Text Complexity Analysis of: The Dispossessed by Ursula K. LeGuin Text Type: Science Fiction Text Description Recommended Complexity Band Level The Dispossessed tells the story of two planets that share a common past but very divergent presents. A narres functions in some respects like a communist utopia, while Urras is a planet m uch like Earth. The book tells the story of Shevek, a theoretical physicist from Anarres who journeys to Urras. 9-­‐12 grades th
Quantitative Measure Quantitative Measure of the Text: 820 Range: 420-­‐820 Associated Band Level: 2-­‐3 Qualitative Measures Text Structure: Slightly Complex LeGuin uses a very simple writing style but that simplicity m asks the complexity and subtlety of the ideas she considers. For example, a passage rapidly passes from a straight description into an abstract consideration of the idea of a wall as it relates to geopolitical boundaries and to mathematical concepts. Language Features: Moderately Complex The language of this book is clear and its syntax straightforward. There are several vocabulary terms that m ay confuse students: “mortared,” “degenerated” and, later in the same page “gantry cranes.” Meaning/Purpose: Moderately Complex The book requires the reader to read beyond the introduction to discover the distinctions between the two planets, and two societies that the novel examines, before the opening passage becomes clear. Knowledge Demands: Moderately Complex The text does little to explicitly introduce the reader to the world of the story but assumes that he or she will infer its structure from the narrative. To fully grasp the significance of the book, the reader should be familiar with the history of the Cold War and the Berlin Wall. Why do you want to teach this book? This book has language that is easily accessible but its themes and content are interesting and powerful. It makes a great choice for struggling readers. Text Complexity Analysis of: The Dispossessed by Ursula K. LeGuin Text Type: Science Fiction Considerations for Reader and Task Possible Major Instructional Areas of Focus (include 3-­‐4 CCS Standards) for this Text: RL.9-­‐10.3 – Analyze how complex characters (e.g. those with m ultiple or conflicting m otivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme. • Who are the most important characters to the revolution? Shevac? Or Bedap’s group of friends and other revolutionaries? RL.11-­‐12.2 – Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to produce a complex account; provide an objective summary of the text. • What are some morals that LeGuin may be developing for today’s society? RL.11-­‐12.5 – Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text (e.g., the choice of where to begin or end a story, the choice to provide a comedic or tragic resolution) contribute to its overall structure and meaning as well as its aesthetic impact. •
Below are factors to consider with respect to the reader and task: Potential Challenges this Text Poses: § A simple writing style m asks complex and subtle ideas. § Challenging and confusing vocabulary. Differentiation/Supports for Students: § Use reading groups to discuss concepts and vocabulary. § Preview concepts of capitalism, socialism, anarchy, and simultaneity. Text Sets •
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Discuss Shevac’s choices at the end of the book. How will his knowledge be used? •
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“Capitalism and Socialism”, John Green/Crash Course World History (Informational). A 15-­‐minute video reviewing the history and characteristics of each school of thought. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3u4EFTwprM “On Liberty and the Subjugation of Women”, John Stuart Mill (Literary Nonfiction). Mill’s philosophical ideas about authority and liberty. http://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/mill-­‐on-­‐liberty-­‐and-­‐the-­‐subjection-­‐of-­‐women-­‐
1879-­‐ed “Simultaneity – Albert Einstein and the Theory of Relativity”, Our World from Earbot.com (YouTube Video). A video explaining the basic concepts of one of Einstein’s fundamental theories. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wteiuxyqtoM “The Dispossessed: a Radioshow”, Vanishing Point (YouTube Audio). A Radioshow based on the novel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebb6V-­‐
4c0Xw “The Machine Stops”, E.M. Forester (Literary). A short story about a technological dystopia. http://archive.ncsa.illinois.edu/prajlich/forster.html “Utopia and Dystopia: The Many Faces of the Future”, Veronica Sicoe (Informational). A description of the difference between utopia and dystopia, as well as the different kinds of each. http://www.veronicasicoe.com/blog/2013/04/utopia-­‐and-­‐dystopia-­‐the-­‐many-­‐
faces-­‐of-­‐the-­‐future/ “What does it mean to be an ‘anarchist’?”, David Goodway (Informational). The author explains how, historically, anarchists have fought for a more ordered society. http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/sep/07/anarchism Trouble on Titon: An Ambiguous Heterotopia, Samuel Delany (Literary). https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/85893.Trouble_on_Triton Created by (name, state, email, date) Reviewed by ____________________________________________(name, state, e-­‐mail, date)