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Study Guide: The Measure of a Man

IX. Chapter Seven: Destruction or Resurrection

C. Writing Incentives

Choose one of these writing assignments.

 

1.  Working with Quotations

In the beginning of the chapter, Sidney Poitier writes:  “Those who are given the designation of ‘stars’ cease to be simply actors and become part of the collective unconscious, part of the dream fabric of the culture.  It’s a tremendous responsibility, and one that members of my profession take on with highly varying degrees of success” (139). 

Write about the actors who have become “part of the collective unconscious, part of the dream fabric of the culture” during your life. To what extent have they been responsible for their success?  How have they managed their “star” status, and to what extent has their popularity been good or bad? 

2.  Writing a Dialogue

As Sidney Poitier says, “My father was with me every moment as I performed in A Raisin in the Sun” (158).

Write a dialogue between Sidney and his father Reggie, in which the son tells the father how his example gave him the source material that he needed in order to perform well in the play and live his life.  You can start this way:

Sidney:  “You were with me every moment as I performed in A Raisin in the Sun.”
Reggie:  “How is that, Sidney?  I don’t understand.”
Sidney:
Reggie:
ETC.

3. Reporting on Research Projects

Sidney Poitier studied acting at the Actors Studio.  What is the history of the Actors Studio?  What acting technique does it teach?  Which famous actors have gotten their training at the Actors Studio?  Write a report on your findings.