Fences, by August Wilson
LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO FENCES, BY AUGUST WILSON
By the end of class, you will be able to... make predictions about the characters and their motives in our new play, Fences, by August Wilson.
Let's Get Started! Review our Slideshow research by viewing this video...
Fences as Borderland handout
Draw the Setting, from the play's preface
Read aloud "The Play" section, using the following Venn Diagram to note distinctions
Homework: Read Fences, 1.1. Expect a reading check!
LESSON TWO: CONNECTING CHARACTERS AND SETTING
By the end of class, you will be able to visualize the setting of Fences, by August Wilson
Let's Get Started! Fences, 1.1 reading check
Understanding Contexts: The N-Word: Connected through Historical Disconnect? by Dr. Neal Lester. Dr. Carolyn's Read-Aloud while you complete the Main Idea/ Supporting Details Template.
Characterize Troy Maxson: physical appearance, language, behavior, what other people say about him, how other people act around him.
Prezi review of 1.1
Extra Information for You:
Dr. Carolyn's Preview Notes for Fences
The Characters and their Fences summary
Homework: Finish Act One. Expect a reading check!
LESSON THREE: FENCES AS BARRIERS TO DREAMS
By the end of class, you will be able to... answer five questions
to demonstrate your comprehension of Act One, Fences
Fences, Act One reading check
Prezi review of Act One
Make a copy of this handout: Fences Act One Comprehension Questions
The Most Important Thing about Racism in Act One of Fences
Homework: Read 2.1.
LESSON FOUR: ACT 2 SOLILOQUIES
By the end of class, you will be able to... apply discourse analysis to selected passages from Fences in order to uncover character motives.
Reading Check: 2.1.
A) Practice Discourse Devices with sports headlines (3 points for 3 headlines).
B) Each group will uncover characters' motives in two ways by deconstructing two soliloquies:
- Troy [pages 69-70] and
- Rose [pages 70-71].
Use the discourse analysis template and discourse devices glossary. (4 points/ 2 points each).
Homework: Read 2.2-2.4
LESSON FIVE: THE PLAY'S CONCLUSION WITH A COMPARISON POEM
By the end of class, you will be able to... compare the themes in Fences to those in Langston Hughes' poem, "Harlem."
Reading check: Act 2.2-2.4
Read and analyze Langston Hughes' poem, "Harlem." Complete the "Harlem" and Fences: A Comparison of Themes handout.
Finish Prezi.
Read Act 2, Scene 5 aloud together.
Homework: None... but....
Extra Credit: Do a Close Reading OR Discourse Analysis of "Mending Wall."
LESSON SIX: SYNTHESIZING FENCES AND THE ROLE OF RACE IN SOCIETY
By the end of class, you will be able to... conduct visual analyses of sports magazine covers that feature athletes of color.
Let's Get Started! Please close your laptops and keep them closed. Also, please take out a pen and a piece of lined writing paper. There is paper on top of the filing cabinet.