Title: Exploring Birth in A.J. Cronin's 'The Citadel': A Literature-Based Lesson Plan
Objective: Students will analyze the portrayal of childbirth in A.J. Cronin's novel 'The Citadel', exploring its significance in character development and thematic exploration.
Duration: 3 class periods (60 minutes each)
Materials Needed:
- Copies of 'The Citadel' by A.J. Cronin
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handouts with discussion questions
- Art supplies for creative activities (optional)
Lesson Plan:
Day 1: Introduction to 'The Citadel' and Context (60 minutes)
Warm-up (10 minutes):
- Begin the lesson by asking students to brainstorm what they know about the setting and themes of 'The Citadel'.
- Discuss any prior knowledge of A.J. Cronin and his style of writing.
Introduction to the Novel (15 minutes):
- Provide background information about the author, A.J. Cronin, and the socio-political context of the novel, focusing on the early 20th-century British healthcare system.
Reading Assignment (35 minutes):
- Assign the first few chapters of 'The Citadel' for homework.
- Encourage students to pay particular attention to any mentions of childbirth or medical practices related to maternity care.
Day 2: Analysis of Childbirth Scenes (60 minutes)
Recap and Discussion (10 minutes):
- Start the lesson by briefly recapping the assigned reading from the previous day.
- Facilitate a discussion about any childbirth scenes encountered in the text and their initial impressions.
Close Reading and Annotation (25 minutes):
- Select key passages depicting childbirth scenes from the assigned reading.
- Have students read these passages individually, annotating the text for literary devices, character emotions, and thematic significance.
Group Analysis (20 minutes):
- Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a childbirth scene to analyze in depth.
- Provide guiding questions to facilitate discussion, focusing on the portrayal of emotions, character development, and the author's message regarding childbirth and healthcare.
Whole Class Discussion (5 minutes):
- Reconvene as a class and allow each group to share their analysis of the childbirth scene they examined.
- Encourage students to compare and contrast the different scenes and interpretations.
Day 3: Creative Response and Reflection (60 minutes)(optional)
Creative Activity (30 minutes):
- Invite students to choose one of the childbirth scenes from 'The Citadel' and reimagine it through a different medium, such as a short story, poem, or visual artwork.
- Provide art supplies and writing materials as needed, allowing students to express their interpretation creatively.
Presentation and Gallery Walk (20 minutes):
- After completing their creative responses, allow students to share their work with the class.
- Arrange a gallery walk where students can view each other's creations and provide feedback.
Reflection and Discussion (10 minutes):
- Facilitate a final class discussion reflecting on the significance of childbirth in 'The Citadel' and its relevance to contemporary healthcare issues.
- Encourage students to share their
- Understand how the character's personal life and professional life is depicted in the chapter.
- The basic point of never giving up on the patient's life how has the writer exhibited it?
Assessment:
- Evaluate student participation in class discussions, close reading activities, and group analyses.
- Assess the depth of understanding demonstrated in creative responses and reflections.
- Consider conducting a written assignment or essay examining the role of childbirth in character development and thematic exploration in 'The Citadel'.
Extension Activities:
- Research and compare historical childbirth practices and healthcare systems depicted in 'The Citadel' with modern practices.
- Explore other works by A.J. Cronin or literature from the same time period that address similar themes of healthcare and social justice.
- Invite a healthcare professional or historian to speak to the class about the evolution of maternity care and its portrayal in literature.