Possession Lesson Plan

"What Possessed Byatt?"

Kind of Activity:

Classwide Discussion

Objective:

Students will read an interview with Byatt to locate connections between her life and the novel.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.4, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1

Structure:

Have students read "What Possessed A.S. Byatt" from the New York Times, and answer the following questions in group discussion:

1. How was Possession received by audiences and by critics? How did it affect Byatt's career?

2. Who are some of Byatt's key influences?

3. How are Byatt's personal difficulties as a female artist and academic reflected in the novel's female...