Tragedies

Aim:What do you think are the major tragedies that happened to the character Linda Brent, and how can these experiences help shape her character?

Do Now:Write about a really bad experience and the affect it had upon you physically or psychologically. One day last week my sneakers got stolen from my gym locker. At first I thought that I might have left my lock unlocked when I left to go to class, however I recapped all my actions and remembered that I did lock my locker. As a result of this incident I check my locker two to three times a day just to make sure my clothes are still there. I am now more aware and cautious of the people around.

Requirements:Students will take notes in their notebooks on class discussion, peers perspectives etc. Cite page numbers or chapters to support their perspectives.

Comprehension Check:
Who do we learn are Linda Brent's family/relatives? William (brother), Benjamin (uncle), "Aunt Marthy" (grandmother), Nancy (aunt), Phillip (uncle)
Who is Linda "bequeathed" to after her "kind mistress" died? ("Childhood" 6) Linda is "bequeathed" to Dr. Flint's five year old niece.
In Chapter IV "The Slave Who Dared Feel Like a Man," focuses on which character and why the use of a simile to portray this character? Chapter four focuses on Benjamin, Linda Brent's uncle. This simile was used to portray this character because Benjamin wanted to be treated like a human being, and in his efforts he attempted to escape.
How old is Linda Brent in Chapter V "The Trials of Girlhood?" In Chapter five Linda Brent is 15 years old.
How old is Flint in Chapter V "The Trials of Girlhood?" In chapter five Dr. Flint is 55 years old.

Literary Analysis: Analytical and Identify
Why did Linda say that her mistress "had been almost like a mother to me?"(Childhood 5) Linda said that her mistress had almost been like a mother to her because she taught her how to read and write.
Who is illustrated as the antagonist and what do you think makes this person an antagonist? Dr. Flint is illustrated as the antagonist because he whispers inappropriate things in Linda's ear and harasses her.
Who are referred to as "God Breathing machine" and why?(Childhood 6) The slaves are referred to as "God breathing machines" because they work all day in horrible conditions.
What is one of the "badges of slavery" (The New Master and Mistress, 9) One of the badges of slavery was a linsey-woolsey dress given to her by Mrs. Flint every winter.
What is ironic about "The Slaves' New Year's Day?" "The slaves' New Year's Day" is ironic because it is when the slaves are auctioned off and sold to new masters. New Year's Day is supposed to be a happy holiday, however for the slaves its a day they dread.

Vocabulary:
What is a Mulatto?- A mulatto is a person of mixed white and Black ancestry.
Interpretive: How is religion used as rhetoric? Religion is used as rhetoric when it tries to appeal to the spirituality of people.

Critical Thinking:
How is the slave woman portrayed vs.the white mistress throughout these chapters? The slave women are portrayed as the master's property and lovers who can never tell anyone of their relationship.

Cooperative Learning: Students will form five groups, use the books as support, and respond to the following on chart paper: List what you think to be 5-8 major tragedies that happened to Linda Brent in Chapters I through V and what affect did it have on her? List at least one per chapter. Please use page numbers/Chapters to support your perspectives.

Teacher's mode/Mini Lesson: Charting my perspective with supporting evidence from the text.
Group One on Chapter I "Childhood" Tragedies and affect on Linda Brent
Tragedy-Linda's mistress dies
Affect- She is physically "bequeathed" to a 5 year old
Reference-"Childhood" page 6
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