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Lesson 1 (from Page 1)
Objective
Students will analyze how Zora Neale Hurston brings together elements within the exposition stage of a plot arc to set up a complex world that will serve multiple functions as the narrative progresses.
Because the short story "Sweat" is only nine pages in length, the condensed nature of the exposition stage provides an excellent opportunity for students to see how an author can allow the reader to get to know characters very well within a very short section of narrative. In a space of two pages, the exposition stage of Sweat's plot arc includes Delia's regimented schedule as a washerwoman, the cruel nature of her husband Sykes, Sykes's tendency to disappear with Delia's horse and carriage while refusing to tell Delia where he has been, the regular beatings Sykes inflicts on Delia, and so on. If all of this information were not communicated to the reader...
Aligned to the following Common Core Standards:
- ELA-Reading: Literature RL.9-10.1, 9-10.4, 9-10.10, 11-12.1, 11-12.4, 11-12.9, 11-12.10
This section contains 9,830 words (approx. 33 pages at 300 words per page) |
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