The Game of Life Related Text I and The Village Marc Chagall.

Title: I and The Village Marc Chagell - Cubist Artist 1911.

My hands were too soft.. I had to find some special occupation, some kind of work that would not force me
to turn away from the sky and the stars, that would allow me to discover the meaning of life."

Marc Chagall: For more on Marc Chagells life and art visit:
http://www.biography.com/news/marc-chagall-i-and-the-village-video
Homework:
Definition of Cubism:
Definition of Fauvism:
Definition of Surrealism:
Definition of Abstract:
Worksheet No: 1

The Game of Life Related Text I and The Village Marc Chagall.
Area of Study: Standard and Advanced Outcomes:
1. A student describes and explains the relationships between composer, responder, text and context in particular texts
2. A student describes and explains relationships among texts.
4. A student describes and explains the ways in which language forms and features, and structures of particular texts shape
meaning and influence responses.

Answer the following questions in your workbooks. Answers may help you to use this text in
your extended response essay at the end of the unit:
1) Marc Chagall states that his artworks help him to discover the meaning of life. Looking
at I and the Village what can you discern about the meaning of life? Make close
reference to the text to justify your response.
2) What is the salient point of the image? What does this suggest?
3) Analyse how vectors have been used to create meaning. (E.g. outline the reading path).
4) Chagalls work is rich with semiotic (the study of indication, designation, likeness, analogy, metaphor,
symbolism, signification, and communication) meaning. Find AT LEAST THREE symbols in I and the Village
and explain their metaphorical connotations.
5) Why is the Tree of Life situated at the bottom of the image? What might its placement suggest about
common aspects of human experience?
6) What ideas are made about the connection between man and the natural world? Use evidence to support
your answer.
7) In what ways does Chagalls use of abstract imagery invoke a feeling of dreaminess?
8) What is the effect of Chagalls use of colours and geometric shapes? What feeling does it give about human
experience?
9) It is hinted in Chagalls painting that religion is an important part of the human experience. Give evidence for
this.
10) Some images have been inverted (e.g. houses and the female). Explain the significance of the inversion. Can
you relate this back to the game of life?
11) Chagalls artwork is described as abstract and surreal. How would you describe Boyles Slumdog
Millionaire in comparison?
12) In his film, Boyle promotes the idea that the game of life is fated or predetermined. Is this idea confirmed
or challenged in Chagalls work? Give reasons for your response.
13) Boyle shows that there are definitely winners and losers in the game of life. Does Chagall promote or
challenge this idea? Give reasons for your answer.
14) Draw the following table into your books and fill it in:
Slumdog Millionaire (Danny
I and the Village (Marc Chagall)
Boyle)
Medium
Themes and ideas relating to the
Game of Life
Quotes - Evidence from the text
to support. (At least two pieces of
evidence per theme/idea)
Main techniques to highlight
ideas
Similarities (Between texts)
Differences (Between texts)
Worksheet No: 2

The Game of Life Related Text I and The Village Marc Chagall.

Elective Module: The Game of Life English Studies:

P1.2 explores the ideas and values of the texts
P1.3 explains how language and other techniques are used to convey meaning in extended and short texts in a range of forms
P1.4 Produces a range of texts in different forms
P4.1 plans and organises, with teacher support to complete tasks or projects, both individually and collaboratively
P4.2 works effectively, both as an individual and within a group, to locate and communicate information and ideas related to a
variety of topics

1) Marc Chagalls painting, I and the Village suggests that the experience of man is
interconnected with nature. How do we know this?
2) What might the upturned woman on the mans path represent?
3) Explain the contrast of the light and dark shading in the artwork. How does this suggest that
the game of life might change as we play on?
4) Construct a landscape that shows mans disconnection from nature. Take a photograph and put with your
notes. What is the effect on the game of life? Does it have a different tone and feel to Chagalls work?
Explain how and why.
5) The bottom of Chagalls work depicts a tree symbolic of the Tree of Knowledge. What is the Tree of
Knowledge? How does the legend of the Tree of Knowledge link with mans universal experience?
6) You are to complete a survey. Your survey must provide a range of questions asking people what skills they
believe are essential to succeed in life. As a class you should survey around 50 people. You will now use the
information gained in the survey to create a visual representation of The Tree of Knowledge. On its branches
and leaves, write down the various types of knowledge one should have to succeed in the game of life.
7) Write a personal reflection detailing the extent to which you have the qualities to be successful in life. Which
areas do you need to improve upon? Which are your strong points and why?

Worksheet No: 3

The Game of Life Related Text I and The Village Marc Chagall.

Worksheet No: 4