Exploring Dark Themes

Grade: 8

Duration: 60 minutes

Class size: 25 students

Texts:

• The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs
• The Conjure Man Dies by Rudolph Fisher

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Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Alignment

Reading: Literature

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.1
  Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.2
  Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.3
  Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a story propel the action, reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision.

Speaking and Listening

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1
  Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

Writing

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.2
  Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify and compare the central themes presented in The Monkey’s Paw and The Conjure Man Dies (RL.8.2).
2. Cite specific textual evidence to support inferences about each story’s theme and character motivations (RL.8.1).
3. Analyze the role of supernatural elements and their influence on plot and character decisions in both stories (RL.8.3).
4. Engage in a structured class discussion to articulate and defend interpretations about the texts, building on peers’ ideas (SL.8.1).
5. Compose a brief comparative written response synthesizing the themes and textual evidence from both texts (W.8.2).

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Materials Needed

• Copies of The Monkey’s Paw (excerpt or full short story)
• Copies of The Conjure Man Dies (excerpt appropriate for reading in class)
• Chart paper or whiteboard
• Markers
• Student notebooks/journals
• Graphic organizer handout for theme comparison (two-column chart)

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Lesson Activities

1. Introduction & Hook (10 minutes)

• Begin by activating background knowledge: Ask students to brainstorm what they know about themes of fate, superstition, and consequences in literature.
• Write key words on the board (e.g., fate, wish, superstition, justice, magic, consequences).
• Briefly introduce both stories, emphasizing their shared use of supernatural or mysterious elements to explore these themes.
• State the learning objective clearly: “Today, we will analyze and compare the themes in The Monkey’s Paw and The Conjure Man Dies, using evidence from the texts to support our insights.”

2. Focused Reading & Annotation (15 minutes)

• Distribute excerpts of both stories. (If texts were assigned previously, students should bring copies.)
• Model annotating one paragraph from The Monkey’s Paw — highlighting phrases that suggest supernatural influence, fear, or consequences.
• Allow students to read silently or in pairs, annotating unfamiliar words, key events, and thematic clues.
• Provide the graphic organizer: student notes on the theme(s) and evidence from each story side-by-side.

3. Guided Discussion (15 minutes)

• Organize a Socratic Seminar or round-table discussion:
  • Opening question: “What is the main message each author is trying to convey through the supernatural events in the stories?”
  • Probe questions:
    • How do the wishes or magical events affect the characters’ lives?
    • What warnings or lessons can we infer about fate or desire?
    • How do characters’ choices shape the outcomes or consequences?
  • Encourage students to cite specific lines or passages as evidence.
  • Use a “talking stick” or timer to ensure every student has an opportunity to contribute, emphasizing respectful listening and building on peers’ ideas (SL.8.1).

4. Collaborative Theme Mapping Activity (10 minutes)

• In small groups (4-5 students), have students use their graphic organizers to collaboratively create a visual map on chart paper or whiteboard.
• Each group lists similarities and differences between themes, including supporting textual evidence.
• For example:
  • Similar theme: Consequences of interfering with fate.
  • Different theme: Social context (Western superstition vs. Harlem Renaissance mysticism).
• Groups briefly present highlights to the class, prompting peer questions or additions.

5. Written Assessment (10 minutes)

• Students write a brief, focused paragraph responding to the prompt:

  Compare how both authors use supernatural elements to explore the theme of consequences in their stories. Use at least two specific examples from each text.

• This will serve as an exit ticket and formative writing assessment aligned with RL.8.1, RL.8.2, RL.8.3, and W.8.2 standards.

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Formative Assessment & Feedback

• Monitor student participation during discussion for evidence of citing textual evidence and critical thinking.
• Collect graphic organizers to check understanding of the thematic comparison.
• Review exit paragraphs for clarity, accuracy of theme identification, and use of textual evidence.
• Provide written or quick verbal feedback the following day.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For students needing support:

  • Provide guided reading questions during text reading.
  • Pair with stronger readers for partner support.
  • Use sentence starters for discussion and writing (e.g., “One way the theme appears in The Monkey’s Paw is…”).

• For advanced learners:

  • Challenge to analyze the authors’ cultural or historical contexts affecting theme.
  • Encourage exploration of symbolism within the supernatural elements of the stories.
  • Prompt a longer written reflection incorporating author purpose and audience impact.

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Homework Extension (Optional)

• Have students research another story or folklore involving wishes or supernatural consequences, then write a short summary describing its theme and compare it briefly with the two texts studied.

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This lesson plan not only aligns tightly with Common Core standards but also engages students through critical thinking, textual analysis, collaborative dialogue, and creative synthesis—ensuring a dynamic and meaningful exploration of enduring literary themes.