Amy Shearer

December 3, 2008

English 112B/Warner

Song of Myself:

Their Eyes Were Watching God and the Empowered Female Protagonist

Rationale:

The center work of this unit is Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God. It is the moving tale of Janie Crawford's physical and spiritual journey. As Janie subsequently moves from her aunt's house to the houses of her husbands, she progressively exercises more control over her life. Janie's decisions (and resulting consequences) are especially pertinent; each choice leads to a drastic reinvention of her lifestyle. Janie's account of her life is told to her friend Phoeby, who is then inspired to discover herself. Chapter 4 from Literature for Today's Young Adults outlines some of the basic characteristics of good "problem novels" (contemporary realistic fiction). Zora Neale Hurston's fulfills most, if not all of these guidelines. Most remarkable are Hurston's evocative characters and resonant themes. Students can connect to both Janie and the value of her journey.

Janie is "full of that oldest human longing – self-revelation" (Hurston 7) as she speaks her story to her good friend. The title of this unit, taken from Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" from Leaves of Grass, reflects the theme of self-realization and the formation of one's own narrative. Because of this theme, most of this unit is targeted on novels and poems that illustrate the concept of self-discovery through story. Speaking one's story – both literally and metaphorically – holds an important place in the lives of young adults. Melinda Sordino and Briony Tallis (from Speak and Atonement, respectively) unearth the healing qualities of narration, while Sopeap from "The Green Armchair" reaffirms her abandoned culture. Persepolis, on the other hand, is the real-life fulfillment of the theme; the author, Marjane Satrapi, uses her art and writing to showcase her own history. Sylvia Plath's "Daddy" is similarly based on real experiences; Plath writes the poem in part to work through the demons left by her oppressive father.

Launching the Unit:

Before beginning Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God, conduct a mini-lesson on self-discovery through poetry. Hurston's novel is rich in language, and it is important that students understand the deliberateness of authors' and poets' word choices.

Hand out copies of Sylvia Plath's "Daddy." Before students can ask questions, play the sound clip of Plath reading her poem. This will effectively "grab" students' attention and direct it to the material at hand.
Have a brief discussion about the poet and "Daddy." Questions should be posed in order to evoke higher-level thinking. Some examples may be:

What do you think of the title? What is the difference between titling the poem "Father" and titling the poem "Daddy"?
How does Plath feel about her father? Specifically, what metaphors does she create? How does this affect our impression of him?
Why does Plath feel like she has to "kill" her father?
Have you ever written poetry? Why?

Using the "I Am" poem or another poem as a model, have students write poetry based on their life, using at least one metaphor. Encourage them to select a particular event or emotion to focus on.
Share their poems either as a class or in small groups. Introduce Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God and explain that they will be looking for a similar theme of self-discovery.

Main Text:

Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God should be taught with a focus on Hurston's unique style. Using the "Style: Defining and Exploring an Author's Stylistic Choices" lesson from readwritethink.com as an example (full citation below), lead students through an exploration of Hurston's style and its effect on readers.

To further emphasize the importance of style, have students "translate" their "I Am" poem (written the first day of the unit) into a different style.
Have students write a 3-5 page paper on Hurston's style, incorporating textual examples that have been discussed in class.

Many scholars have suggested that Their Eyes Were Watching God is a semi-autobiographical novel because many of Janie's experiences mirror Hurston's own. Have students read a short biography of Zora Neale Hurston and draw parallels between Hurston's life and Janie's (Casey). Have a discussion with the students that addresses the following:

If the story of Janie is also the story of Zora Neale Hurston, how does this change our perception of the novel, especially in the context of our unit?

Extending the Unit:

Young adult literature can be easily incorporated into this unit of study. Teachers must be aware, however, of time restraints in the classroom. While one short story or poem may be read in class, most young adult selections will have to be read at home. The best solution may be to place the students in small groups and have them do group "book talks" on the young adult novels. Some more suggestions are as follows:

Hurston's novel is particularly illuminating in comparison with Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak. Have students examine the parallels between the novels, focusing on Hurston and Anderson's motifs of trees and nature. Why do both Janie Crawford and Melinda Sordino feel most at peace when in nature? Have students create a poster illustrating the "trees" in both novels; students may examine literal trees, emotional and metaphorical trees, or family trees.
Especially suitable for an AP classroom, examine as a class how Kate Chopin's The Awakening lays the foundation for Hurston's novel. If students have read Flaubert's Madame Bovary, a graphic organizer comparing Janie Crawford, Edna Pontellier, and Emma Bovary would be illuminating. How are these women defined by their time period and social class? Likewise, how is each of them progressive (ahead of their time)?

