Film Analysis: Black Robe

Black Robe (1991)

Adapted by Brian_Moore from his own novel, The Black Robe is a sprawling recreation of a turbulant period in Canadian history. In 1634, Jesuit missionary Father Laforgue (Lothair_Bluteau) arrives in the New World, hoping to convert the Huron Indian tribe to Catholicism-and, incidentally, to expedite the French colonization of Quebec. Laforgue is regarded with a combination of warmth and wariness by the natives, who refer to Laforgue and his fellow priests as "black robes". Offering his services as both guide and friend is Algonquin chief Chomina (August_Schellenberg). The by-the-book Laforgue does little to endear himself to the Indians-one of whom, a holy man, labels the priest as a demon who will bring nothing but death and destruction. The one who suffers most is Chomina, the man who most desires peaceful coexistence. In an ironic coda, we learn that the "black robes" have set into motion the fall of the Hurons, simply by imposing their Christian values upon them.

Your task:

1) Describe the setting of the French village at the beginning of the film. What different types of people do you see? What are they doing?

2) What do Champlain and the Algonquin leader Chomina do that is similar before meeting? Why do the Algonquins agree to guide Father Laforge (Black Robe) on his journey to the Huron Mission?

3) How do the French and various aboriginal groups (e.g., Algonquins, Montagnais, Hurons, etc.) view each other in the film. In your opinion, do they respect each other's cultures?

4) Describe the Iroquois village. What is surprising about how the village looks?

5) What is happening among the Hurons when Black Robe arrives? How do they greet him?

Samuel de Champlain: The Father of New France

"The Father of New France"

Samuel de Champlain (1567-1635) was a French explorer and navigator who mapped much of northeastern North America and started a settlement in Quebec. Champlain also discovered the lake named for him (Lake Champlain, on the border of northern New York state and Vermont, named in 1609) and was important in establishing and administering the French colonies in the New World.

Your Task:

1) Listen to one of the audio recordings about the life of Samuel de Champlain.

2) Be sure to take notes on this phase of Champlain's life as you listen to the recording with your group.

3) As a group, create a short dramatic presentation which depicts important details from this phase of Champlain's life. Your presentation should be no longer than approximately 5 minutes in length. You may want to consider including both narrators and actors for this dramatic sketch.

or

4) Create a visual collage of some of the major events and achievements as outlined in your assigned audio recording about Champlain's life. Be prepared to make a 3-5 minute presentation to the class which explains your choice of visuals.

***Have Fun!***

Jacques Cartier's Voyages to the New World

*** Between 1534 and 1541, the French explorer Jacques Cartier made three voyages to the New World in search of a direct sea route to Asia. Instead of finding this route, or any other prized treasures, Cartier and his men spent months interacting with the local aboriginal peoples of Eastern Canada and mapping its interior. Cartier lost men on these journeys and never received fame or wealth in his lifetime. In fact, the French did not return to the New World for another 60 years after Cartier's voyages.

1) In your opinion, should Cartier's voyages to the New world be considered a success or failure?



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A Century at a Glance

This video is a montage of signficant events from the past century. Watch the video and try to identify various people, events and places that you recognize. Perhaps try and organize your ideas using the following headings.
People:
Events:
Places:
Response Questions:
1) How did this video make you feel?
2) What people, events, and places did you recognize from the video clip?
3) Do you think this video clip does a good job with displaying the significant events of the past 100 years? Explain.
4) Is there anything that you would add to this video?

Unit 1: New France

In studying the large area of North America called New France during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the students will investigate the roots and culture of the French communities; examine the character of daily life in the colony; and determine what changes resulted from the interaction of New France with other communities.

Evaluation:

1) Midterm Test (20%)

2) Weekly Assesment Tools (20%)

3) New France Model Assignment (20%)

4) Written/Online Responses (20%)

5) Unit Test (20%)

*** Note: At the beginning of each week, an in-class assessment piece will be assigned to the students. This assessment device may take the form of a quiz, written response, group task, presentation, etc. Each of these assessment tools will be averaged at the end of the term to calculate this percentage of the total mark.