Lesson 1.5

Objective

Written fifty years apart, the two novel excerpts focus on their main characters’ attempts to control the world in which they live. Marlow, the narrator of Heart of Darkness, is a European outsider on a mission. Okonkwo, the protagonist of Things Fall Apart, is a tribal leader in an African country. The world is quickly changing around both of them. Students may contrast these selections with the deliberate pace and deep connection to nature shared by the narrator of “The Story of a Vision.” This lesson will focus on the following essential question :

  • How do the words of a story help the characters survive?

After reading and completing the tasks in this lesson, students will be able to form a claim and defend a stance using primary and secondary sources to defend their position

Instructional Video + Guided Notes

N/A for this lesson

Reading Text

Go to StudySync. Go to the assignment titled "Lesson 1.5 Heart of Darkness Reading Response," and complete all portions of this assignment to receive credit for your work.

Assignment

Debate: Is Heart of Darkness a Prejudiced Text?

Many critics have condemned Conrad’s work for being prejudiced. Students will analyze the text, take a position, and defend it in a formal debate. Students should do the following:

  • Conduct informal research on the argument over Conrad’s text.

  • Analyze the text and specifically note how the characters are portrayed.

  • Collect facts to support their opinions about whether or not this text is prejudiced.

  • Construct an argument with a clear claim, evidence, and thorough analysis in preparation for the debates.

  • Include rhetorical devices to persuade the audience.

    • Use the Lesson 1.5 Debate Graphic Organizer on Google Classroom to help you complete the above tasks

Once students have constructed their arguments, we will be having an in class debate.

To reflect, students should answer the following questions on a Google Doc and submit it to Google Classroom under "Lesson 1.5 Debate Reflection"

  • After hearing the debates, do you think this is a prejudiced text?

  • Which pieces of evidence were most compelling?

Lesson 1.5 Mastery Check

After completing the above tasks and assignments, ask Ms. Simpson for the lesson 1.5 mastery check (in-person or via email). Once you have successfully completed it and received the check mark, you may proceed to Lesson 1.6. YOU MUST SUCCESSFULLY PASS THE MASTERY CHECK IN ORDER TO MOVE ON TO LESSON 1.6

Finish Line

All done? Have you submitted all of your assignments? Did you get the okay from Ms. Simpson on your mastery check? Great! Congrats on finishing Lesson 1.5! CLICK HERE to jump to Lesson 1.6