Cannery Row Lesson Plan

Character Development

Kind of Activity:

Group Discussion

Objective:

Students will trace the development and growth of the novel's characters.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.1

Structure:

Because of its somewhat fragmented narrative, following the major characters of Cannery Row can be a bit tricky. However, the novel's final chapters revisit most of them, and places them all in the same room at Doc's party. This sense of arrival can ground the community together. For this discussion, make a list of characters we've met in Cannery Row and discuss with your class how each person has changed (or has not changed).

Throughout the discussion, encourage...