Curriculum / ELA / 8th Grade / Unit 11: Fences (2020) / Lesson 1

Fences (2020)

Lesson 1

ELA

Unit 11

8th Grade

Lesson 1 of 17

Lesson Overview

Objective

Identify key characteristics of main characters in Fences, as well as their conflicts and relationships.

Predict themes of the book based on the poem and Introduction at the start of the play.

Analyze the possible symbolic meaning of the title Fences and tie the symbol to the major thematic topics.

Readings and Materials

Book: Fences by August Wilson — Intro, Epigraph, Setting, The Play

Lesson Notes

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Resource: Character List and Questions

Lesson Notes

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Lesson Map

Lesson

Identify key characteristics of main characters in Fences, as well as their conflicts and relationships.

Predict themes of the book based on the poem and Introduction at the start of the play.

Analyze the possible symbolic meaning of the title Fences and tie the symbol to the major thematic topics.

Materials

Fences — Intro, Epigraph, Setting, The Play

Standards

RI.8.2RL.8.2RL.8.3RL.8.4

Lesson

Annotate for and analyze conflicts in Act 1.

Analyze the possible symbolic meaning of the title Fences and tie the symbol to the major thematic topics.

Materials

Fences pp. 1–8
“Fences trailer”

Standards

RL.8.3RL.8.4

Lesson

Analyze what Troy’s personification of death reveals about his life perspective.

Materials

Fences pp. 9–13

Standards

RL.8.6

Lesson

Describe the tension between Lyons and Troy by making inferences about character's relationships.

Historically contextualize the 1950's setting of Fences by examining other historical events before and after Fences takes place.

Materials

Fences pp. 14–20

Standards

RL.8.3

Lesson

Analyze August Wilson’s purpose as a playwright and describe how Fences reflects this purpose.

Materials

Fences pp. 21–28
The Last Judgment
The Cestello...

Standards

RI.8.6

Lesson

Analyze Wilson’s depiction of Troy and Cory’s differing perspectives.

Analyze Troy’s understanding of his role as a father.

Materials

Fences pp. 29–40

Standards

RL.8.6

Lesson

Analyze Troy’s monologue to make inferences about character beliefs about masculinity.

Materials

Fences pp. 37–40
“Fences trailer”

Standards

RL.8.3RL.8.6

Lesson

Connect thematic topics between Fences and “Berlin Wall.”

Materials

Fences pp. 41–48
“Berlin Wall”

Standards

RI.8.2RL.8.2

Lesson

Explain August Wilson’s portrayal of father-son relationships.

Explain Troy's belief about his role as a father.

Materials

Fences pp. 48–58

Standards

RL.8.3

Lesson

Analyze how particular stage directions reveal aspects of a character and his/her relationships.

Materials

Fences pp. 59–72

Standards

RL.8.3

Lesson

Explain the impact of Troy's tone in his monologue on the audience.

Materials

Fences pp. 73–77

Standards

RL.8.4

Lesson

Analyze the symbolism of the fence in Cory and Troy's relationship.

Materials

Fences pp. 78–89

Standards

RL.8.4

Lesson

Explain how Wilson's use of symbolism impacts the resolution of the play.

Determine whether you believe Cory will be different than his father.

Materials

Fences pp. 90–101
“Voting Rights Act”
“A Change is...”
A Change is...

Standards

L.8.4RL.8.3

Lesson

Project

Select pivotal passages from the play in preparation for performances.

Standards

RL.8.2RL.8.3

Lesson

Project

Practice reading profound excerpts from Fences, focusing on volume, pace, emotion, and accuracy.

Materials

Fences

Standards

SL.8.4

Lesson

Project

Perform profound excerpts from Fences, focusing on the public speaking skills of volume, pace, emotion, and accuracy, in front of the class.

Materials

Fences

Standards

SL.8.4

Lesson

Discussion

Use evidence from the text to support their assertions in a rigorous literary discussion.

Materials

Fences

Standards

SL.8.1

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