• Hope and the Power of Dreams 

     

    Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” is both a family drama and a work deeply rooted in the social and cultural struggles of mid-20th century America. This unit will examine how the Younger family’s pursuit of their dreams intersects with issues of race, class, gender, and identity. Using Hansberry’s play as the anchor text, students will analyze how literature reflects and critiques the social realities of its time. This examination is important because it highlights how individual dreams are shaped—and sometimes limited—by larger societal forces. The unit will also encourage exploration of the connections between fiction and nonfiction, as students consider historical documents, essays, and speeches that illuminate the play’s cultural context and ongoing relevance.

     

    Voices in Verse

     

    Jason Reynolds’ Long Way Down uses poetry to capture one young man’s struggle with grief, violence, and choice. This unit will explore how the verse novel form communicates raw emotion and urgent themes through rhythm, imagery, and voice. Using Reynolds’ text as the anchor, students will analyze how poetry can both reflect personal experience and challenge societal norms. This examination is important because it demonstrates how literature—especially poetry—serves as a powerful vehicle for storytelling, identity, and social critique. The unit will encourage students to connect fiction and nonfiction by considering contemporary issues alongside poetic expression, while experimenting with crafting their own voices in verse.

     

    The Cost of Power

     

    William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” is a timeless tragedy that explores the corrupting power of unchecked ambition and the consequences of moral compromise. This unit will examine how Shakespeare uses language, symbolism, and dramatic structure to portray the tension between fate and free will, power and responsibility, and appearance and reality. Using “Macbeth” as the anchor text, students will analyze how literature reflects human struggles across time while also critiquing political and social structures. This examination is important because it encourages students to think critically about how ambition, leadership, and ethical choices shape both individuals and societies. The unit will allow students to consider historical context, philosophical ideas, and modern parallels to the play’s themes.



    The Value of Reflection

     

    Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 is a dystopian novel that explores the consequences of a society that trades deep thinking for constant entertainment and distraction. This unit will examine how Bradbury uses symbolism, characterization, and allegory to warn against the dangers of censorship, technology overload, and the loss of meaningful connection. Using Fahrenheit 451 as the anchor text, students will analyze how literature reflects human struggles with curiosity, imagination, and the need for reflection. This examination highlights the value of slowing down, thinking critically, and protecting the stories and ideas that shape who we are. The unit will also encourage students to consider how Bradbury’s vision resonates in today’s fast-paced, media-driven world.