Exploring Themes

Lesson Focus

Subject: English
Class: Sixth Form (Years 12-13)
Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 6 students
Curriculum Area: English Literature (AQA A-Level)
Level: Advanced Level (A-Level)

Aims

1. Introduce students to key themes in Langston Hughes' poetry.
2. Discuss how these themes relate to "The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead.
3. Foster critical thinking and analysis of poetic texts.
4. Encourage students to draw connections between historical contexts and literature.

Learning Objectives

• Students will read and analyse three selected poems by Langston Hughes.
• Students will identify and discuss themes such as racism, slavery, life on plantations, and religion.
• Students will gain an understanding of how literature reflects and addresses social issues.
• Students will prepare for a deeper exploration of "The Underground Railroad".

Materials

• Copies of three selected poems by Langston Hughes:
  • "The Negro Speaks of Rivers"
  • "I, Too"
  • "On the Road"
• Copies of the novel "The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead (preferably at least the first chapter)
• Notebooks and pens
• Whiteboard and markers

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Greetings and Roll Call:

   • Welcome students and take attendance.

2. Introduction to Lesson Theme:

   • Briefly introduce Langston Hughes and Colson Whitehead.
   • Explain that today's lesson will start linking Hughes' poetry with themes in "The Underground Railroad".

Reading and Analysis (30 minutes)

1. Poem Reading:

   • Distribute copies of the three selected poems to the students.
   • Read each poem aloud (either by the teacher, a student volunteer, or in turns).

2. Group Discussion:

   • After each poem, lead a discussion exploring:
     • Key themes and how they manifest in the poems.
     • Imagery and language: How does Hughes use words to convey emotions and messages?
     • Historical context: Relate the themes to the history of slavery and racism in the United States.
   • Suggested talking points:
     • "The Negro Speaks of Rivers": Explore the symbolism of rivers and their connection to heritage and identity.
     • "I, Too": Discussion on overcoming racism and the idea of inclusion in the American society.
     • "On the Road": Discuss the portrayal of oppression, struggle and use of religious imagery.

3. Interconnected Themes:

   • Transition from Hughes' poetry to the themes in "The Underground Railroad".
   • Highlight how both authors tackle issues of racial injustice and resilience.

Activity (15 minutes)

1. Group Exercise:

   • Divide the class into pairs.
   • Assign each pair the task of creating a mind map that links themes from Hughes' poems to the first chapter of "The Underground Railroad" (if read in advance) or predictions based on introductory information.

2. Presentation:

   • Each pair presents their mind map to the class.
   • Discuss and compare different interpretations.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

1. Review and Reflect:

   • Summarize the main points covered in the lesson.
   • Highlight key links between Hughes' themes and "The Underground Railroad".

2. Homework Assignment:

   • Ask students to read the first chapter of "The Underground Railroad" if they haven't already.
   • Write a short reflective journal entry on how the themes discussed in the lesson appear in the novel's beginning.

Assessment

• Informal assessment through participation in discussions and group activities.
• Review of mind maps and reflective journal entries to gauge understanding and engagement.

Extension

• Encourage students to explore other works by Langston Hughes and Colson Whitehead.
• Additional reading recommendations: poems by other Harlem Renaissance writers and excerpts from historical texts on slavery and the Underground Railroad.

Notes for Teachers

• Adjust the discussion depth based on students' prior knowledge and engagement levels.
• Encourage critical thinking by asking open-ended questions.
• Allow room for personal interpretations and respect differing viewpoints.

By creating a multi-dimensional lesson that intertwines historical context with literary analysis, students will gain a richer understanding of the texts and their broader significance.