An Ecological Message: from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Coleridge

A Conversation About Books

THE SCRIPT

PRESENTATORE: Benvenuti a RadioMancini alla redazione di English Corner, uno spazio dedicato interamente alla cultura inglese. Oggi sono ospiti gli studenti della IIALM del liceo Mancini che partecipano al progetto di lettura Read on. Gli alunni Illustreranno la loro esperienza, esprimendo le loro considerazioni. Diamo la parola a uno degli studenti, Antonio.

ANTONIO: Buongiorno a tutti dalla 2 Alm .oggi discuteremo di libri. Con la nostra professoressa ci occupiamo del progetto in lingua inglese Read on: abbiamo letto un numero notevole di libri e questo ci ha permesso di appassionarci alla lettura e di migliorare la nostra conoscenza della lingua inglese. Stamane ci confronteremo con i compagni sui vari libri, esprimendo le nostre opinioni.

PRESENTATORE: Prima di cominciare quest’interessante conversazione, ascoltiamo un bellissimo brano di…

CRISTIAN: Today I’m going to ask my classmates some questions about books. Let’s start with Giulia. Which book have you read recently?

GIULIA: I've read the do-over by Lynn Painter. She's from Nebraska and she's my favourite English author because of her reletable characters, that are usually teens like us, and because of her easy-to-read rom-coms ; she creates playlists for each of them. The book is set in Nebraska on Valentine's day and it's about Emilie Hornby who, after living through a disaster of a Valentine’s Day, escapes to her grandmother’s house for some comfort. She passes out on the couch, but when she wakes up, she’s back home in her own bed—and it’s Valentine’s Day all over again. And the next day? Another horrendous V-Day. Emilie is stuck in some sort of time loop nightmare that she can’t wake up from as she re-watches her boyfriend, Josh,who cheats on her day after day. In addition, Emilie can’t get away from the enigmatic Nick, who she keeps running into in unfortunate ways. How many times can one girl passively watch her life go up in flames? And when something good starts to come out of these terrible days, what happens when the universe stops doling out do-overs?

CRISTIAN: Who is your favourite character and what made it stand out to you?

GIULIA: My favourite character is actually the protagonist, Emilie. She has what she thinks is the "perfect life" all planned out. When it doesn't go as planned she's devastated and after a while she gives in and starts living life without thinking about the consequences and that's what we should always do to start to really live.

CRISTIAN: what is the main theme of the book?

GIULIA: I think that the meaning behind the time loop is not to plan life because fate has already planned everything for you. But so many people are obsessed with what's going to happen in the future that they don't appreciate the present and don't live at their best. It made me think all of the times that I really wanted to do something but I didn't because I was scared of the consequences but after reading this book I learned that we only have one life and we should live the present or we're never going to live our best life.

CRISTIAN: Let’s move on to Federica. What is the last book you have read ?

FEDERICA: The book I’ve read recently is The Canterville Ghost which was written by Oscar Wilde.

CRISTIAN: What was your first impression? Did it change as you read? Was the end satisfying?

Well, at first, I didn’t have a positive impression of the book and thought it wouldn’t be enjoyable. However, by the time I finished it, I found myself very satisfied. The end was better than I expected it to be!

CRISTIAN: is there a part of the story you would have explored in a deeper way?

FEDERICA: Not everything is perfect though: I personally think that the part of the story where Virginia is with the Ghost should have been more detailed. I am curious of what they had done!

Overall, it’s a great book that I would recommend to all teenagers of my age.

CRISTIAN: Enrico, which book do you want to talk about?

ENRICO I’d like to talk of Oliver Twist

CRISTIAN: do you want to tell the plot of the novel?

ENRICO:. The novel tells us the story of a young boy, Oliver, who loses both his parents. As a child, he is sent to a workhouse, where, after receiving a bunch of humiliations, he rebels against the adults in charge. From that moment on, he experiences a series of events that shape his journey towards freedom and independence. Oliver is sent to work for a coffin maker as an apprentice, to learn a profession, but overwhelmed by the harsh conditions, he escapes and finds shelter in the apartment of a group of criminals, led by the old Fagin, a man that will take care of the boy. Oliver becomes part of their group. However, he is unjustly punished for a theft and captured by the police. From then on, Oliver fights for independence from the criminals and the villain Bill Sikes, and dreams of living a better life with a man, Mr. Bronlow, who adopts him and offers him a fair chance.

