Past the Shallows Lesson Plan

Analyzing Themes

Kind of Activity:

Individual Writing

Objective:

Students will identify and analyze the novel's major themes.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.2

Structure:

Start the activity by asking students to identify as many themes from the novel as possible. Give them a few minutes to brainstorm individually, then ask them to go write one theme each on the board. Some of the identified themes should include:

-Dysfunctional relationships

-Parent/child and sibling relationships

-Isolation

-The "ancientness" of Tasmania

-The unpredictability of the ocean

-Secrecy and mystery

-Addiction...