Collaboration, Engagement, Integrity,

Creative & Critical Thinkers

Our school-wide core values

Mr. David Ambrose

Medford High School

English Language Arts Department

Mister Ambrose
489 Winthrop St.
Medford, MA 02155
ph: 781.393.2345
dambrose@medford.k12.ma.us

Southern Gothic Literature

above: William Faulkner

Overview:

This four to six week unit, to be incorporated at any time during the junior year, focuses on the emerging movement of American Gothicism, with a particular focus on Southern writers, in the years following the Civil War.

Students explore this movement by examining works from Harper Lee to William Faulkner to Flannery O’Connor. In this prominent period in American literature, classic archetypes are re-imagined in modern, Southern setting. Students will analyze how the works of this time period distinctly reflect Americana, and, particularly the South, while offering social commentary on the darker side of humanity.

Teachers are encouraged to select at least one novel and a variety of the other poetry and prose in order to give students maximum exposure to the various works of the period.

Introductory Material (1 day lesson)

Southern Gothic Literary Unit Introductory PPT

This PowerPoint presentation includes a "do now" journal about the famous painting "American Gothic," as well as information about the subgenre of Southern Gothic literature - famous writers of the genre, defining characteristics of the movement, etc.

"A Good Man is Hard to Find," Flannery O'Connor (1 day lesson)

Students enter class having read the story. They have also responded to the following question in a HW journal:

Write a response about why the grandmother touches the Misfit in the end. Find THREE quotes from the text to support your assertions. Here are three options for interpreation: (1) She does it out of grace and charity. She has transformed as a person. (2) She is trying to save herself from being murdered. She has not changed. (3) She is trying to do her best. She has faults and makes mistakes, but is trying to do what is best for her family.

Lesson can be completed in one day.

Download daily agenda for lesson plan here.

"A Good Man is Hard to Find" full text

"A Good Man is Hard to Find" song lyrics

excerpt from How to Read and Why by Harold Bloom

book review of Flannery O'Connor biography - New York Times Sunday Book Review

Align with skills-based assessment that will appear on final exam for course.

Faulkner Lecture Notes - Parts 1 and 2

From Robert Hamblin, Southeast Missouri State University, transcript of college lecture on Faulkner. Courtesy of Oprah's Book Club. Good to use as an opener in the early days of the unit.

In-Context Vocabulary Handouts

In-Context Vocabulary Handout 1

In-Context Vocabulary Handout 2

Chapter Discussion Questions:

These handouts can be completed in small groups during class or individually for homework. Use these questions to have students facilitate discussion in literature circles or in the large group setting. Some questions adapted from Oprah's Book Club and other sources.

Chapters 1-19

Outdoor Activities

Download a handout for a hike and journal activity that encourages students to write a descriptive passage in the style of Faulkner. Features six excerpts from As I Lay Dying designed to coincide with three stops along the Mustang Trail.

Developed by Mr. Ambrose on 5.17.16.

Final Assessment Material

Jeopardy Review Game

Elements of Style for Peer Editting

Creating a Works Cited Page