Black Boy by Richard Wright

Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

Black Boy by Richard Wright

Subject: English Literature, African American Literature, History (can be adapted)

Grade Level: 11-12 (due to mature themes and violence)

Time Allotment: 4-6 weeks

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will be able to analyze the themes of racism, poverty, and the struggle for identity in the American South during the first half of the 20th century.
  • Students will be able to identify and interpret key literary devices used by Wright, such as symbolism, foreshadowing, and first-person narration.
  • Students will be able to analyze the protagonist's experiences and the psychological effects of racism on his development.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the portrayal of education, religion, and the concept of manhood in a segregated society.
  • Students will be able to discuss the novel's contribution to the Harlem Renaissance and its enduring relevance in contemporary discussions about race.

Materials:

  • Copies of "Black Boy" by Richard Wright
  • Whiteboard/Projector
  • Markers/Pens
  • Chart paper or handout for note-taking
  • Images depicting the Jim Crow South (optional)
  • Map of the Southern United States (optional)

Lesson Procedures:

Week 1: Introduction and The Harlem Renaissance

  1. Brainstorming: Begin by asking students what they know about the Harlem Renaissance, a movement of African American art and literature. Discuss the concept of racial identity and its exploration in literature.
  2. Richard Wright and Black Boy: Introduce Richard Wright as a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance and "Black Boy" as an autobiographical novel exploring his experiences growing up in the segregated South. Consider showing a map of the Southern United States (optional).

Weeks 2-3: A World of Racism and Poverty

  1. Reading and Analyzing: Divide the novel into manageable sections. After each section, students engage in close reading activities, focusing on Richard's childhood experiences, his encounters with racism, and the impact of poverty on his development.
  2. First-Person Narration: Analyze the use of first-person narration and how it allows readers to experience the world through Richard's eyes and understand his emotional journey.
  3. Symbols and Foreshadowing: Analyze Wright's use of symbolism (e.g., the fire) and foreshadowing to highlight the themes of oppression and Richard's yearning for freedom. Consider images depicting the Jim Crow South (optional).

Weeks 4-5: Education, Religion, and Identity

  1. Character Analysis: In small groups, students analyze the role of education, religion, and different characters in shaping Richard's identity. Consider characters like his mother, grandfather, and Mrs. Jackson.
  2. Limited Opportunities: Explore how Richard's experiences in the segregated South limit his educational and professional opportunities. How does he grapple with the concept of manhood in a society that denies him agency?
  3. Hope and Defiance: Discuss the moments where Richard exhibits hope and defiance against the oppressive environment. How does his decision to leave the South symbolize his search for a better future?

Week 6 (Optional):

  1. Creative Response: Students can choose a creative response activity, such as writing a letter from Richard to his younger self reflecting on his experiences, creating a timeline of key events that shaped Richard's journey, or writing a poem from the perspective of another character expressing their own struggles.
  2. Essay Writing: Students write an essay analyzing a specific theme or symbol in the novel and its significance. The essay should consider Wright's use of first-person narration, character development, and the historical context 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 the history of the Jim Crow South or comparing "Black Boy" with other works of the Harlem Renaissance.
  • Modify assignments to cater to different learning styles (e.g., visual learners can create a map depicting Richard's movements throughout the novel or a family tree)

Assessment:

  • Participation in class discussions and group activities
  • Quality of notes, presentations, and creative responses (if applicable)
  • Analysis of themes, symbolism, and the use of first-person narration
  • Essay writing (if applicable)

Extension Activities:

  • Students can research the concept of racial identity and its development in a segregated environment.
  • Students can compare and contrast the portrayal of racism in "Black Boy" with contemporary experiences of racial injustice.
  • Students can explore the works of other writers from the Harlem Renaissance and analyze their contributions to African American literature.