The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman by Ernest Gaines

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Description:

This historical fiction is told in narrative style by the titular character. The story covers the struggle with slavery from the Civil War era to the early 1960s and the civil rights movement. In the novel, Ned Douglass, Jimmy Aaron, and Miss Jane Pittman exhibit political activism in effective ways, even to the point of risking death. Only the wise and cautious Miss Jane survives as Ned and Jimmy, idealistic and brilliant, die in efforts to bring to their people a heightened awareness of the injustice that permeates their lives. Ernest Gaines concerns the reader with universal themes of innate goodness, the wisdom of suffering, self-respect and self-esteem, interracial attitudes, racial prejudice, faith and the afterlife, and social sin and injustice.

Activities:

Students focus on the historical and political setting, examine the use of foreshadowing, analyze characters, and identify themes. They also write editorials, participate in debates, create short stories, and compare the film version with the novel. Lessons draw parallels to students’ lives and contemporize the issues which the novel raises. Each lesson entails reading, writing, questioning, and suggestions for optional activities. Many lessons present opportunities for research and dramatization. 

A study guide, comprehension quizzes, and answer keys are provided, as well as an objective test, answer key, and suggested essay questions.

Ethical Values:

Courage
Endurance
Equality
Faith
Freedom
Justice
Respect