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Grade Level:
9 - 12
Literary Form:
American Novel
Paired with:
The Green Mile12 Lesson Plans/28 Handouts/88 Pages
ISBN:978-1-56077-765-6
Description:
A Lesson before Dying, as told by Grant Wiggins, is the process of two black men rising to true manhood in the South in the 1940s. Jefferson is a convicted killer facing the death penalty. His odyssey has as its purpose to disprove the myth that he is no better than a hog. In the end, he faces death with dignity and courage. Wiggins, a college-educated teacher, instructs Jefferson on how to achieve dignity. Both Wiggins and Jefferson face the life struggles of pain, courage, and racism. This is a story of the triumph of the spirit. Lessons stress the brotherhood of humanity, each person’s obligation to that brotherhood, good vs. evil, compassion for fellow humans, and connection to one’s roots.
Activities:
Students identify the main characters, main plot, subplots, the role of the narrator, setting, and conflicts. Students examine the themes of the novel and illustrate theme using a poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar. Traditional spirituals similar to those mentioned in the text are used to examine characterization. A passage from an essay by James Baldwin allows students to address the issue of race. Academic activities include sequencing events, analyzing, brainstorming, essay writing, comparing and contrasting, discussing, categorizing, and altering narration.
Two lessons compare the novel with The Green Mile. The supplementary materials feature a bibliography, an objective test, an answer key, and essay topics for the novel.
Ethical Values:
Compassion
Faith
Family
Justice
Respect
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