Black Boy Lesson Plan

Do you believe Richard is wrongfully condescending to Mrs. Moss and her daughter? Why or why not?

Student responses will vary depending on which side of the argument they support. Students that believe Richard is wrong should cite Mrs. Moss’s kindness and generosity to him. Students that think Richard rightfully looks down on the mother and daughter pair should reference their lack of education, and their assumptions that Richard would and should be interested in Bess romantically. Superior answers will discuss the difference in educational and social classes between Richard and the Moss’s, and cite those differences as being a source of Richard’s feelings toward them.

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