Fences (2020)

Lesson 2
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ELA

Unit 10

8th Grade

Lesson 2 of 17

Objective


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.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Fences by August Wilson  pp. 1 – 8

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

What three conflicts are revealed in the first eight pages of Act 1? Circle all that apply.

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Sample Response

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Which three pieces of evidence best support your answer above?

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Sample Response

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Writing Prompt

Based on the pre-reading in the play, what could be a metaphorical fence in Fences?

Key Questions


  • Mini Lesson: Symbolism: when an author uses something to represent something else; the practice of using literal objects to represent something metaphorical (or figurative)
  • Describe a fence you have seen. Of what material is it made? What is the purpose of that particular fence? (literal)
  • What might a fence, in general, symbolize? (metaphorical)
  • Explain a way in which the use of a fence could lead to a positive result. (literal and/or metaphorical)
  • Explain a way in which the use of a fence could lead to a negative result. (literal and/or metaphorical)
  • Based on the pre-reading in the play and the first few pages, what could be a metaphorical fence in Fences?

Based on the text (p.1-8):

  • What can we infer about Troy’s role as a husband and father? How do you know? (p. 6)
  • What can you predict will be a conflict in the play? What lines make you think that? (p. 8)

Notes


  • Optional: Watch Fences Official Trailer #1 (2016) after students have read the first eight pages.
  • Interesting Fact: Troy’s last name, "Maxson," is a compressed reference to the Mason-Dixon line, considered as the imaginary line originally conceived of in 1820 to define the separation between the slave states and the free states. Maxson represents an amalgamation of Troy's history in the south and present life in the north, which are inextricably linked.

Common Core Standards


  • 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.

Next

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

Lesson 3
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Lesson Map

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