Finding Connection: The Outsiders

Lesson 9
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ELA

Unit 4

6th Grade

Lesson 9 of 26

Objective


Determine the theme of “Nothing Gold Can Stay” and analyze how the author uses literary devices to develop that theme.

Readings and Materials


  • Poem: “Nothing Gold Can Stay” by Robert Frost 

  • Book: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton  pp. 77 – 78

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Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

What is the theme of the poem? How does Robert Frost develop this theme? Cite evidence from the text to support your thinking.

Sample Response

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Key Questions


  • How has his relationship with Ponyboy changed Johnny's perspective of the world? How does Hinton's choice to include Robert Frost's poem contribute to the development of their relationship? Provide examples from the text to support your answer. (The Outsiders)

  • How does Frost use imagery and personification to convey a deeper meaning in the poem? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer. ("Nothing Gold Can Stay")

  • What is the tone of the poem? What words and phrases does Frost use to communicate this tone? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer. ("Nothing Gold Can Stay")

Vocabulary


Literary Terms

tone

an author/speaker's attitude toward a topic or an audience, which is often conveyed through word choice and/or literary devices

imagery

vivid description that appeals to a reader's senses to create an image or idea in their head

personification

a literary device where non-human beings or things are given human characteristics/qualities

Text-based

elude

v.

(p. 78)

to escape the understanding, perception, or grasp of (Hinton, p. 78)

subside

v.

to become less intense or severe; settle down (Frost, line 5)

Homework


To ensure that students are prepared for the next lesson, have students complete the following reading for homework. Use guidance from the next lesson to identify any additional language or background support students may need while independently engaging with the text.

  • Book: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton  pp. 85 – 99 — Chapter 6

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • Who has agreed to be a spy for the greasers? Why?

  • What has Johnny decided to do about the police being after them? Why?

  • What do the boys think started the fire in the church?

  • What do the boys do when they realize there are children in the church?

  • What happens to each of the boys after the fire?

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Common Core Standards


  • L.6.5 — Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
  • RL.6.2 — Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
  • RL.6.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.

Supporting Standards

L.6.5.a
L.6.5.c
L.6.6
RL.6.1
RL.6.9
RL.6.10
SL.6.1
SL.6.6
W.6.1
W.6.1.a
W.6.1.b
W.6.4
W.6.9
W.6.9.a
W.6.10

Next

Analyze how the author develops different characters' perspectives and explain how and why characters' perspectives change.

Lesson 10
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