Students can also research the "scandal" surrounding these classic novels and the resulting censorship.

Using "The Green Armchair" and Persepolis as accompaniments, have students work in groups to research the historical and cultural backgrounds of the three works. One group researches the turmoil in Cambodia, the second examines the subtle undercurrent of slavery in Their Eyes Were Watching God, and the third researches the historical events occurring in Satrapi's Persepolis. Students then present timelines or PowerPoint presentations of their findings.

Young Adult Literature Selections:

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Speak is the powerful and achingly funny story of Melinda Sordino, a ninth grader whose friends have deserted her after she called the police at a summer party. What her friends and family don't know, however, is the unspoken narrative of the events that occurred that fateful night; Melinda was raped by Andy Evans, whom she calls "IT" and "The Beast." As she discovers a creative outlet in her art, she begins to face the truth of that terrible night, realizing that she must tell someone in order to move on. Melinda struggles with deep depression, an affliction that many teens face daily. Students may also know someone who is a victim of rape; the novel offers intriguing insight into the physical and emotional consequences of sexual assault. Her transformation and subsequent discovery of herself are inspiring to young men and women alike.

"Listen" by Laurie Halse Anderson (see Appendix II)

What is most astonishing about Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak is the flood of heartfelt letters that Anderson receives from fans of the novel. Its near-permanent status on teen reading list is a testament to its powerful effect on readers. This poem, written by the author of Speak, is comprised of lines taken directly from readers' letters. Not only will it provide insight into the novel, it will supply the real-life experiences that inspired Speak. If the students know someone affected by sexual assault or depression, the poem may be especially moving. For all students, it will be an opportunity to see how literature can positively affect an individual's life.

"The Green Armchair" by Minfong Ho (in First Crossing)

Culture is an integral component of an adolescent's identity. Much of their childhood experiences, especially before school, revolve around cultural traditions and experiences. The culture-rich short story of Sopeap and her family, refugees from Cambodia, is one of renewal and reaffirmation. Her budding relationship with classmate Tom is overshadowed by the surprising news of her grandmother's death. As Sopeap retrieves the memories of her lost country and culture, Tom helps her unearth a story, a memory. The final image of Sopeap dancing for her grandmother is a quiet narrative of her grandmother's legend. Many students, especially those from immigrant families, may struggle with fitting in. "The Green Armchair" may help them learn to value their own culture.

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Information from Kelly Flynn's Book Talk

Much like "The Green Armchair," Persepolis centers on the role of culture in the growth and self-discovery of an adolescent girl. Although Satrapi's graphic novel is nonfiction, it confronts the same issues and themes of "The Green Armchair" and Their Eyes Were Watching God. Marji, despite tumultuous political warfare, must find herself. It connects readers to experiences outside their own, as Marji's war-torn environment may be unfamiliar to students. It also presents an alternative medium; readers who are uncomfortable with prose or poetry may appreciate the well-drawn and humorous additions of Satrapi's illustrations.

A Diamond in the Dust by Carla Joinson

Idea from the ALAN Newsletter

Like culture, social class can shape the life of a young adult. Katy Sollis, the daughter and sister of coal miners in this turn-of-the-century novel, is haunted by her family's extreme poverty. Katy's narrative may thus cause students to better understand a life of hardship. Although her situation seems hopeless (Katy's love is likely headed for the same dangerous career), her fate hinges on a difficult decision that would call for the sacrifice of life as she knows it. Like young Katy, teenagers struggle with choices that shape their lives. Katy's acceptance of consequences and soul-searching inspires teens to do the same.

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

Information from Nina Brillantes's Book Talk

Like Joinson's novel, Sarah Dessen's The Truth About Forever examines the self-exploration through risk-taking. Macy Queen, Dessen's teenage protagonist, lives a safe life filled with routine. This was not always the case; the earth-shattering death of her father turns her world on its head. Macy decides to take a risk, however, and tells her boyfriend that she loves him. His departure and Macy's decision to take a job with a catering company launch her life into a chaotic ride. Her new co-workers and friends show her a new approach to happiness.

Supplemental Selections:

"Daddy" by Sylvia Plath (see Appendix I) and the recording of her reading

Information from poets.org, full citation in Works Cited

Plath's legendary poem (and her haunting rendition of it) is an excellent example of a woman "finding her voice." At ten, she dealt with the death of her oppressive father; this poem is a written account of her struggle. The language of "Daddy" is full of violence, as Plath transforms her father into a Nazi and the Devil. Although students may not connect to the poem as easily, Plath's emotion clearly comes through on the recording. The poem also adds depth and historical context to the unit. Plath must "kill" her father in order to discover herself.

