Native Son Lesson Plan

One in Ten

Kind of Activity:

Group Discussion

Objective:

The man Bigger shares a cell with briefly declares that in the South Side tenements, one in ten is insane, due to the living conditions. Is this possibly true for Bigger?

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1

Structure:

Throughout the trial, Buckley insists that Bigger is sane, and even Bigger vehemently denies being insane when questioned. Max never attempts to use it as a defense. Yet Wright makes sure that we know, through Bigger's temporary, "madman" roommate, that one in ten residents of South Side Chicago is "insane" (ostensibly suffering from some kind of mental illness) due to...