LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Goal 4

The learner will critically interpret and evaluate experiences, literature, language, and ideas.

Objective 4.02

Analyze thematic connections among literary works by:

  • showing an understanding of cultural context.
  • using specific references from texts to show how a theme is universal.
  • examining how elements such as irony and symbolism impact theme.

Resources aligned to this objective

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
Students study the symbolism, setting, and characterization in Kafka's work.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–10 English Language Arts)
By Laura Rose.
Colors and Symbols of Stigmatization
This lesson is an introduction to the reading of NIGHT by Elie Wiesel, which students will read independently. The students will do research to discover the different colors and symbols used to symbolize the Nazi party's list of undesirable people. The students will gain an understanding of how other people can arbitrarily judge other people as inferior.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts and English Language Development)
By Sandra Hurd and Wilma Gale.
Do you "Really" Believe in Magic?
Students are introduced to the genre (or mode) of Magical Realism in World Literature by reading Gabriel Garcia-Marquez's short story, "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings." This lesson plan is modified for an English Language Learner (ELL) at the Intermediate Low (IL) proficiency level.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts and English Language Development)
By Ann Gerber and Tericia Summers.
Eyewitness to the flood
In this lesson, students will listen to oral history excerpts from Hurricane Floyd survivors and contrast their experiences with the experiences of the characters in Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God.
Format: lesson plan (grade 10 and 12 English Language Arts)
By Kristin Post.
Looking Back - An Art/English/History Interdisciplinary unit
This is an interdisciplinary unit that incorporates research of historical events of the past century. By students learning to recognize that society impacts the themes within art and literature, students then take this knowledge base and interview an individual to develop a biographical narrative, a collage, and oral presentation.

The lesson can be modified to take two weeks or longer. Some of the activites are designed for long-term assignments.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts, Visual Arts Education, and Social Studies)
By Julie Osmon.
A matter of identity: Writing an extended metaphor poem
Students apply their knowledge of literary devices by reading and analyzing the poem “Identity” by Julio Noboa Polanco. Students then create their own poem incorporating the literary devices studied and analyzed in the above mentioned poem. This lesson includes modifications for a Novice Low Limited English student.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts and English Language Development)
By Susan Brooks and Carrie Mabry.
Replica of a Period Newspaper/World Literature
Students will research a specific time in history in order to create the front page of a newspaper relevant to the selected time period.
Format: lesson plan (grade 10 English Language Arts)
By Kim Dechant.
Setting and Symbolism in A Doll's House
This lesson is designed as a follow-up to the reading and discussion of the play A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen. An understanding of the two literary terms setting and symbolism, and their impact on a work of literature, are essential to students' success in following the guidelines outlined in the North Carolina English Language Arts Standard Course of Study. This lesson has been modified for English Language Learners at the intermediate high proficiency level, but would also be adaptable for learners at the novice or advanced levels.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts and English Language Development)
By Guy Hill and Crystal Brown.
"Who Moved My Cheese? for Teens"
Students read, discuss, and write about "Who Moved My Cheese? for Teens" by Spencer Johnson, M.D., a parable about life's changes, and how best to benefit from them. By reading the parable, students will learn ways to react positively to inevitable change, and gain insight into their personal decision-making processes regarding changes in their lives, now and in the future.

This lesson plan is modified for Advanced English Language Learners in the 9th and 10th grades. It is written for 45 minute class periods, but can be modified for 90 minute block classes.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts and English Language Development)
By Ann Gerber.

Lesson plans on the web

Audio listening practices: Exploring personal experiences with audio texts
In this lesson designed to develop students’ involvement with media literacy, students keep a daily diary that records how and when they listen to radio, music (e.g., songs on MP3 players, podcasting), and other streaming media or archived broadcasts. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–11 English Language Arts)
Provider: IRA/NCTE
Decoding “The Matrix”: Exploring dystopian characteristics through film
In this lesson, students are introduced to the definition and characteristics of a dystopian work by watching video clips from The Matrix and other dystopian films. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts)
Provider: IRA/NCTE
Faulkner's "As I Lay Dying": Burying Addie's Voice
Students consider the role of Addie Bundren in Faulkner's As I Lay Dying, the effect she has on the other characters, and the impact created by Faulkner's use of multiple narrative perspectives on revelation of character and exploration of themes. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts)
Provider: National Endowment for the Humanities
Faulkner's "As I Lay Dying": Crossing the River
Students consider the symbolism of the river crossing in As I Lay Dying and how Faulkner's use of multiple narrative perspectives relates to the author's thematic concerns. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts)
Provider: National Endowment for the Humanities
Ghosts and fear in language arts: Exploring the ways writers scare readers
Students investigate what it is that is so fascinating about scary stories. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 10 English Language Arts)
Provider: IRA/NCTE
Weaving the multigenre web
In this lesson, students read novels, analyze the literary elements, and create a multigenre project to present information to their peers. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts)
Provider: IRA/NCTE