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Lesson 11

We will use a variety of strategies to decipher unknown words from Act 2. We will identify the main events of the songs we have studied. Then, we will infer themes found in Hamilton: An American Musical and begin planning for the Section Diagnostic.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I use a variety of strategies (e.g., context clues, word study, and vocabulary resources) to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words, phrases, and figurative expressions?

  • Can I express an accurate understanding of the themes of texts?

  • Can I use connections among details, elements, and effects to make logical deductions about the theme of a text?

Texts

Core

  • Tradebook
    • Hamilton: The Revolution, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter, Grand Central, 2016

Materials

Tools

Reference Guides

Question Sets

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Read

We will review important concepts and challenging words from Act 2, paying attention to their use and meaning in the context in which Miranda presents them. We will write down important terms in our Vocabulary Journals so that we can refer back to them later in the unit.

As a class, review the vocabulary from Act 2 of the text in the Vocabulary List.

Write down these words on a Vocabulary in Context Tool, then find where they are used in the text.

  1. What does the context suggest Miranda means when using the word? What is its connotation, and how does that compare with a dictionary definition?

  2. Why are this word and its meaning important in this part of the text?

  3. How might I use this word in my own thinking, speaking, and writing?

Write down these key words, along with your notes about their meaning and importance, in your Vocabulary Journal.

Complete the tool for the rest of the words in small groups. Find where they are used in the text and write down definitions, using contextual clues.

Activity 2: Read

We will identify the central ideas of the songs we studied in Hamilton: An American Musical.

As a class, find the central ideas in the first two songs: "Alexander Hamilton" and "Aaron Burr, Sir." Use the Central Ideas of Songs Note-Taking Tool to write down the main ideas.

Next, work with a partner to find the main idea of your assigned songs.

Activity 3: Discuss

We will determine potential themes in Hamilton: An American Musical.

Step 1

There are several thematic ideas in Hamilton: An American Musical. A thematic idea identifies a possible subject, topic, conflict, or human experience that a literary work might be addressing. Refer to the Thematic Ideas section on your Theme Reference Guide to get an idea of thematic ideas.

With your group, list several thematic ideas.

Step 2

In your group, choose one thematic idea to express as a theme. A theme is a statement or claim about a piece of literature that expresses the underlying message or meaning. Read the Expressing Themes section on your Theme Reference Guide to understand how thematic ideas are developed into themes.

In small groups, discuss the major events that occurred in the musical and the central ideas of each of the songs. The note-taker in the group should take notes during this discussion.

Draft two themes for your chosen thematic idea. Understanding the theme requires the reader to have read and analyzed most or all of the text. Throughout the text, the author will leave a trail for the reader to follow—events, occurrences, characters, or the setting might all provide clues to the theme.

Choose your best theme. In your group, trace how that theme is developed throughout the text by answering the following questions:

  1. Where do you first see evidence of the theme? Provide a direct quote or a summary of the text with a citation.

  2. Where else do you see evidence of the theme developing? Choose several spots in the text where you see the theme developing. Provide a direct quote or a summary of the text with a citation for each instance.

  3. Return to your original theme statement. Is it still accurate and precise, or do you need to revise it to fit your evidence?

Step 3

Review the task for the Section 2 Diagnostic:

Write an objective summary of Acts 1 and 2 of Hamilton: An American Musical, and identify one of its themes. Use evidence from the text to support your response.

In your summary, but sure do the following:

  • Identify a theme or message Miranda develops in Acts 1 and 2.

  • Analyze how Miranda’s use of plot sequence and character development impacts the message or theme you have identified.

  • Use evidence from the text to support your response.

Activity 4: Write

We will prepare for the Section Diagnostic.

For homework, review your summaries, completed Summarizing Text Tools, themes, and Character Note-Taking Tools.

Also, review your Vocabulary Journal. Identify a significant word or words that you would like to use in your response to the Section Diagnostic.