Washington Square Lesson Plan

The Women of Washington Square

Kind of Activity:

Collaborative Writing

Objective:

Students will examine the novel’s female characters and gender role expectations in their historical context

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.4, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.6, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.8, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.9

Structure:

Henry James is well known for his psychologically realistic depictions of women in his novels. How do the women of Washington Square represent the female experience of their time? Divide students into groups that will represent each of the following female characters:

Mrs. Catherine Sloper

Catherine Sloper

Mrs. Penniman

Mrs. Almond

Marian...