CRISTIAN: Would you recommend this?

ENRICO I’d highly recommend it

CRISTIAN would you like to talk about your experience during the reading of Charls Dickens’s novel?

ENRICO: My experience reading Oliver Twist and other Dickens novels was overwhelmingly positive, so I would definitely recommend them, in particular Oliver Twist,  especially to anyone who feels that life is filled with injustices and is searching for personal affirmation in an unfair world.

CRISTIAN: Thanks Enrico , now it’s the turn of Francesca.can you talk about the book you have just read?

FRANCESCA: I have just read the Elephant Man.

CRISTIAN: is there a specific moment or scene that you like most ? Why or why not?

FRANCESCA: A specific moment I like much in The Elephant Man is when John Merrick is shown kindness and acceptance for the first time by Dr. Treves and others. It was touching because it highlights the power of compassion in transforming someone’s life, especially for someone who have been treated so cruelly before.

CRISTIAN: What do you think the author was trying to comunicate through the story’

FRANCESCA: I think the author was trying to communicate the importance of empathy and seeing beyond physical appearances. Through John Merrick’s story, the author shows how society often judges people superficially, but true humanity lies in recognizing the inner worth and dignity of every individual. It’s a message about compassion, acceptance, and the value of kindness.

CRISTIAN: Thank you Francesca.

CRISTIAN: Pierfrancesco, can you talk about a book that you like?

PIERFRANCESCO: I ‘ d like to talk about A Christmas Carol.

CRISTIAN: Do you think the book’s title reflects its story or themes?

PIERFRANCESCO: Yes, the title A Christmas Carol perfectly reflects both the story and its themes. The word “Carol” refers to a Christmas song, evoking the spirit of the holiday. This ties closely to the plot, which revolves around Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation and the awakening of values such as generosity, hope, and redemption.

CRISTIAN: What emotions did the story evoke in you?

PIERFRANCESCO: The book evokes a wide range of emotions:

  •  Compassion, for the struggles of characters like Tiny Tim and their resilience.

  •  Hope, for the message that change and kindness are always possible.

  •  Joy, for the uplifting conclusion celebrating Christmas spirit and Scrooge’s redemption.

CRISTIAN: Can you Describe the book with three words.?

PIERFRANCESCO: Redemption, Generosity, and Christmas.

CRISTIAN: now let’s talk to Carmine. Have you read a book recently?

CARMINE P.: I have read Percy Jackson , written by Rick Riordan, an American writer that has written this book for his son. The first book talks about a teenager that was attacked by his math teacher, she was a moster and the main character kills her. After that the character reveals his identity: he is an halfblood son of Poseidon.

CRISTIAN: What is your favourite character? Why?

CARMINE P.: My favourite character is Annabbeth Chase, dauther of Athena. I love her because she is a reletable character. I always feel like her becase she uses her brain to defeat her enemies.

CRISTIAN: Did you learn something new or gain a new prospective from the book?

CARMINE P.: I learned a lot of things about Greek mitology, and about my self because this book explores every kind of teenager problem, so this book helped me to improve myself.

CRISTIAN: They made a film about it, Didn’t They? Did you watch it? If yes, did you liked it’

CARMINE P.: They made a film and a series, I watched both and in my opinion the film is worst than the book. The series is acceptable and I like it.

CRISTIAN: It’s Matteo’s turn. Which book do you want to talk about?

MATTEO: I really enjoyed Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. It's a powerful exploration of ambition, responsibility, and the consequences of playing god. The novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who becomes obsessed with creating life. After succeeding in bringing a creature to life, he is horrified by its appearance and abandons it. Left alone, the creature experiences rejection and isolation, leading to tragic consequences as it seeks revenge on its creator. The book delves into deep themes of loneliness, morality, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. It’s both haunting and thought-provoking, making it a timeless classic.I’d recommend it because it raises profound moral questions and is a gripping exploration of human ambition, empathy, and the consequences of our actions.