The Awakening by Kate Chopin

Kate Chopin's The Awakening did not meet much literary acclaim when it was first released; in fact, it was banned for its indecency. Now, however, it is considered a breakthrough in American fiction, particularly because it was written by a woman. The story of Edna Pontellier ultimately centers on the discovery of her self. Although many may dismiss it as a feminist novel (in which Edna is the victim of her patriarchal society, it is a "higher order of feminism� [it is] a meditation on identity and culture, consciousness and art" (Robinson ix). Its original title, "A Solitary Soul," perhaps better illustrates the inward journey of Edna. Her sexual awakening with Alc�e Arobin and within the water mirrors Janie Crawford's sexual experience underneath the pear tree in Hurston's novel. The Awakening, paired with Their Eyes Were Watching God, offers an alternative perspective on self-discovery. While Janie's solution lies in the telling of her story, Edna Pontellier swims out to sea and drowns, finally feeling in control of her own fate.

Atonement by Ian McEwan

Best suited for advanced readers, Ian McEwan's Atonement clearly illustrates the redemptive powers of speaking one's story, even if it isn't entirely true. It echoes Speak through its confrontation with sexual assault as Briony Tallis witnesses the rape of her young cousin. Like Melinda Sordino, Briony is unable to tell the truth of the situation and instead constructs a lie that destroys the life of her sister and the man she loves. Throughout her adolescent and adult life, Briony struggles with the weight of her lie. Only by telling her story – the story that should have happened – is Briony able to face her guilt. This procedure is particularly interesting in the context of Their Eyes Were Watching God; Janie discovers herself by telling her story to Phoeby. It will provide an interesting comparison as students begin to explore the notion of narrative authenticity.

"This Life" by Martha Wainwright (see Appendix III)

Lyrics from azlyrics.com, full citation below

This is a very moving and cleverly written song by a woman from a legendary music family. It may help students further explore the "songs in their head" or provide an interesting topic for discussion. It could also replace the "I Am" poem as a model for the students' poems.

Concluding Activities:

After the unit, students should have an understanding of the importance of self-realization in Hurston's novel. They should be able to connect Janie's journey to the literal and metaphorical journeys that the adolescents in the young adult selections make. Students will be able to consider how complex decisions shape one's future and relate the choices of the characters to ones they make in their own lives.

For assessment purposes, students should create a comprehensive portfolio including documents from the "I Am" poem, their analytical paper on Their Eyes Were Watching God, and all other projects related to the unit. Have them trade portfolios with another student and grade the completeness of the projects included.

Students could also write an "I Am" poem from the perspective of one of the characters from the works in the unit of study. They then could write a short paragraph explaining the stylistic choices they made and why. Since it was also the introduction to the unit, this would provide a sense of unity and completion.

Works Cited:

Anderson, Laurie Halse. Speak. New York: Penguin Group, 1999. 1-198.

Anderson, Laurie Halse. "Listen." Penguin Young Readers Club. Puffin Books, 2008.

Casey, Marie Patricia. "Reading and Writing the Autobiography With a Study of Zora Neale

Hurston." Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute. 2008. 2 Dec. 2008 <http://www.cis.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1988/3/88.03.03.x.html>.

Chopin, Kate. The Awakening. New York: Bantam Books, 1992. 1-153.

Gardner, Traci. "Style: Defining and Exploring an Author's Stylistic Choices." ReadWriteThink.

2002. National Council of Teachers of English. 2 Dec. 2008 <http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=209>.

Ho, Minfong. "The Green Armchair." First Crossing: Stories About Teen Immigrants. Ed.

Donald R. Gallo. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, 2004. 201-224.

Hurston, Zora Neale. Their Eyes Were Watching God. New York: HarperCollins, 2006. 1-193.

Joinson, Carla. A Diamond in the Dust. New York: Dial Books, 2001. 1-197.

Nilsen, Alleen Pace and Kenneth L. Donelson. Literature For Today's Young Adults. New York:

Pearson Custom Publishing, 2008.

Robinson, Marilynne. Introduction. The Awakening and Other Stories. By Kate Chopin. New

York: Bantam Books, 1992. vii-xx.

"Sylvia Plath - Poets.org." Poets.org. 2008. The Academy of American Poets. 1 Dec. 2008

<http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmpid/11>.

Wainwright, Martha. "This Life." Martha Wainwright Lyrics. Azlyrics.com. 3 Dec. 2008.

<http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/marthawainwright/thislife.html>