A&P and Other Stories Lesson Plan

Mini-Bildungsromans

Kind of Activity:

Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will discuss how Updike's stories fit into the Bildungsroman genre and will write "Mini-Bildungsromans" of their own.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.3, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.3

Structure:

Many of Updike's stories deal with the development of adolescent male characters, particularly their moral/spiritual development. In the stories in this Lesson Plan, this is most clearly seen in "A & P" and "Pigeon Feathers." In novels, this thematic focus usually classifies the novel as a Bildungsroman.

Begin the activity by defining the term...