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Lesson 1 (from Act 1, Scene 1)

Objective

Act 1, Scene 1

Veta Simmons and her daughter are actively trying to improve their social status within the community. As the play opens, they are hosting a party in the Dowd home. The objective of this lesson is to understand the basic personality and motivations of Veta Simmons and Myrtle Mae Simmons and how it impinges on their attitudes toward Elwood Dowd.

Lesson

1) Class Discussion: What kind of people are Veta Simmons and Myrtle Mae Simmons? What is Veta Simmons trying to achieve? What does Myrtle Mae Simmons want? How does Elwood Dowd factor in to their plans?

2) Groups: Divide the class into equal-sized groups. Have each group create a personality sketch of both Veta Simmons and her daughter, Myrtle Mae Simmons, listing about five personality traits for each. Then, reconvene to discuss each group's findings with the class.

3) Individual Writing: Write a 1-2 page paper on...

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