Title: Exploring Themes and Literary Devices in “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs

Grade Level: 9th Grade

Objective: - Students will analyze the themes and literary devices used in “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs. - Students will demonstrate their understanding of the text through discussions, written responses, and creative activities.

Materials: - Copies of “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs - Whiteboard or chart paper - Markers - Sticky notes - Handout with discussion questions - Art supplies (optional)

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes):
   • Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever heard of or read “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs. Briefly discuss their prior knowledge or experiences with the story.
   • Explain that today, they will be diving deeper into the text to explore its themes and literary devices.
2. Pre-Reading Activity (10 minutes):
   • Distribute sticky notes to each student.
   • Ask students to write down any questions or predictions they have about the story based on the title or any prior knowledge they may have.
   • Collect the sticky notes and save them for later discussion.
3. Reading and Annotation (20 minutes):
   • Provide each student with a copy of “The Monkey’s Paw.”
   • Instruct students to read the story independently, actively annotating as they go. Encourage them to underline or highlight any passages that stand out to them or that they find interesting.
4. Small Group Discussion (15 minutes):
   • Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students.
   • Provide each group with a handout containing discussion questions related to the story’s themes and literary devices.
   • Instruct students to discuss the questions within their groups, using evidence from the text to support their answers.
   • Circulate among the groups, facilitating discussions and addressing any questions or concerns.
5. Whole Class Discussion (15 minutes):
   • Bring the class back together and facilitate a whole-class discussion based on the questions from the small group activity.
   • Encourage students to share their thoughts, interpretations, and evidence from the text.
   • Write key points and ideas on the whiteboard or chart paper for reference.
6. Literary Devices Analysis (15 minutes):
   • Introduce students to various literary devices commonly used in literature, such as foreshadowing, irony, and symbolism.
   • Using examples from “The Monkey’s Paw,” guide students in identifying and analyzing these literary devices in the story.
   • Encourage students to share their own examples and interpretations.
7. Creative Activity (20 minutes):
   • Explain to students that they will now have the opportunity to showcase their understanding of the story and its themes through a creative activity.
   • Provide options for the creative activity, such as:
     • Creating a visual representation of a key scene or theme using art supplies.
     • Writing a short alternative ending to the story, incorporating their own twist while maintaining the original themes.
     • Composing a poem or song inspired by the story’s themes.
   • Allow students to choose their preferred creative activity and provide them with the necessary materials.
8. Conclusion (5 minutes):
   • Have students share their creative projects with the class, if time permits.
   • Recap the main themes and literary devices discussed throughout the lesson.
   • Collect the sticky notes from the pre-reading activity and address any questions or predictions that were raised.

Assessment: - Participation in small group and whole-class discussions. - Completion of the creative activity, showcasing understanding of the story’s themes and literary devices. - Written responses to discussion questions, demonstrating comprehension and analysis of the text.