Analyzing Character Development in Three Short Stories About Women

Materials and Technology

Printouts

Websites

Preparation

 

MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY

Student reflection journals

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PRINTOUTS

• Question Guidelines
  
  
• Script Preparation Guidelines
  
  
• Story Synopses for Teachers
  
  
• Observation Checklist
  
  
• Teacher's Rubric for Journal Assessment

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WEBSITES

• Kate Chopin: A Woman Far Ahead of Her Time
• French Creoles in Louisiana: An American Tale
• “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin
• About Susan Glaspell
• “A Jury of Her Peers” by Susan Glaspell
• The Mississippi Writers Page: William Faulkner
• “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner

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PREPARATION

1.	Secure copies of "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin, "A Jury of Her Peers" by Susan Glaspell, and "A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner. If you are unfamiliar with these stories or need a refresher, read the Story Synopses before beginning the lesson. Then make sure you have read each story in full before having students read it.
2.	Plan to have students read the three stories in different sessions. You will divide students into groups of four or five and distribute copies of one of the stories. Each story will be dealt with in the same way: You will introduce the story, having students think about the title and make predictions about the story. Students will read about the author on websites and discuss the author's views about gender differences. If you do not have computer access in class, arrange to use your school's computer lab for four 45-minute sessions (see Sessions 1, 3, 5, and 6). Students will read the story in class and at home. Students will take notes about the story to record their thoughts, questions, and feelings. You will have students discuss their notes in the classroom. Students will use the Character Trading Cards tool to analyze the characters and the stories in small groups. You will lead students in a whole-class discussion about their analyses of the characters.
3.	Preview the websites, the Character Trading Cards tool, and the Venn Diagram, 3 Circles tool so you will be able to demonstrate how to use the tools before students work in their groups.

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