Curriculum / ELA / 8th Grade / Unit 9: Fences (2020) / Lesson 13
ELA
Unit 9
8th Grade
Lesson 13 of 17
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Explain how Wilson's use of symbolism impacts the resolution of the play.
Determine whether you believe Cory will be different than his father.
Book: Fences by August Wilson pp. 90 – 101
Article: “Voting Rights Act of 1965”
Video: “Sam Cooke - A Change is Gonna Come”
Lyrics: A Change is Gonna Come
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Tasks that represents the peak thinking of the lesson - mastery will indicate whether or not objective was achieved
What does the song about Old Blue symbolize?
What does the song suggest about Cory’s changed perspective about his father?
Look back at the original poem by August Wilson. Has Cory “played host” to his father’s sins or has he “banished them with forgiveness”? What is August Wilson saying about Cory’s future? Is he optimistic that Cory will be different than his father? Use details from the text to support your answer.
Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding
Suggestions for teachers to help them teach this lesson
L.8.4 — Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words or phrases based on grade 8 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
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.
Lesson 12
Lesson 14
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
Analyze the symbolism of the fence in Cory and Troy's relationship.
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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