Day 3

The Overstory Lesson Plan

Discussion of Thought Questions

  1. 1

    Discuss the narrative structure of today's reading.

    Trunk finds Powers’ characters starting to come together, most notably in the protests in the “timber wars” of the 1990s. Nick and Olivia, as well as Douglas and Mimi, forge relationships that are based on their common desire to protect the trees as well as, later, their affection for each other.

    Though Powers is undeniably focused on the “overstory” of the trees, he still cares about his human characters, and provides readers with meditations on what it means to be human, both the good and the bad (Douglas, tellingly, says the main question he’s interested in is, “What the Fuck Went Wrong with Mankind?”).

  2. 2

    How...

Join Now to View Premium Content

GradeSaver provides access to 2368 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11018 literature essays, 2792 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.

Join Now

Already a member? Log in