The Professor's House Lesson Plan

Themes in Cather's Work

Kind of Activity:

Long-term Project

Objective:

Students will identify and analyze major themes that are present throughout Cather's work.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.4

Structure:

To begin the activity, have students list the themes they have identified in the novel so far. Some of these might include the importance of art, commitment to a "life's work," and the influence of geographical location. Next, direct them to the Short Fiction section of the Willa Cather Archive through the University of Nebraska Lincoln.

Each student should choose one of the...