Selected Short Stories of Flannery O'Connor

Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

Selected Short Stories of Flannery O'Connor

Subject: Literature (American Literature, Southern Gothic) Grade Level: 11-12 (due to mature themes and complex narratives) Time Allotment: This lesson plan is designed for a unit of 2-3 weeks, with close reading of multiple short stories and class discussions.

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will analyze the characteristics of Southern Gothic literature as exemplified by Flannery O'Connor's short stories.
  • Students will develop close reading skills to identify symbolism, religious themes, and elements of irony in O'Connor's work.
  • Students will explore the complex characters and their struggles with faith, morality, and violence.
  • Students will engage in critical discussions about O'Connor's themes and her unique literary style.

Materials:

  • Copies of selected Flannery O'Connor short stories (e.g., "A Good Man is Hard to Find," "Everything That Rises Must Converge," "Good Country People")
  • Whiteboard/Projector
  • Markers/Pens
  • Chart paper
  • Handouts with discussion prompts/analysis worksheets

Lesson Outline:

Week 1: Introduction to Flannery O'Connor & Southern Gothic

  1. Introduction (Day 1):

✵ Introduce Flannery O'Connor and her place within American literature.

✵ Define Southern Gothic genre characteristics: grotesque imagery, exploration of sin and redemption, focus on the South's social and religious complexities.

✵ Briefly discuss O'Connor's Catholic faith and its influence on her work.

  1. Close Reading & Discussion (Day 2-3):

✵ Students read the first short story (e.g., "A Good Man is Hard to Find").

✵ Class discussion: Identify elements of Southern Gothic. Analyze symbolism (e.g., the Misfit, the grandmother).

✵ Discuss themes of violence, grace, and the search for meaning.

Week 2: Deepening Analysis & Contrasting Stories

  1. Characterization & Irony (Day 4-5):

✵ Students read a second short story (e.g., "Everything That Rises Must Converge").

✵ Class discussion: Analyze character development and internal conflicts.

✵ Identify how O'Connor uses irony (situational, dramatic) to highlight human flaws.

✵ Compare and contrast the stories' settings and characters.

  1. Religion & Morality (Day 6-7):

✵ Students delve deeper into O'Connor's exploration of religious themes and morality.

✵ Class discussion: How do characters grapple with faith, sin, and redemption?

✵ Analyze O'Connor's use of violence as a potential catalyst for spiritual awakening.

Week 3 (Optional):

  1. Independent Reading & Analysis (Day 8):

✵ Students can choose an additional short story to read independently.

✵ Assign an analytical essay or creative writing assignment based on the chosen story.

  1. Critical Reception & Legacy (Day 9):

✵ Discuss critical reception of O'Connor's work: controversy, praise for her style, and enduring themes.

✵ Explore O'Connor's legacy in American literature.

Assessment:

  • Class participation in discussions
  • Close reading annotations and analysis worksheets completed for each story
  • Written assignments analyzing characters, themes, and literary devices (e.g., essays, presentations)
  • Optional: Creative writing assignment inspired by O'Connor's style

Differentiation:

  • Provide scaffolding for struggling readers by offering summaries or glossaries of challenging vocabulary.
  • Challenge advanced students with in-depth research on Southern Gothic or Catholic theology.
  • Encourage visual learners to create graphic organizers or art pieces depicting key symbols in the stories.

Extension Activities:

  • Watch film adaptations of O'Connor's stories (if available) and compare them to the written works.
  • Research other Southern Gothic authors and compare their work to O'Connor's.
  • Write a letter to a character in one of the stories, exploring their motivations from a different perspective.