Sylvia Plath: Poems Lesson Plan

Holocaust Metaphors: Appropriation, Antisemitism, and Art

Kind of Activity:

Classwide Discussion

Objective:

Students will be able to address one of the most controversial aspects of Plath’s work, to consider the concepts of racism, antisemitism, and appropriation, to examine whether some ethically questionable choices “ruin” art, and to respectfully discuss a sensitive topic with peers.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1.C, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1.D

Structure:

Ask students if there was anything that bothered them from today’s reading. In particular, direct them to “Ariel” and “Daddy.” Note that “Ariel” uses a racist...