Curriculum / ELA / 8th Grade / Unit 9: Fences (2020) / Lesson 12
ELA
Unit 9
8th Grade
Lesson 12 of 17
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Analyze the symbolism of the fence in Cory and Troy's relationship.
Book: Fences by August Wilson pp. 78 – 89
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Reread the lines below from p. 89.
Cory: Tell Mama I'll be back for my things.
Troy: They'll be on the other side of that fence.
Explain Wilson's use of symbolism here.
What is the author suggesting about the relationship between these two characters?
Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding
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 11
Lesson 13
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.
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
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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