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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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):
- 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.
- 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.