In this lesson, you will review Dickens’s biography and his concerns as …
In this lesson, you will review Dickens’s biography and his concerns as a writer, and you will begin to read and annotate A Tale of Two Cities.In this lesson, students will review Dickens’s biography and his concerns as a writer, and they will begin to read and annotate A Tale of Two Cities.
In this lesson, you will talk about the ways in which images …
In this lesson, you will talk about the ways in which images send social and political messages to the reader.In this lesson, students will talk about the ways in which images send social and political messages to the reader.
In this lesson, students will review dramatic irony and verbal irony and …
In this lesson, students will review dramatic irony and verbal irony and learn how Dickens is using different kinds of irony to make the readers feel suspense, fear, and horror.
In this lesson, students will discuss what Dickens’s use of Manette’s point …
In this lesson, students will discuss what Dickens’s use of Manette’s point of view adds to the novel, and will discuss another central question: How is power abused?
In this lesson, students will consider the ways that Dickens continues to …
In this lesson, students will consider the ways that Dickens continues to build suspense for his readers and discuss one of the central questions of the novel: What is loyalty?
In this lesson, you will think about the way the politics of …
In this lesson, you will think about the way the politics of France have taken a turn toward Revolution, and you will reflect on the ways that private individuals confront public politics.In this lesson, students will think about the way the politics of France have taken a turn toward Revolution, and will reflect on the ways that private individuals confront public politics.
In this lesson, you will focus on filling your writing with vivid …
In this lesson, you will focus on filling your writing with vivid detail. You will complete a brainstorming exercise and work on your writing assignment.In this lesson, students will focus on filling their writing with vivid detail. They will complete a brainstorming exercise and work on their writing assignment.
In this lesson, you will have a chance to involve yourselves in …
In this lesson, you will have a chance to involve yourselves in the dramatic language of Dickens by performing parts of the text.In this lesson, students will have a chance to involve themselves in the dramatic language of Dickens by performing parts of the text.
In this lesson, you will talk about the way that Dickens cries …
In this lesson, you will talk about the way that Dickens cries out for justice. You will begin by looking at mythical avengers.In this lesson, students will talk about the way that Dickens cries out for justice. They will begin by looking at mythical avengers.
In this lesson, you will become part of the Old Bailey courtroom …
In this lesson, you will become part of the Old Bailey courtroom and think about Dickens’s opinion of this British court.In this lesson, students will become part of the Old Bailey courtroom and think about Dickens’s opinion of this British court.
In this lesson, you will consider Lucie’s situation as a single woman …
In this lesson, you will consider Lucie’s situation as a single woman in the 18th Century. As you think about her options, you will explore further the characters of Carton, Darnay, and Stryver.In this lesson, students will consider Lucie’s situation as a single woman in the 18th Century. As students think about her options, they will explore further the characters of Carton, Darnay, and Stryver.
In this lesson, students will think about illustrating A Tale of Two …
In this lesson, students will think about illustrating A Tale of Two Cities. They will consider what makes a good illustration and learn about Dickens’s most famous illustrator.
In this lesson, students will explore the ways that Dickens points his …
In this lesson, students will explore the ways that Dickens points his readers at meaning through symbolism, and they will consider Dickens’s opinion of the Revolution.
In this lesson, students will look further at the way that Dickens …
In this lesson, students will look further at the way that Dickens describes the Revolutionaries and try to uncover his opinion of the political situation in France. They will also consider whether or not Darnay can be considered heroic.
In this lesson, students will review the storming of the Bastille and …
In this lesson, students will review the storming of the Bastille and the actions of the Revolutionaries in these chapters, paying particular attention to the ways in which Dickens represents the women who have become rebels.
In this lesson, students will focus on making their vignettes more effective …
In this lesson, students will focus on making their vignettes more effective by considering more vivid language and getting advice from their classmates.
In this unit, students will explore great works of American literature and …
In this unit, students will explore great works of American literature and consider how writers reflect the time period in which they write. They will write two literary analysis papers and also work in groups to research and develop anthologies of excellent American stories.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Students read and analyze stories from several 19th-, 20th-, and 21st-century American authors. After researching a time period, they select stories from that period to create an anthology. The readings enhance their understanding of the short story, increase their exposure to well-known American authors, and allow them to examine the influence of social, cultural, and political context. Students examine elements of short stories and have an opportunity for close reading of several American short stories. During these close readings, they examine the ways that short story writers attempt to explore the greater truths of the American experience through their literature.
GUIDING QUESTIONS
These questions are a guide to stimulate thinking, discussion, and writing on the themes and ideas in the unit. For complete and thoughtful answers and for meaningful discussions, students must use evidence based on careful reading of the texts.
If you were to write a short story about this decade, what issues might you focus on? What defines a short story? Just length? To what extent do these stories reflect the era or decade in which they were written? To what extent are the themes they address universal?
CLASSROOM FILMS
History.com has short videos on the Vietnam War (“Vietnam” and “A Soldier's Story”).
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