Waiting for the Barbarians Lesson Plan

If all of the elements of this lesson plan are employed, students will develop the following powers, skills, and understanding:

1. 1

   Students will be able to discuss colonialism, orientalism, primitivism, and neocolonialism as they relate to the novel and historical events.

2. 2

   Students will be able to identify the key qualities of Coetzee's writing style including the unreliable narration of the magistrate.

3. 3

   Students will be able to chart the magistrate's character development and identify his motivations throughout.

4. 4

   Students will be able to discuss the novel as a piece of political allegory and apply it to historical events and scenarios.