CRISTIAN: What do you think about the author’s writing style? Was it engaging?

MATTEO: Mary Shelley's writing style in Frankenstein is both engaging and sophisticated. She uses a variety of narrative techniques, including the use of framed narratives, where multiple characters tell the story from their perspectives, creating a sense of depth and complexity. This structure keeps the reader intrigued by revealing key plot points gradually and from different angles.

CRISTIAN: Were there any passages that stood out to you? Can you tell us?

MATTEO: A passage that really stood out to me and that made me really think is when the creature of frankestain expresses his loniless and his pain ."I am malicious because I am miserable. If you only knew how little it is that I am made to endure! I would wish to be with you, and I would wish to feel the same sympathy that you feel. I am more than human, but I am a creature of suffering."

In this passage we realize how Frankestein is more than a monster but in every sense a human able of learning and in particular feeling emotions even stronger than we do.

CRISTIAN: Andrea, what book did you like?

ANDREA: I read A Christmas Carol and I liked it very much because I think it's very interesting and exciting. I love Christmas and this is the main topic of the book. I recommend it to all my friends and family.

CRISTIAN: What’s your favourite book, Maristella ?

MARISTELLA: The Canterville Ghost.

CRISTIAN: What is it about?

MARISTELLA: I like it for the Themes of Redemption and Forgiveness. Under the humor there is a deeper story of redemption. Sir Simon's transformation from a tormented ghost to a forgiven soul is touching and uplifting. The book is short and easy to read, accessible for All Ages.

CRISTIAN:. What did you read,Ugo

UGO: I read a very beautiful novel: Dracula. I love it because this novel inspires some others horror story. We can say this is the horror’s progenitor. I recommend to everyone because it is full of twists and turns.

CRISTIAN: Simona, do you like this activity ?

SIMONA: I really enjoyed this experience and I recommend it to anyone who loves reading because it’s a funny way to experience books, sharing your ideas with your friends.

CRISTIAN: And you Aurora, do you enjoy reading books? Do you recommend it?

AURORA: Yes, I do. I think that this is a funny and interesting activity that helps you learn English and read different books.

CRISTIAN would you recommend it’

Yes, of course

An interview with William Shakespeare

A Leap into the past

This year we have studied William Shakespeare and his works .Our class 3BSA has been very interested in this topic that we have dealt with great pleasure . Therefore some days ago Our English teacher had a surprise for us: a time machine capable of transporting us to any era. After much excitement and discussion, we decided to journey back to 1601, to the heart of Elizabethan London, to witness a live performance at the Globe Theatre.

As the time machine activated, we found ourselves amidst the bustling streets of London, the air filled with the scent of roasted chestnuts and the sounds of merchants. We made our way to the iconic Globe Theatre, eager to experience the magic of Shakespeare’s plays firsthand.Suddenly we met Shakespeare and we began our conversation

Student: Mister Shakespeare, it’s an honour to meet you.

Shakespeare: The pleasure is mine. You seem… out of place.

Student: Indeed, I come from the future. My class and I travelled back in time to meet you and ask some questions.

Shakespeare: Fascinating. What brings you to my abode?

Student: We attended a performance of “Hamlet” at the Globe. I was particularly intrigued by the female characters, especially Ophelia and Gertrude.

Shakespeare: Ah, Ophelia and Gertrude. Their stories are very complex.

Student: Ophelia’s descent into madness was heartbreaking. What inspired you to create such a tragic character?

Shakespeare: Ophelia represents the innocence and vulnerability that can be crushed by the machinations of court politics and betrayal. Her madness is a reflection of the chaos around her.

Student: And Gertrude? Her quick remarriage to Claudius raises questions about her loyalty and motivations.

Shakespeare: Gertrude’s actions are open to interpretation. Is she complicit, or merely a woman trying to survive in a patriarchal society? I leave that to the audience to decide.

Student: In “Romeo and Juliet,” Juliet is portrayed as a young girl even though determined. How did you approach describing her character?

