EDIS 5882

Analyzing Suddenly Last Summer

Context: PVCC English is a fast-paced dual enrollment course with two college-level
introductory English courses being taught in one high school semester. Most of the students are
12th graders although there is one 11th grader. The class has a block schedule, so students meet for
an hour and a half every day. A good deal of the time is spent in the computer lab so that students
(particularly those without a computer at home) have a chance to type their essays. The students
are taking English 112, which is focused on literary analysis. Most recently, we have read two
plays: Trifles and Suddenly Last Summer. They will begin to type their upcoming literary
argument papers in the lab next Tuesday. Monday will be used to support students in their
analysis of Suddenly Last Summer and to review some MLA citation guidelines. For this lesson
plan, I am outlining the Suddenly Last Summer part of the lesson.
It is important to note that as a dual enrollment class, this course is not aligned with specific
SOLs (or the Common Core), but I have included SOLs/CCSs for the purposes of this lesson.
Students will know
that textual evidence is needed to support analysis.
that an authors word choice has significance in meaning.
Students will understand
that a successful analysis relies on textual support and close reading.
Students will be able to
discuss the impact of the authors choices in writing.
analyze a text.
SOLs:
11.4 The student will read, comprehend, and analyze relationships among American literature,
history, and culture.
c) Discuss American literature as it reflects traditional and contemporary themes, motifs,
universal characters, and genres.
h) Explain how an authors specific word choices, syntax, tone, and voice support the authors
purpose.
CCSs:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1

Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says
explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the
text leaves matters uncertain.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.3

Analyze the impact of the author's choices regarding how to develop and relate
elements of a story or drama (e.g., where a story is set, how the action is ordered, how
the characters are introduced and developed).

Assessments:
Diagnostic
Prior discussions of Suddenly Last Summer
Formative
The papers I collect at the end of the lesson.
Summative
Upcoming literary analysis essay
Procedures/Instructional Strategies
[Note: Any words that represent what I would say directly to students appear in italics.]
Beginning Room Arrangement:
Tables include either four or five desks. There are six different tables.
1. [10 min.] Bridge/Hook/Opening to lesson
Hello, everyone. How was your weekend? Did you have a nice Halloween? For now, here is
In the Know.
A student-run morning segment called In the Know comes on. I take attendance.
2. [10 min.] Step 1: Independent Search
Weve focused on using evidence for our claims, and we will be working some more on this
today. However, one thing will be a little different. [Start handing out papers.] While Ive
given you questions to guide your literary analysis, I havent provided you with examples of
literary analysis prompts before. Im handing out a paper with four prompt examples based
on Suddenly Last Summer. Take a look at these questions. [Read the first] Notice how the
prompt asks you to analyze how the setting functions in the work as a whole. All of the
prompts ask something similar to this- as a whole, in the overall work, etc. This is the so
what part of analysis.
First, we will be pulling some evidence from out text that might support any claims your
might want to make about these prompts. So, begin by picking out one quote per prompt. Just
one.
3. [15 min.] Step 2: Group Up
Okay! Now that youve found some evidence, pick which prompt youd rather respond to.
[pause] Okay, who likes prompt one the best? [I group these students into nearly even groups
of 4-6. I do this with all the prompts. If one group is really small (2 people), I will encourage
them to join another group.] Now, look over the quotes your group members have found. Talk
about how you would like to analyze the text and respond to the prompt. Then start writing
on the pieces of paper Ive put on your desk. You will need to include at least two quotes, but
this is not a formal essay. Instead, think of it as a detailed brainstorm. Include your evidence
from the text and detailed thoughts/explanations based on your evidence and the prompt.

Make sure you answer that so what? part of the prompt. Be prepared to share your
thoughts with the class. I walk around while students work on this. Common things to point
out: you dont have to use every quote, make sure to explain how the quote relates to the
prompt, dont summarize, etc.
4. [15 min.] Step 3: Present to Class
All right. Lets see what everyone is thinking. Group 1? What prompt did you have? Each
table quickly shares what they have been working on. I may need to ask them to discuss that
so what?the work as a whole part. I collect the papers.
5. [2 min.] Transition
Great work! You guys really are getting some deep analysis which is awesome. Next we are
refreshing our MLA knowledgewith a focus on citing a play and from an anthology.
Differentiated Instruction to accommodate one or more of my students:
Students will be able to pick which question theyd prefer to work with. This allows students to
choose prompts they are comfortable with and that they find most engaging. Some of the
prompts are simpler than others in order to appeal to all skill levels.
Materials Needed:
A big piece of paper
Questions handout
Materials Appendix:
Questions:
In Suddenly Last Summer, the setting is distinct. Using evidence from the test, explain how the
setting affects the tone and how it functions in the work as a whole.
In Suddenly Last Summer, several object or elements show up repeatedly throughout the story.
What do these things represent? What purpose do they serve in the work as a whole? Use
evidence from the text.
In Suddenly Last Summer, Mrs. Venable fails to see various truths. Using specific references
from the work, explain how the character is unaware of reality, what the possible causes of this
lack of insight are, and why this shortcoming is important to the overall work.
Suddenly Last Summer depicts a family with a clear power structure. Using specific references
from the work, describe the relationship between two or more family members, discuss how
power is distributed among these members, and explain how this power structure relates to the
central theme of the work.