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Lesson 9

We will examine the structure of “Representing Ophelia: Women, Madness, and the Responsibilities of Feminist Criticism.”

Lesson Goals

  • Can I analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the structure the author uses in her argument, including whether the structure makes points clear, convincing, and engaging?

Texts

Core

  • Unit Reader
    • Excerpt from “Representing Ophelia: Women, Madness, and the Responsibilities of Feminist Criticism,” Elaine Showalter, Methuen Publishing, 1985

Materials

Question Sets

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Discuss

in groups, we will discuss our analysis of the main ideas in each paragraph of “Representing Ophelia: Women, Madness, and the Responsibilities of Feminist Criticism.”

In groups, discuss your analysis of the main idea of each paragraph. Make additions or revisions to your notes based on the discussion. Be prepared to share your group’s ideas with the class.

Activity 2: Discuss – Read

We will analyze “Representing Ophelia: Women, Madness, and the Responsibilities of Feminist Criticism” for its organizational structure.

As previously mentioned, this essay uses a unique and atypical organizational structure.

Individually, reread Paragraphs 2–6. With your group, discuss the following questions:

  1. What is the function of Paragraphs 2–6 in the organization of the author’s argument?

  2. Is this an effective structural choice? Why or why not?

Be prepared to share your ideas with the whole class.

Activity 3: Read

We will analyze the function of paragraph 7 in “Representing Ophelia: Women, Madness, and the Responsibility of Feminist Criticism.”

Individually, reread Paragraph 7. With your group, discuss the following question:

  1. What is the function of Paragraph 7 in the organization of the author’s argument?

  2. Is this an effective structural choice? Why or why not?

Be prepared to share your ideas with the whole class.

Activity 4: Read

For homework, we will analyze the function of paragraphs 8–9 in “Representing Ophelia: Women, Madness, and the Responsibilities of Feminist Criticism.”

For homework, reread Paragraphs 8–9. Respond to the following questions in your Learning Log:

  1. What is the function of Paragraphs 8–9 in the organization of the author’s argument?

  2. Is the essay’s overall structure effective for conveying the author’s ideas? Why or why not?

Be prepared to share your ideas with the group in the next lesson.