A LESSON BEFORE DYING/THE GREEN MILE

This unit’s 12 lessons have students identify the main characters, plot, subplots, the role of the narrator, setting, and conflicts, then examine the themes of the novel and illustrate them using a poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar. Traditional spirituals similar to those mentioned in the text are used to explore characterization. A passage from an essay by James Baldwin allows students to address the issue of race. Other 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. Grades 9–12. 88 pages.literaturecurriculumunits centerforlearning