Shakespeare: Juliet embodies youthful passion and the struggle between personal desire and familial duty. Her courage in pursuing love, even in the face of dire consequences, is a testament to her strength.

Student: Lady Capulet, on the other hand, seems distant from Juliet. Was this intentional?

Shakespeare: Lady Capulet represents the traditional expectations placed upon women, often at the expense of emotional connection. Her relationship with Juliet highlights the generational division.

Student: And what about “Othello,”? Desdemona’s unwavering love and tragic end are powerful. What message were you conveying through her character?

Shakespeare: Desdemona’s purity and devotion contrast sharply with the jealousy and manipulation that lead to her death. It’s a commentary on the destructive power of unfounded suspicion.

Student: Emilia’s role is also significant. Her realization and confrontation of Iago’s deceit add depth to the narrative.

Shakespeare: Emilia serves as a voice of reason and truth. Her courage in exposing the truth, even at great personal risk, underscores the importance of integrity.

Student: Lastly, Lady Macbeth’s ambition and subsequent guilt are central to “Macbeth.” What drove you to craft such a multifaceted character?

Shakespeare: Lady Macbeth challenges traditional gender roles, displaying ambition and strength. However, her descent into guilt-induced madness reveals the psychological toll of unchecked ambition.

Student: Your portrayal of women is remarkably nuanced for your time. What influenced this approach?

Shakespeare: I sought to reflect the complexities of human nature, regardless of gender. Women, like men, possess a spectrum of emotions and motivations worthy of exploration.

Student: Thank you for your time, Mister Shakespeare. This conversation has been enlightening.

Shakespeare: Safe travel, my friend to the future. May your journey be filled with discovery.


3BSA

Alunni: Armando Sarno, Luigi De Vivo, Federico Savignano e Luigi Tangredi

A Conversation Between Two Romantic Poets

 

Exploring Shakespearean Plays: the main role of women

Shakespeare’s themes

Women and love

An obsessive desire for love and power lies at the center of Shakespeare's tragedies. In these dramatic plays-also in the sense of a game-Shakespeare's heroines play an active role. Juliet is a 14-year-old girl who, in her absolute love for Romeo, finds the strength to oppose her parents, her relatives, and an entire society that denies her the right to love. Few scenes in Shakespeare are as brutal as the one in which Juliet's father, upon hearing that she refuses to marry Count Paris-her family's chosen husband- savagely insults her, while her mother refuses to respond to her pleas for help.

Women and vulnerability

Shakespeare emphasizes this aspect of her character, often portraying her as wishing she were a man; Macbeth himself remarks on how much more of a man she is than he is. Through Lady Macbeth, Shakespeare explores this dimension of human nature more effectively than he does with most of his male characters-perhaps with the exception of Richard III.Shakespeare's tragedies, women often embody vulnerability, caught in the tension between their own desires and the oppressive forces of society and the men around them. Desdemona and Ophelia are both tragic examples of how female vulnerability is exploited and ultimately leads to their downfall. Desdemona, in Othello, is a woman who loves with an intense sincerity, but her vulnerability lies in her unquestioning loyalty to her husband, Otello. Despite her strength of character, her innocence and trust make her susceptible to Otello's growing jealousy and doubt.

Ophelia, on the other hand, in Hamlet, represents a different kind of vulnerability. She is a woman without agency, controlled by the men around her -her father, Polonius, and her lover, Hamlet. The loss of her father, combined with Hamlet's rejection and cruelty, drives Ophelia to madness. Her vulnerability is not only emotional but also reflects her limited role in a world where her identity is defined by the men she serves or loves.

Women and power

In the eternal struggle for power that runs through world history and everyday society, Shakespeare's heroines do not conform to stereotypical female behavior. In Macbeth, Lady Macbeth is not merely a complement to her husband, but rather the driving force of the play: the witches' prophecy and Macbeth's ambition seem to serve merely as tools for her immense desire for power. Shakespeare emphasizes this aspect of her character, often portraying her as wishing she were a man; Macbeth himself remarks on how much more of a man she is than he is. Through Lady Macbeth, Shakespeare explores this dimension of human nature more effectively than he does with most of his male characters-perhaps with the exception of Richard III.