Aim: What is "The American Dream"?

Objectives:  Students will gain deeper understanding of the concept or term "American Dream" and begin to appreciate it from varying points of view; students will read, write, speak, and think critically about the story, "Marriage is a Private Affair."

Materials:  Copy of the story "Marriage is a Private Affair" by Chinua Achebe;  character trait chart  

Procedure:
1. Write "American Dream" on the board.

2. Students should reflect on what they feel this means to them (free write for 5 minutes). (Students will say such things as: a job, a home, freedom of speech, etc.)

3. Put ideas on the board as students share.

4. Based on what they see, teacher should ask if the American Dream could cause conflict within families. If this is true, then the idea of the American Dream can be universal, meaning "the desire to be free, equal and to pursue one's own dreams without anyone or anything getting in the way" is something that everyone feels at some time, not just in America. (Teacher should write this definition on the board)

5. Tell students that by the end of the unit, they will have to "rename" the unit as they see fit.

6. Students should free write: Do your parents have any traditions that you do not understand or like?

7. Share answers aloud.

8. Hand out Story Marriage is a Private Affair. Ask students to look at the title, blurb and picture (Note: If you get this story off the web, there will be no picture of blurb). What do you think the story will be about (CRITICAL THINKING).

9. Begin reading with class. Stop at middle of third column. Ask students what themes they see so far.

10. Write a letter to the father. Share with class.

11. Read to "6 months later". Underline 1 thing that they agree/disagree with. Share.

12. Make a character trait chart for father. Share traits as a class and list whether they are positive , negative or both. (Possible traits include: caring, sexist, confident, religious, old-fashioned, stubborn, controlling, traditional, inconsiderate and hard-headed)

Summary:  Discuss how the son's idea of the American Dream causes conflict in his family.

HW: Write your reaction to the story so far. What do you think will happen?

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