My Brilliant Friend Lesson Plan

Naples

Kind of Activity:

Research

Objective:

Students will research the history of Naples to better understand the setting of the novel.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.6, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.9, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2

Structure:

In My Brilliant Friend, Naples is a character in and of itself. To better understand it, students will do research on this history of Naples, focusing specifically on the 1950s, when the novel is set. Ask students to consider the following in their research:

• What were the most significant advantages to living in Naples in the 1950s and 1960s? What were the greatest challenges?
• What was life like for young women in...