English 10 – EOP
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Unit 3 Lesson 8: The Bean Eaters
Objectives:
interpret the main ideas, events or themes of a variety of novels, stories, poetry, other
printed media, and electronic media
make generalizations, supported by specific details and examples, about key concepts,
characters, and themes of written, oral, and visual work
demonstrate openness to divergent language, ideas, and opinions from a variety of cultural
communities as expressed by mass media and in literature
evaluate how both genders and various cultures and socio-economic groups are portrayed in
mass media
Introduction:
Poetry doesn’t always exalt moments of beauty, navigate stormy emotions, or ponder the deeper
issues of the human condition. Sometimes it is content to turn to the ordinary, the humble, in
search for meaning. So it is that in The Bean Eaters Gwendolyn Brooks observes simple lives and
discovers in them enduring truths.
Lesson Components:
Do Pre-reading Notes on page 84.
Do Reader's Journal on page 85.
Read the poem, The Bean Eaters, on page 85 using the margin questions as a guide. Consult
the vocabulary in Words for Everyday Usage.
Complete questions 1-5 in Reviewing the Selection on page 86.
Complete questions 1-3 in Understanding Literature on pages 86.