Jim Crow and Literature

September 18, 2014

 

E.Q: Why is it important to understand history when looking at literature?

Obj: I can apply historical events to character psychology.

 

Starter:

What do you think of Monster, Black Boy, or Native Son so far?

What do you like most about it?

Least?

 

 

 

Activity:

1.  Finish  Billboards

Create a billboard on one example of a Jim Crow law.

 

Include:

What is the law.

Explain it in your own words.

 

What does it look like?

Draw a picture.

 

How is this an example of conflict/ how does it lead to conflict?

 Explain in 2-3 sentences.

 

 

 

2.  Gallery Walk

 

 While you walk around the room, select 3 posters that stick out the most.

 

 On a separate sheet of paper, complete the following:

Write down topic of each of the three posters and the creators names.

 

Looking at all three of the laws, consider how they relate.

Identify a common theme among all three.

 

How does this theme create conflict?

 

Predict how this theme will be seen in the book you are reading.

 

3.  Chunked Reading

 

Monster

1-5, 24-25

 

Black  Boy

22-25, 34-35

 

Native Son

Bottom 17- Middle 20, 42

 

Reflect on what you learned about Jim Crow laws.

 In your notebooks respond to the following:

 

1.  How do these laws influence the way the main character perceives himself/society?

Select at least one quote that provides evidence of your reasoning.

Elaborate on what that quote means.

 

2.  How do these laws influence the characters actions/thoughts? 

 Select at least one quote that provides evidence of your reasoning.

Elaborate on what that quote means.

 

4.  Catch up on Reading

Use the rest of class to read silently.

Tomorrow we will be working in literature circles.

 

For Tomorrow:

 

Monster

39-58

 

Black Boy

50-74

 

Native Son

57-83

 

Closure:

What connection have you established between the Jim Crow laws and your book?