Curriculum / ELA / 8th Grade / Unit 9: Fences (2020) / Lesson 1
ELA
Unit 9
8th Grade
Lesson 1 of 17
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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.
Book: Fences by August Wilson — Intro, Epigraph, Setting, The Play
Resource: Character List and Questions
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Tasks that represents the peak thinking of the lesson - mastery will indicate whether or not objective was achieved
Fences is often thought of as a father-son play. Reread the epigraph below:
When the sins of our fathers visit us
We do not have to play host.
We can banish them with forgiveness
As God, in His Largeness and Laws.
Based on Wilson’s poem, what can we predict will be a major theme in Fences?
Which diction best supports the answer to Part A?
Reread the lines below from the introduction:
“Troy learns violence from him, but he also learns the value of work and the fact that a man takes responsibility for his family no matter how difficult the circumstances may be.” (Introduction, viii)
Based on these lines in the introduction, what can we predict will be a major theme in Fences? How do you know?
Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding
Pre-Reading Character List Questions:
Suggestions for teachers to help them teach this lesson
This lesson connects to an assessment question.
RI.8.2 — Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.
RL.8.2 — Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot; provide an objective summary of the text.
RL.8.3 — Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a story or drama propel the action, reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision.
RL.8.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.
Lesson 2
RI.8.2 RL.8.2 RL.8.3 RL.8.4
Annotate for and analyze conflicts in Act 1.
RL.8.3 RL.8.4
Analyze what Troy’s personification of death reveals about his life perspective.
RL.8.6
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.
RL.8.3
Analyze August Wilson’s purpose as a playwright and describe how Fences reflects this purpose.
RI.8.6
Analyze Wilson’s depiction of Troy and Cory’s differing perspectives.
Analyze Troy’s understanding of his role as a father.
Analyze Troy’s monologue to make inferences about character beliefs about masculinity.
RL.8.3 RL.8.6
Connect thematic topics between Fences and “Berlin Wall.”
RI.8.2 RL.8.2
Explain August Wilson’s portrayal of father-son relationships.
Explain Troy's belief about his role as a father.
Analyze how particular stage directions reveal aspects of a character and his/her relationships.
Explain the impact of Troy's tone in his monologue on the audience.
RL.8.4
Analyze the symbolism of the fence in Cory and Troy's relationship.
Explain how Wilson's use of symbolism impacts the resolution of the play.
Determine whether you believe Cory will be different than his father.
L.8.4 RL.8.3
Project
Select pivotal passages from the play in preparation for performances.
RL.8.2 RL.8.3
Practice reading profound excerpts from Fences, focusing on volume, pace, emotion, and accuracy.
SL.8.4
Perform profound excerpts from Fences, focusing on the public speaking skills of volume, pace, emotion, and accuracy, in front of the class.
Discussion
Use evidence from the text to support their assertions in a rigorous literary discussion.
SL.8.1
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