The Dream House Lesson Plan

Compare students’ plot predictions with the actual climax and denouement. What satisfies them about how the story concludes for each character? What doesn’t?

Students may be interested in the nonviolent ending given how violent the transactions between characters have been, as well as the accumulating details about previous violence in the household, and Looksmart’s intentions. Some students may consider that a hopeful choice on the author’s part, while others may think it oversimplifies the nature of Looksmart and Partricia’s conflicts. Some students may question the peace Patricia and Looksmart achieve, even if they celebrate the absence of violence. Similarly, some...