effie believes it is an honor to represent your district in the
Hunger Games. By the second clip, what factors may have influenced her view of being a
‘tribute’ in the Hunger Games?
MEAN GIRLS
Clip: Body image scene
3. Meanings are continuously created and recreated through interpreting processes during
interaction with others. Considering Cady had only recently begun public schooling in
the United States, how might the meanings associated with body image change according
to the social and cultural context? What social and cultural factors have influenced “the
Plastics’” view of body image?
4. In what ways did “the Plastics” communicate these meanings to Cady (e.g., language,
body language, gestures, eye contact, facial expressions, etc.)?
GOOD WILL HUNTING
Clip: “My boy’s wicked smart.”
5. The blonde man approaches Ben Affleck’s character and asks him a series of questions
demonstrating his skepticism that he had been in a class with the young woman. What are
some of the indicators signaling to the blonde man that Ben Affleck’s character was
likely not a student at Harvard?
6. Although both men are claiming to be students at Harvard, it is assumed that the audience
recognizes that the blonde man actually is a student at Harvard. What indicators signal to
you that the blonde man is, in fact, a student at Harvard? Why do these indicators convey
that meaning?