The Rez Sisters Lesson Plan

Read the Bingo Master's opening paragraph—from "Welcome" to "palpitate erratically"—out loud. Pay attention to his tone, rhythm, and word choice. How do the words feel in your mouth? How do they sound? Does this character remind you of anyone? Why do you think Highway chooses such a flashy guise for Nanabush in this scene?

Students may note Highway's use of several excessively large words here as well as the alliteration, inexact rhyme, and percussive consonants which mark the bingo master's lines and how this lends energy and quickness to the speaker. They may find the character reminiscent of an auctioneer or game show host archetype, or they may name specific...