Curriculum / ELA / 9th Grade / Unit 4: ¡Viva Las Mariposas! Voice and Agency in In the Time of the Butterflies / Lesson 2
ELA
Unit 4
9th Grade
Lesson 2 of 28
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Analyze various accounts of Alvarez's reasons for writing the story of the Mirabal sisters as historical fiction.
Book: In the Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez pp. 323 – 324 — "A Postscript"
Video: “Interview with Julia Alvarez” by National Endowment for the Arts Podcast (2010)
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Tasks that represents the peak thinking of the lesson - mastery will indicate whether or not objective was achieved.
What can a novel do that historical text cannot, and what should a reader also be aware of when reading historical fiction?
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Why was Alvarez personally drawn to the story of the Mirabal sisters, according to her Postscript. What additional details does she provide in the podcast?
Compare and contrast the reasons Alvarez provides for writing the story of the Mirabal sisters. What additional reasons does she provide in the podcast, and to what effect?
Compare and contrast the reasons Alvarez gives in the Postscript and podcast for writing historical fiction as opposed to a historical text.
Literary terms, text-based vocabulary, idioms and word parts to be taught with the text
historical fiction
a literary genre in which the plot takes place in a setting related to the past events, but is fictional.
Reading and/or task to be completed at home in preparation for the next lesson.
Book: In the Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez pp. 3 – 10 — Chapter 1: Dedé
While reading, answer the following questions.
Who is coming to visit Dedé? How does Dedé feel about this visit?
What happens every November 25?
How does Dedé describe each of her sisters: Minerva, María Teresa, and Patria?
What new "profession" has Dedé taken on?
How is Dedé described by others in her memory?
What images of Trujillo and his police state does Dedé think about?
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RI.9-10.2 — Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.
RI.9-10.7 — Analyze various accounts of a subject told in different mediums (e.g., a person's life story in both print and multimedia), determining which details are emphasized in each account.
SL.9-10.2 — Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.
Standards that are practiced daily but are not priority standards of the unit
L.9-10.1 — Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
L.9-10.6 — Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
RI.9-10.1 — Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RI.9-10.10 — By the end of grade 9, read and comprehend literary nonfiction in the grades 9—10 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.<br />By the end of grade 10, read and comprehend literary nonfiction at the high end of the grades 9—10 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
SL.9-10.1 — Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9—10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
SL.9-10.6 — Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
W.9-10.9 — Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
Next
Analyze how Alvarez structures her novel and characterizes Dedé and the Mirabal family in the first chapter.
Identify the key events from Trujillo's dictatorship in the Dominican Republic.
Standards
RI.9-10.2RI.9-10.3
RI.9-10.2RI.9-10.7SL.9-10.2
RL.9-10.3RL.9-10.4RL.9-10.5
Analyze how Minerva's experiences at school change her understanding and view of Trujillo.
Analyze the tone of María Teresa's diary and how it contributes to her characterization.
Analyze how biblical allusions and religious imagery contribute to an understanding of Patria's character.
L.9-10.5RL.9-10.3RL.9-10.4RL.9-10.9
Analyze how Alvarez establishes a unique voice for each of the Mirabal sisters and weaves together the chapters into a coherent narrative in Part I.
RL.9-10.4RL.9-10.5
Analyze how Alvarez develops her central ideas of storytelling and uses literary foils to characterize Dedé and Jaimito.
RL.9-10.2RL.9-10.3
Analyze how Alvarez develops ideas about gender roles within Dominican society and how Minerva challenges her role as a woman.
Analyze how Alvarez uses symbols and motifs to convey important ideas and show Minerva's character development.
L.9-10.5RL.9-10.3RL.9-10.4RL.9-10.5
Analyze how María Teresa has changed since her last narrated chapter.
Compare and contrast Mate and Minerva's reasons for joining the revolution.
RL.9-10.3
Analyze how religious imagery relates to Patria's decision to join the revolution.
Engage in a mid-novel Socratic seminar considering the larger themes and ideas in In the Time of the Butterflies, supporting arguments with strong textual evidence.
L.9-10.1RL.9-10.1RL.9-10.2RL.9-10.3RL.9-10.5SL.9-10.1SL.9-10.4SL.9-10.6
Analyze the factors that influence Dedé's decision to stay out of the revolution.
RL.9-10.2RL.9-10.3RL.9-10.4
Analyze how Dedé's ideas about bravery and courage develop and change.
RL.9-10.2RL.9-10.3RL.9-10.5
Analyze how Alvarez uses religious imagery and symbolism to develop the reader's understanding of Patria after her family has been arrested.
Analyze how narrative point of view and structure contribute to the reader's understanding of how Mate's imprisonment affects her.
Analyze how Alvarez develops her central ideas about courage with Minerva's experiences outside of prison.
Analyze the structure of the final chapter of the novel before the Epilogue.
Analyze how the narrative point of view, structure, and imagery of the Epilogue contributes to the reader's understanding of Dedé at the end of the novel and develops Alvarez's central message about storytelling.
RL.9-10.2RL.9-10.3RL.9-10.4RL.9-10.5
Analyze one of the central themes from In the Time of the Butterflies.
RL.9-10.1RL.9-10.2RL.9-10.3RL.9-10.4W.9-10.1W.9-10.9
Brainstorm and plan to rewrite a scene from a different Mirabal sister's narrative point of view.
RL.9-10.3RL.9-10.4RL.9-10.5W.9-10.3
Draft a scene from a different Mirabal sister's narrative point of view.
W.9-10.3W.9-10.4W.9-10.5
Revise a scene from a different Mirabal sister's narrative point of view using feedback from a peer review.
Unpack the expectations of a research project, conduct informal research to select a topic, and brainstorm a list of research questions.
W.9-10.7
Evaluate the credibility of sources while gathering information and taking notes on a research topic.
W.9-10.7W.9-10.8
Draft and then create a final postcard that highlights the story of a woman or group of women fighting against injustice around the world.
W.9-10.2W.9-10.4W.9-10.5W.9-10.8
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