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Overview
This lesson design provides assignments to take your students through the novel The Song of the Lark
by Willa Cather. Students are asked to examine closely five sections of the novel to explore the author's unique style of characterization. The goal of these assignments is to enrich your students' understanding of how Cather develops Thea Kronborg's character. Suitable for high school students of average and above ability
Objectives
- Evaluate specific passages which show examples of the author's style of characterization
- Develop own creative writing of lyrical poems, using Cather's techniques as a model
- Compare the author's use of characterization with other literary works
- Recognize and examine passages from Cather's novel beyond given examples which further develop characterization
Skills Attained
- Organize thoughtful responses to study questions
- Compose creative writings following Cather's style
- Utilize close reading methods to find additional passages of characterization
- Compare this author's techniques to authors of other literary works
Lesson Outline Sections and Assignments
(Note: Page numbers are from the Signet Classic paperback edition, ISBN 0-451-52533-7)
A. Friends of Childhood 1. For each passage listed below, note the depiction of unique qualities of each character who influences Thea.
- Dr. Archie (74-76, & 122)
- Mr. Kronborg (110-111)
- Mrs. Kronborg (87)
- Anna (115-116)
- Aunt Tillie (58)
- Mrs. Kohler (81)
- Professor Wunsch (82)
- Spanish Johnny (36 & 38)
- Mrs. Archie (30)
- Mrs. Johnson (52)
- Ray Kennedy (43-45 & 95-96 & 100)
- Lily Fisher (55)
- Swedes (73, 144, 178)
2. Develop a lyrical poem for each character in the style of Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters. 3. Contrast the development of Thea Kronborg (51,67,70,72, 90) with that of the
townspeople of Moonstone. B. Song of the Lark 1. Explore the contrast in gender expectations of Mrs. Harsanyi to that of Mr. Harsanyi (158-159). Find other passages in the
novel that suggest this same theme. Include other characters' attitudes and expectations toward the role of men and women in society. 2. Explore the meaning of this section's title (173, 189, 192,
200). How do these passages extend the characterization of the townspeople? What is the suggested significance of the novel's title? C. Stupid Faces 1. What norms and
restrictions are placed on the characters as suggested in this section? How does Fred Ottenburg (234-245) present a fresh outlook and alternative to the conventional expectations of society?
D. Ancient People 1. Read the beginning of Thoreau's "Walden" and elaborate on the similarities between Thoreau and Cather in how they express their perspectives on the importance of nature and
simplicity. How do these authors view the past? 2. Explore the symbolism of the cliff dwellers and their effect on Thea (263, 276, 277, 292, 293). What does she discover among these
ancient people? How does this mark the turning point for Thea as an artist? E. Dr. Archie's Adventure 1. Tillie, Dr. Archie and Fred Ottenburg aid Thea as she explores the
possibility of pursuing her art. Why are these characters important to this final section of the book? Why is it necessary that Thea go on without them? (339, 340, 359, 384)
Assessment
Since the activities of each section vary, the assessment method must depend on the individual teacher's demands. Many of these activities could
be used as study guides for non-graded reading support. Others may be developed as formal essays or creative writing products. The assignments could also serve to stimulate class discussion in
preparation for a final test on the novel.
List of Additional Resources Bloom, Edward and Lillian.
Willa Cather's Gift of Sympathy. Southern Illinois Press, 1962.Bloom, Harold, ed. Ántonia, Major Literary Characters Series. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1991. Cather, Willa. The Song of the Lark, Signet Classic paperback edition, ISBN 0-451-52533-7. Curtin, William. "Willa Cather: Individualism and Style." Colby Library Quarterly
8 (June 1968): 35-58. Lee, Hermione. Willa Cather. New York: Frederick Ungar Publishing Co., 1972 Lesson plan written by Barbara Laurain, South Windsor
High School, Connecticut. Edited by Gail Lindenberg, Nogales High School, California. Page references taken from Signet Classic version of The Song of the Lark. |
