Embedded Files
Set primarily in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City in the 1920s, the story centers on the reunion of two childhood friends—Clare Kendry and Irene Redfield—and their increasing fascination with each other's lives. Irene Redfield leads a charmed existence - until she is shaken out of it by a chance encounter with childhood friend Clare Kendry. Clare has been “passing for white,” hiding her true identity from everyone, including her racist husband. Clare and her dangerous secret post an increasingly powerful threat to Irene’s security, forcing both women to confront the hazards of public and private deception.
Big Ideas:
The universal conflict between desire to be part of one’s racial subset and the need for the economic prosperity of another race is a psychological nightmare.
Understanding the racial tension of the past can help diffuse racial misunderstandings in the present.
A rejection of self can bring great benefits and losses.
The different ways of passing that the characters of the novel engage in.
The history of 1920s America, specifically the Harlem Renaissance.
For the Narrative Assessment, students will have two options to demonstrate their mastery and creative writing skills:
For the Narrative Assessment, students will have two options to demonstrate their mastery and creative writing skills:
Novel Continuation → Students will write a short story that details what they think happens to Irene after Clare’s death. Does she ever pass again? Does she feel remorse or guilt? What does she tell her mutual friends about Clare’s death?
Novel Continuation → Students will write a short story that details what they think happens to Irene after Clare’s death. Does she ever pass again? Does she feel remorse or guilt? What does she tell her mutual friends about Clare’s death?
Original Narrative → Students create an original character that is starting at a new school and they have to hide a part of their identity in order to “fit in” and survive in a new situation. What part of their identity do they have to hide and why? What are the consequences of hiding that part of themselves? What are the consequences of making their true identity known?
Original Narrative → Students create an original character that is starting at a new school and they have to hide a part of their identity in order to “fit in” and survive in a new situation. What part of their identity do they have to hide and why? What are the consequences of hiding that part of themselves? What are the consequences of making their true identity known?
Lesson Guidance Documents : These documents provide guidance for lesson planning.
Lesson Guidance Documents : These documents provide guidance for lesson planning.
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