A Dance of the Forests Lesson Plan

Why is Rola, or Madame Tortoise, being vilified?

Students should first delineate the double character. They should discuss how Rola is portrayed vs. Madame Tortoise. They should highlight any evolution between the characters. Students might note how Madame Tortoise is portrayed as being much more ruthless and callous, perhaps because of the power she wielded as Queen. Moreover, they might note that Rola is seemingly trying to distance herself from that past.

Second, students should discuss Madame Tortoise. At this juncture, students should highlight how she is more or less being described as a succubus.

Students should also have a more layered response and consider the...