I have already discussed Gothic elements with the class, and
we touched on Southern Gothic. You may wish to go over some of its unique
elements (see attached).
Today we are reading Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily” on page
517 in the yellow book. I like to focus on the unusual chronology of the story,
and the presence of the town (and all the people in the town) as a character
with a voice and values very integral to the plot. I like to stop occasionally
and time graph the sections so the students don’t get too lost. I’m sure you’ve
probably got your own ideas about what to do with this story, but I’m attaching
a great article that I use as a guide if you want to look at it.
I like to ask the students why Emily turned out the way she
did. What elements were influencing her opportunities and choices in life? I
particularly point out the statue motif. How would it be to live your life so
unattached and unattainable?
Students don’t always like to read aloud, but I really feel
like this story needs to be communally shared and discussed, so we do it
anyway. I usually pick one student and move around the room from there with
students reading as long as they wish, but you can do it however you want to. I
always begin by reading the first 2-3 pages for them, so they get a good model
and to get them started.
