A Soldier’s Story: Writing Prompt
Teaching a unit about racism? The following writing prompt will encourage students to make connections between Charles Fuller’s award winning play, A Solider’s Story and their real life experiences dealing with racial intolerance.
Pre-Writing: Teachers should show the Norman Jewison film, A Soldiers Storyto class in order to begin the lesson. The film, which is approximately 101 minutes, deals with the murder of an African American Seargent during World War II. Over the course of the movie, an investigation is lead by Captain Davonport, one of the United States first black officers as to who committed the deed. Teachers should prompt their students with questions about racism and tolerance as well as the concept of racism existing between one’s own race.
Objective: Students will be able to construct a 3-5-paragraph essay comparing their personal views of racism with that of the views and expository found in Charles Fuller’s A Soldier’s Play. (Note: The film, A Soldier’ Story was based on Fuller’s play)
Paragraph One: Writers should answer the following questions:
Your first paragraph should contain a topic sentence that gives the reader a brief synopsis of the play/film mixed with the writer’s personal narrative based on their experiences. (Use the questions below to assist you)
What is your personal definition of racism?
Have you seen or experienced racism in your life?
Where and when have you experienced racism?
In your opinion, why do you think racism exists in the world
Paragraph 2: A Soldier’s Story/Historical Significance.
Do you think that racism is something the army should tolerate? Why or why not (Cite your Internet source)
Sgt Waters, an African American from the Unite States of America was portrayed as very racist toward southern blacks throughout the play, is it possible for a person to have racial hatred for their own kind? Use specific examples of Sgt Waters’ actions and speeches in the film, to display this point.
Was Sgt Waters justified in his treatment of Private First Class Memphis throughout the film? (Remember Sgt Waters set him up and then had him placed in the brig (jail) with a six year sentence for no reason)
What happened? Who was involved? Why did it happen?
What was Pfc. Peterson’s justification for killing Sgt. Waters? Was his reason logical or realistic or was he just a killer looking for prey?
Who, if anybody, was convicted of the crime?
Was the film effective? If so why or why not?
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