Lesson 9

Lesson Goals

Texts

Core

• • “My Dungeon Shook: Letter to My Nephew on the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Emancipation,” excerpt from The Fire Next Time, James Baldwin, Dial Press, an imprint of Random House, 1962

Materials

Tools

• Working with Mentor Sentences Tool

Question Sets

• Community: Section 2 Question Set

Editable Google Docs

• Community: Section 2 Question Set

• Working with Mentor Sentences Tool

Activity 1: Discuss

We will analyze Baldwin’s use of the coordinating conjunction and, focusing on its impact on his message and on the reader.

Step 1

Baldwin describes how the world has mistreated his brother, who is his nephew’s father. He characterizes this societal mistreatment as a crime and remarks on "how narrowly he has survived it." Read aloud the sentence that begins "And I know, which is much worse."

As a class, discuss the following questions related to the meaning of this sentence:

1. Who is the perpetrator of the "crime" that Baldwin is describing, and who is the victim? Is there only one of each?

2. How long has the crime been happening?

3. What is Baldwin’s reaction to this crime?

Step 2

With a partner, read the sentence again and discuss what is unique about its structure. You might examine any or all of the following: sentence structure, repetition, interrupters, or word choice. Discuss the following questions:

1. How many times does the writer use the word and? What is unusual or unconventional about the number of times this word appears and about the placement of the word in this sentence?

2. Paraphrase the sentence. When you use your own typical syntax and academic language conventions, how do you use the word and in the series? Do you begin with the word and? Why or why not? What is the effect of this intentional repetition on Baldwin’s message and on the reader?

3. Reread this sentence aloud once more, this time putting emphasis on the word each time it occurs. What effect does it have on you as a reader?

4. How does Baldwin’s repetition of the word and strengthen his claim about the mistreatment of James’s father?

5. Find at least one other instance in which Baldwin uses a similar technique to add emphasis or strengthen his claim.

6. What does the repetition of and do for the pacing of the sentence? Why might an author use repetition to control the pace of a sentence?

Step 3

Based on your discussion, add any relevant notes to the “Writer’s Rhetorical Toolbox” section of your Learning Log.

Activity 2: Write – Discuss

We will share our developing understandings of how Baldwin’s use of language is unique and impactful.

Step 1

Choose a passage or section of the text in which the language choices appeal to you, perhaps due to vivid imagery, repetition, metaphor, or unique rhythm.

Copy this passage down on an index card. On the reverse side, explain briefly why these lines appealed to you. Your explanation might address the following questions:

1. Why did you like this passage?

2. How did these lines help you to understand the message more fully?

3. What connections did you make to other texts or world events?

Step 2

Form a small group. One by one, read your passage aloud. Do not share your explanation yet. Each member of the group should comment on what they found unique, appealing, or meaningful about your passage. Once everyone has commented, share your explanations and insight. Repeat this process until everyone in the group has had a turn to share the passage they chose.

Listen as each group shares the highlights of their small-group discussion.

Activity 3: Write

We will reflect on what we have learned in this lesson.

Individually, respond to the following questions in your Learning Log:

1. How well were you able to recognize and interpret language, sentence elements, and structure in The Fire Next Time?

2. Which part of this lesson most helped you understand Baldwin’s message? Which parts did you find confusing?

If time allows, consider sharing your reflections with the class.