Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

Subject: English Literature, African American Literature, Women's Studies (can be adapted)

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

Time Allotment: 4-6 weeks

Learning Objectives:

Students will be able to analyze the themes of identity, love, and self-discovery in the journey of Janie Crawford.
Students will be able to identify and interpret key literary devices used by Hurston, such as symbolism, vernacular language, and narrative structure.
Students will be able to evaluate the portrayal of gender roles and societal expectations for women in the early 20th century South.
Students will be able to discuss the novel's contribution to the Harlem Renaissance and its exploration of African American identity.
Students will be able to analyze the use of vernacular language and its impact on character development and the overall tone of the novel.

Materials:

Lesson Procedures:

Week 1: Introduction and The Harlem Renaissance

Brainstorming: Begin by asking students what they know about the Harlem Renaissance, a movement of African American art and literature. Discuss the concept of female identity and its exploration in literature.
Zora Neale Hurston and Their Eyes Were Watching God: Introduce Zora Neale Hurston as a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance and "Their Eyes Were Watching God" as a novel exploring the life journey of Janie Crawford, a Black woman searching for love, self-worth, and her own voice. Consider showing a map of the Southern United States (optional).

Weeks 2-3: Defining Dreams and Identity

Reading and Analyzing: Divide the novel into manageable sections. After each section, students engage in close reading activities, focusing on Janie's experiences in her marriages, her relationships with other women, and her evolving sense of self.
Symbolism and Voice: Analyze the use of symbolism (e.g., the pear tree, horizons) and how it reflects Janie's internal struggles and aspirations. Discuss how Hurston uses vernacular language to capture Janie's voice and perspective. Consider images depicting African American culture in the early 20th century (optional).
Quest for Love and Freedom: Explore Janie's relentless pursuit of love and her search for a partner who respects her individuality and desires. How does each marriage contribute to her understanding of love and self-reliance?

Weeks 4-5: Gender Roles and The South

Character Analysis: In small groups, students analyze the expectations placed on women in Janie's society and how she challenges traditional gender roles. Consider characters like Nanny and Mrs. Wash Jones.
Limited Options: Discuss the limited opportunities available to Black women in the early 20th century South. How does Janie navigate these limitations and strive for autonomy?
Finding Her Voice: Analyze the moments where Janie speaks her mind and asserts herself. How does she learn to define her own happiness and identity?

Week 6 (Optional):

Creative Response: Students can choose a creative response activity, such as writing a diary entry from Janie's perspective reflecting on a specific experience, creating a visual representation of Janie's journey using symbols from the novel, or writing a poem from the perspective of another character expressing their understanding of Janie.
Essay Writing: Students write an essay analyzing a specific theme or literary device (e.g., symbolism, vernacular language) in the novel and its significance. The essay should consider Hurston's exploration of identity, gender roles, and the African American experience in the South 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 Harlem Renaissance and comparing "Their Eyes Were Watching God" with other works by Zora Neale Hurston or other African American writers.
Modify assignments to cater to different learning styles (e.g., kinesthetic learners can participate in a dramatic activity where they act out key scenes from the novel)

Assessment: