Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Subject: English Literature, History (can be adapted)

Grade Level: 9-12 (due to complex themes and violence)

Time Allotment: 4-6 weeks

Learning Objectives:

Students will be able to analyze the historical context of the French Revolution and its impact on the characters in the novel.
Students will be able to identify and interpret key literary devices used by Dickens, such as symbolism, foreshadowing, and parallel characters/plots.
Students will be able to analyze the characters' motivations, actions, and the moral choices they face during a time of social upheaval.
Students will be evaluate the themes of justice, revenge, redemption, and the enduring power of love and sacrifice.
Students will be able to discuss the novel's contribution to historical fiction and its exploration of timeless human experiences.

Materials:

Lesson Procedures:

Week 1: Introduction and Historical Context

Brainstorming: Begin by asking students what they know about the French Revolution. Elicit responses and discuss key events, causes, and consequences. Show a map of France (optional).
Dickens and Historical Fiction: Introduce Charles Dickens and "A Tale of Two Cities" as a classic example of historical fiction set during the French Revolution. Briefly discuss the concept of historical fiction and its use.

Weeks 2-3: Two Cities, Two Worlds

Reading and Analyzing: Divide the novel into manageable sections. After each section, students engage in close reading activities, focusing on character development, plot progression, and the contrast between London and Paris.
Parallel Lives: Analyze the use of parallel characters and plots in London and Paris (e.g., Lucie Manette/Madame Defarge, Dr. Manette/Charles Darnay). How do they highlight the contrasting social and political climates?
Symbolism and Foreshadowing: Discuss Dickens' use of symbolism (e.g., the wine cask, the knitting) and foreshadowing to create suspense and highlight themes.

Weeks 4-5: Revolution and Moral Choices

Character Analysis: In small groups, students analyze the characters' actions and motivations in the face of the revolution. Consider characters like Sydney Carton, Jerry Cruncher, and Madame Defarge.
Justice vs. Revenge: Explore the central themes of justice versus revenge, with characters like Lucie Manette representing forgiveness and Carton sacrificing himself for love.
The Power of Love: Discuss the concept of love as a force for redemption and the power of hope amidst violence and social upheaval.

Week 6 (Optional):

Creative Response: Students can choose a creative response activity, such as writing a diary entry from a character's perspective (Lucie, Sydney Carton, Dr. Manette), creating a graphic organizer to depict the contrasting societies of London and Paris, or writing a letter from a character to their future self.
Essay Writing: Students write an essay analyzing a specific theme or character in the novel and its significance. The essay should consider the historical context, use of literary devices, and the character's moral choices to support their analysis.

Differentiation:

Provide pre-reading activities, chapter summaries, or audiobooks for struggling readers.
Offer extension activities for advanced readers, such as researching specific events of the French Revolution or comparing "A Tale of Two Cities" with other historical fiction novels.
Modify assignments to cater to different learning styles (e.g., kinesthetic learners can act out a scene depicting a key moment in the revolution)

Assessment:

Extension Activities:

Students can research the legacy of the French Revolution and its impact on European history.
Students can watch films set during the French Revolution and compare their portrayal with Dickens' work.
Students can explore the concept of social justice and its relevance in contemporary society.