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Lesson 1 (from Prologue, Chapter 1)

Objective

Prologue, Chapter 1

The narrator spends his childhood in Chicago, Illinois, in the 1950s. The objective of this lesson is to explore local color and its impact on the story.

Lesson

Lead the class in a discussion about local color. Begin with a definition of local color, and ask the class to validate their understanding by offering examples from the book. Where do the students think the story takes place? What do they use to make their decision? How is regionalism exhibited in language? Interpersonal dynamics? Clothing? What other elements can the students define that help them determine the setting?

Divide the class into small groups and have them discuss the author's authenticity with the novel. Could the first part of this story take place anywhere else but Chicago in the 1950s? Why or why not? What is it about the elements of this story that slots...

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