Set in late nineteenth/early twentieth-century Ireland, the story of Stephen Dedalus focuses on the search for knowledge and understanding of the world that shapes and defines self. Readers find working through the richness of the language and the complexity of the point of view to be difficult but rewarding. The unit is designed to lead students inductively to some of the literary concepts that are relevant to various works of fiction.

Students examine diction, explore point of view, track motifs, research, and write for a specific audience. They also examine elements and principles of art, becoming familiar with aspects of the interpretation and criticism of art before using  the criteria for the medium of visual art to evaluate the novel.  

Lessons use cooperative learning strategies to address appreciation of myth, identification of epiphany, recognition of archetypal symbols and patterns, and comparison/contrast. A final lesson offers a variety of ways to explore the fuller ground of the novel, including additional reading and writing assignments.

Peace, Privacy, Respect, Self-actualization, Self-discipline