Big Idea: How has Charles Dickens affected
how our society sees not only literature, but real life?
Charles Dickens: A Layered Curriculum
E-mail: lpprater@gmail.com
Class Website: lpprater.wordpress.com
C layer: 84 points needed to move on to B layer
Points are listed with the assignment.
1. Without plagiarizing, create a PowerPoint on the life and times of Charles Dickens. The
COLORFUL and THOROUGH presentation must have ten slides: one introductory, eight
informational (with text and at least four pictures), and a ten-question quiz at the end.
Your sources must be cited. (12 Points)
2. Choose one of the journal topics below, and write either 250wds/25 lines: (6 pts- WP)
a. What do you think it would be like to live in the 19th century when Dickens was
alive? Consider all aspects.
b. What do you think it is like to be the spouse of a writer? Explain.
3. Using the website: http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/oliver/summary.html, read Oliver
Twist and identify the protagonist, antagonist, setting, foil characters, conflict, rising
action, climax, falling action, and resolution. (12 Points)
4. Choose one of the journal topics below, and write either 250wds/25 lines: (6 pts- WP)
a. What do you think it would be like to live a life where you are constantly used,
meaning no one cares for you, just wants you to complete tasks for them?
b. What are the benefits and detriments of being a part of a gang? Explain.
c. Do you have drama in your family? Explain.
5. Using the website: http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/twocities/summary.html, read A
Tale of Two Cities and identify the protagonist, antagonist, setting, foil characters,
conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. (12 Points)
6. Choose one of the journal topics below, and write either 250wds/25 lines: (6 pts- WP)
a. The novel begins with the famous line “It was the best of times, and the worst of
times”. Explain the meaning behind this line and how it could apply to real life.
7. Using the website: http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/greatex/summary.html, read Great
Expectations and identify the protagonist, antagonist, setting, foil characters, conflict,
rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. (12 Points)
8. Choose one of the journal topics below, and write either 250wds/25 lines: (6 pts- WP)
a. Have you been the subject of someone’s charity? Explain.
b. Do you believe in bettering yourself so that the one you love will return your
love? Explain.
c. Have you had your heart broken? Explain.
9. Using the website: http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/copperfield/summary.html, read
David Copperfield and identify the protagonist, antagonist, setting, foil characters,
conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. (12 Points)
10.
Choose one of the journal topics below, and write either 250wds/25 lines: (6pt WP)
a. Have you experienced the death of a parent? Explain what it was like to endure
this type of tragedy.
b. If you had to choose a job that you could apprentice at, which one would you
choose and why?
c. How might someone start his or her life over? Explain.
11. Using the website: http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/christmascarol/summary.html,
read A Christmas Carol and identify the protagonist, antagonist, setting, foil characters,
conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. (12 Points)
12. Choose one of the journal topics below, and write either 250wds/25 lines: (6pt WP)
a. Do you think it is wise to be frugal with your money like Scrooge? Explain.
b. Explain what you would experience if you were visited by the three ghosts found
in the story.
c. Do you think it would be a burden or a blessing to have a child who is disabled?
Explain.
B Layer: Choose One (9 Points each)
1. Create a soundtrack to one of the stories above. Your soundtrack must have nine
artists, nine song titles, nine lyrics, and nine reasons about why you choose that song.
2. Create three diary entries, 250 words or 25 lines each, that three different characters
from any of the stories above would write into their personal journals. Must be in
correct letter format.
3. Imagine that you are a talk show host, and interview one character from one of the
stories above. You must have nine open-ended questions and nine well-written
answers. Each open-ended question should have a 2-3-sentence response.
A Layer: Choose One (7 points)
1. Find a newspaper, magazine article, news clip, etc., on a current issue that can be
related from one of the stories from above, with a total of three. Write a personal
response (250 words/750 in all) to this issue from the perspective of a character from
the play. Include for each a list of references from the play (briefly described, not just
act/scene/line) that makes you think each character would respond in this way.
2. Create an alternate ending to one of the stories above. Final product must be 750
words in all. You may do three alternate endings to three different stories, with each
being 250 words. Must be written in correct paragraph format and be grammatically
correct.
3. Create an informative poster that exposes information about Dickens’ life and five of
his works (at least 4 facts about each). Poster must be colorful, include graphics, be
informative, and neat (meaning not messy).